Take H*Art, Give Back

Posted By: Victoria Tropiano// Randi Vasquez Photography

How often do we have great ideas but tend to never bring them to life? A lot of us are dreamers but it takes hard work to be a pursuer. That being said, Team Charisma has always admired individuals who turn their vision into a reality. We were honored to meet with one talented woman, Ellen Heavilon, who was inspired to create a difference in the community after admiring a sculptural pillar on a late evening walk, called Homes, by Frances McDonald. After setting her eyes on the prize, Ellen knew the way she wanted to cultivate the Chattanooga community was through art. Thus, she created life out of her idea, and the H*Art Gallery was born.

The H*Art Gallery, located on Main street, offers homeless and other non-traditional artists an opportunity to create and sell their artwork. The gallery also has art classes for other non-profit community organizations. Art instructors volunteer to provide therapy and guidance through art to those in need such as the homeless, low-income seniors, at-risk inner-city youth, and mentally or physically unstable individuals.

The artwork that is created by any of the individuals can be sold and exhibited in the H*Art Gallery. When one of their pieces of art is purchased, 60 percent of the proceeds go directly to the artist, 10 percent is donated to an organization of the artist’s choice, and 30 percent stays with the gallery to help pay for costs. When they choose where to donate their 10 percent, they’re given the chance to donate when they may have never been able to before. “It’s to teach them the importance of giving back… Our desire is to establish a relationship with our artists that will help them help themselves to a life of stability and self-worth,” Ellen said.

We asked Ellen why it was important to volunteer and give back, “It empowers you to be a better person and be that support system for someone else. People feel good to do it.” Being philanthropic and an active volunteer are two qualities that are so important to possess. It not only benefits the community, but also you as an individual. Giving back to the community makes us put our lives on pause and open our eyes to what really matters. It’s empowering. Since the “Season of Giving” has commenced, we found it appropriate to touch base on gift giving while supporting a great cause. What better place to purchase unique and beautiful gifts other than the H*Art Gallery?

Each piece of art in the gallery tells a story. Whether it’s a painting, knitted outfit, hand crafted jewelry, or other modern art created by one of the individuals as a way to receive income and give back, the gift you purchase has an immense amount of thought and meaning behind it. When you purchase a gift from H*Art Gallery, you are not only benefiting the artist behind it, but also the artist’s charity of choice, and the H*Art Gallery itself.

The only way to truly celebrate the holiday season is by being your best self. Celebrate with friends and family and give them meaningful gifts. That way, you enter into the New Year being proud of who you’ve become. We encourage you to visit the H*Art Gallery, open Wed – Fri, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. & Sat, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Make sure to follow them on Instagram: @HartGalleryTN, Twitter: @HartGalleryTN, and like them on Facebook.

#lifestyle #charismachatt #chattanooga #nonprofit