It Costs More to be Poor

“It Costs More to Be Poor” is a deeply personal and impactful art project created by two artists from low-income backgrounds, Carla Hamilton and Stacie Renné, designed to spark dialogue, promote empathy, and amplify marginalized voices within the community. 
 

Carla Hamilton, a woman of color who grew up in rural Minnesota, draws from her experience of poverty that, while shared by many, felt isolating due to her unique cultural and geographic context. Stacie Renné’s perspective comes from a very different but equally challenging upbringing in a conservative religious cult, where economic hardship intersected with social and emotional struggles. Together, their work reflects diverse but connected stories of resilience and survival.
 

The exhibit features new mixed-media works that incorporate a rich blend of materials such as collaged letters, photographs from childhood, old postcards, medical records, and other found or thrifted objects. These elements come together to tell stories of the systemic barriers that keep people trapped in cycles of poverty. The artwork highlights the hidden “costs” of poverty. 
 

By sharing their intimate experiences, Hamilton and Renné invite viewers to confront the complex realities faced by low-income individuals and families, challenging stereotypes and encouraging deeper understanding. “It Costs More to Be Poor” serves as a powerful platform to uplift voices that are frequently ignored, creating space for community reflection, conversation, and ultimately, action toward social and economic equity.