house of the saints project
The "House of the Saints" art project is dedicated to the impact of everyday citizens doing positive things for the community and world around them.
The intent of this series is to promote art, community involvement and motivated action that enriches cultural growth within Syracuse. Action promotes action and every person’s action though big or small has a ripple effect on those around them
It takes civic engagement by a collection of individuals to push a culture forward. Civic virtue is the cultivation of habits that are important for the success of the community. It is often conceived as dedication of citizens to the common welfare of their community, even at the cost of their individual interests.
Every day pursuits; much like support beams, build a house worth living in.
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody"
Jane J.
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This is a continuous project and I am looking for more volunteers.
If you or someone you know is interested in being painted as a part of this project please send a small photo and credentials through my contact form.
Matt Twomey-smith
Original oil painting on masonite by Jamie Santos
"Immigrant. Father. Teacher. Coach. Geek. Musician. Proud Syracusian.
Despite not sounding like he’s from Syracuse, Matt Twomey-Smith basically identifies as a local. Hailing from Bristol, England, Matt has lived in the Salt City for fifteen years, spending as much of that time ingratiating himself with the community. A Syracuse University alum, Matt did his doctoral work in American History, and is now a teacher at the Manlius Pebble Hill School. Bringing an energy, enthusiasm, and unique perspective to American history, many students have enjoyed his vibrant classroom experience. He also teaches English literature, his favorite class being Fantasy as Social Commentary, which affords him to teach his passion - all things Tolkien!
Coaching is also a big part of his life, not only coaching MPH’s track & field team, but also the Syracuse Gaels Gaelic Football Team. Immediately upon his arrival to Syracuse, Matt connected with the city’s prominent Irish community, joining their GAA team in 2003. Although he retired last summer, Matt has played a central role in the success of the club over the last fifteen years, initially as a player - notably winning the national championship with Syracuse in 2009 - and more recently as coach and board member. Matt has also been involved in GAA coaching clinics for kids to help spread the Irish sporting culture around the city, as well as be prominent in volunteering at the city’s Irish Fest.
Matt is also an acoustic artist, playing his live acoustic set across the greater Syracuse area for the last ten years. Always willing to help out members of the talented arts community in Syracuse, he can be found in bars, restaurants and coffee shops playing acoustic recompositions of classic rock and pop hits from the last 40 years.
As an immigrant himself and sensitive to the experiences of those who come to this country, Matt also is proud of Syracuse’s Sanctuary City status, recently helping house and welcome refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo and Syria. When the opportunity arises, Matt also encourages his young family (three kids: Caleb, 10, Evanny, 5 and Tabitha, 3) to participate in providing the children of immigrants with toys from their toy room! Matt recognizes the opportunity afforded him living in Syracuse, and as such wants to help provide the same experience for those new to the city. And he is incredibly excited in being involved in projects like Jamie’s, which he thinks is indicative of the growth and development of art and culture this city has experienced over the last decade."
Matthew J. Twomey-Smith
History Instructor
Manlius-Pebble Hill School
Jason west
Original oil painting on wood by Jamie Santos
"Born and raised in Syracuse, I have always had an extreme love for Horror since I was a young kid. Both my daughters are named after horror films, I've been featured in magazines for my collection, and have had a bunch of successfull business ventures. I started The Horror & Sci-Fi garage sale 11 years ago , ran a VHS company called Vultra Video for 6 years, Organized a horror film festival called Slaughter In Syracuse for 3 years, and am now on my 2nd year running a horror pin company called Blvckcat Co! I have worked hard to bring the horror community together and always support my local small businesses.
Slaughter In Syracuse was my attempt at getting local people more involved in the underground horror scene. While the average person might have a hard time with these movies, it was a big part of my life at the time and I felt that other people like me would really appreciate it. I’ve always wanted to organize my own film fest so it’s just a matter of checking things off my bucket list. Anything that I can do that brings people to Syracuse to enjoy the city as much as I do is always a positive in my eyes!"
Jason West
Jeremy & kristie miller
Original oil painting on wood by Jamie Santos
"When I was younger the only place I felt like I wasn’t alone or an outcast was at shows. I remember there was a few going on almost every weekend.
When I was 14, I put my first show on to benefit the Vera house. It was crazy & kind of a mess, but I remember we raised so much money for the foundation. Since then I’ve tried to bring the local music community together to raise money for different local organizations/ charities like Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Boys and Girls Club, Canned Food Drives, Toys for Tots, and many shows. I used the money to help fix DIY venues that needed repairs.
The atmosphere at these events to me seems different from any other shows because you can feel the love & positivity in the room. It seems like everyone can put their differences aside & just enjoy live music, while helping out the community.”
Jeremy Miller
"I’ve been practicing witchcraft for about six years. I believe in the power of the universe, and our dear Mother Earth. I use my time to heal others as often as I can. I’m often called upon to help friends, family, and members of the community. I supply my love and care to curate specific healing tools, such as potions, smudge bundles, and more. I also use my time pursuing animal rights and activism.
As a follower of a Nature Based religion, I believe non humans species deserve just as much love and compassion as we do. I use my social media platforms to help others who are interested in veganism. There is no moral justification for killing animals for food when there are hundreds of plant based options available. I’ll never stop fighting for animals and the well being of our planet.
Kristie Miller