Monday, February 01, 2010

Meet H*Art Gallery TN, an Arts Non-Profit

Ellen Heavilon is the Founder and Executive Director of H*Art Gallery TN, a non-profit entity that offers homeless artists, in addition to non-traditional creatives, an opportunity to create and sell their artwork. She brings us this introduction, and call for artists.

H*Art Gallery TN was conceived in August after seeing Homes on Main Street, a sculpture created by the homeless of Chattanooga under the guidance of Frances McDonald. Our extended mission is to supply art material and mentoring to other non-profit community organizations that can provide a space for their clients to create works of art that will be sold through the gallery at affordable prices. Money from art sales will be returned to the artist and the agency for their benefit. We have had watercolor classes with the Partnership for Families, Children & Adults, and more classes are scheduled through August. We hope to start classes at Interfaith Hospitality Network, the Boys & Girls Clubs & the Community Kitchen in the near future.

As I am not an artist myself, I am looking for area artists to help me by volunteering some time to lead these classes. It can be weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or bi-monthy. Whatever amount of time you can give, I am grateful to accept. I am also looking for some artists to spend additional time with individual clients to give added encouragement and guidance. For these artists, I am willing to give gallery space to sell their pieces and in some cases, stipends will be available. Please visit my website for more details, and do not hesitate to contact me with questions. Many thanks!