Underwriting support from:
/Heartside Gallery and Studio
/Heartside Gallery and Studio
/Heartside Gallery and Studio
Heartside Gallery and Studio began in 1993 as a small offshoot of Heartside Ministry, a program working to enrich and empower the people living in the shadow of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second largest city. Since then, this ever-expanding program continues to offer the Heartside community a safe, supportive environment in which to create, exhibit and sell art.
Our artists come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Some have experienced the disadvantages and hardships of homelessness. Others suffer from various emotional, physical or mental disabilities. Many are people from the Heartside neighborhood who simply wish to share their talents and expertise with their neighbors.
Art is a valuable outlet for self-expression and creativity. Many Heartside Gallery and Studio artists have never experienced formal training, yet the artwork in our studio shows that talent often comes naturally and intuitively. Heartside Gallery and Studio is dedicated to providing a space for showing our artist’s unique responses to the experiences of their lives, as well as offering guidance and opportunity for trying new types of art.
Our beliefs
- Given a supportive environment, all people have the capacity to create
- Visual art is a universal language
- Creative expression fosters personal growth and the development of self-esteem
- Socio-economic status and/or disabilities are not barriers to self-expression
Our featured artist for February is Deb Dieppa. Here's a little bit about the artist, in her own words:
"There is nothing wrong with looking back over the years as they have ended, unless I use my reflection to beat up on myself and compare myself to perfectionistic goals. If I take stock, as a company would take inventory in a supply room, I would become better known to myself and likely end up composing a gratitude list. I will become aware of what I have rather than what I don’t have.
I was born without roots, in the eye of a storm, a family of 6 children, steeped with ill-treatment and hurt. My parents never paid bills, so we spent the majority of my childhood between homes, living with grandparents. The family dynamics were of chaos and abuse, and I found myself escaping into the world of my mind. I felt invisible. I couldn’t tell anybody about the abuse I was going through or about my pain, so I was stifled by secrecy.
The past lives in me, as it does in all of us, but I have found some people and habits that have become advocates for my life, one of which is Heartside Studio. As I look back, I note the great strides I have made in the last couple of years due to my art. It has helped me face memories, confronting someone when I needed to stand up for myself, speaking out without shame about incest, walking away from abusive situations, nurturing and protecting my inner child, grieving for my stolen childhood, recognizing my rage and using appropriate outlets for it, and building trust in my higher power.
I reflect on others areas of my life, as well. Have I taken better care of my health? Have I allowed myself to give and receive love? Have I entered life more fully?
When I look at life this way I see my cup is more than half full. Thanks to Heartside Ministry and all that they have given me in the last two years, I have been able to express myself through art, and become more aware of my D.I.D. (dissociative identity disorder).
They have made me feel comfortable exploring my battle with my mental health issues. I feel affirmed and encouraged.
There is no emptiness unless I choose to approach myself from a negative direction."
'The Artists of Heartside Gallery and Studio' is a monthly feature to highlight some of the wonderful people of the Heartside neighborhood. Visit www.heartside.org to learn more and get involved.
Sarah Scott is Arts Coordinator for Heartside Gallery and Studio, and can be reached at [email protected]
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Comments
I'm always so inspired by the great things happening at the Heartside Gallery. This is a very eloquently written article, and I feel heartened reading it. Thank you for sharing your story, Deb. I look forward to seeing more of your vibrant work!
I agree with Theresa. Thanks to the Heartside Gallery for giving these artists a platform to share their stories.