We’ve all got stereotypes of tortured artists somewhere in the garrets of our minds. Earl’s Place: Monkeys on Our Backs, at the Creative Alliance, might just kick those spoiled little pricks out of our imaginations once and for all. Featuring the work of 17 formerly homeless residents of Earl’s Place, a transitional housing program, these pieces don’t deal lightly with suffering. On the other hand, we’ve all got some kind of monkey on our back, and we can all learn something from the humor, humility, and humanity of these artists. Some of the artists will also tell their stories—Stoop-style—as part of the opening reception. (Baynard Woods)