Local artist turns his life around

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A Providence man proves that dreams can come true.

A decade ago, a bullet killed his best friend. A car accident took away his fiance. He ended up homeless in Providence, with just a pen, some paper, and his dreams. Eyewitness News first met Fred Kent in 2003, when a chilly April wind sent some of his work into the frozen Wonasquatucket.

"One of the favorite things my grandma told me was 'with sacrifice comes greatness'," he said, "Without sacrifice there is no greatness."

Six years later, on a recent sunny day in one of the tent cities, he was no longer living on the streets. He was seen riding through the area, helping others in need.

"I kind of locked myself away," said Kent, "And I drew and drew and drew until my art became. Until I thought it was easy to sell."

One piece went for more than $1,000.

His heart tells him to create for the sake of art but he has to make a living so he does custom art at the Big Top Flea Market.Kent says his art is his job, and it can be stresful. But it's better than the stress of not having a roof, or dreams.

"You lose your dream. You lost yourself. It's never over."