History of Heartside artists captured in upcoming book, seeks funding

This year, to mark the 20th anniversary of Heartside Gallery and Studio, we're showing off our artists and history with the book “An Irregular Heartbeat: the Artists of Heartside Gallery and Studio.” To ensure that the story of our Heartside artists can be told, a Kickstarter campaign is raising $6000 to cover all the costs involved, and providing a way for the surrounding community to get involved in ensuring this important history can be captured.

Donors of just $30 or more will receive their own copy of the book, which is slated to be 100 color pages, 10 x 8”, hardcover and domestically printed and bound.

This book is being created as a piece of Grand Rapids art history and a way to see the ongoing stories from artists thriving in the Heartside community. With help from a professional photographer, graphic designer, and book binder, our history is being retold by community members. Mayor Heartwell, studio founders Glenn and Ruth Swier, local artists and historians Reb Roberts, Tom Duimstra, Melissa Arpin Duimstra, Dr. Randal Jelks and a handful of old-school artists from the studio are all a part of telling this story.

At Heartside, there is a community of artists that rarely get full attention and respect. The artists are all almost completely intuitive and self-taught, with many not yet part of the mainstream art scene.

“Here, we are simply real people- people making art for a living, or to express ourselves, or for fun. Some of us have dealt with grief and loss, some with chronic mental and physical health issues, some with homelessness, and some of us simply want to create meaningful artwork in a community setting,” says Heartside artist Denis Burkett.

By backing this project, supporters get a picture of real art and a glimpse of their neighbors creating it, a chance to see forms of art and people who are not always celebrated in the art world. Supporter recognition varies based on contribution level, ranging from a handmade postcard, signed copy of the book, or even named recognition printed in the back of the book as a sponsor.

Meet some of the artists by watching the video on Kickstarter, and join the community in supporting this valuable and unique project.