WNC Business – "Open Hearts Art Center Celebrates 20 Years of Creativity and Entrepreneurial Support in WNC"

Appeared in WNC Business on Aug 19, 2025 05:18PM ● By Emma Castleberry

Open Hearts Art Center, an innovative nonprofit in Asheville, has spent the past two decades empowering artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to create, express, and thrive. Founded in 2005 by Jessie Francis, Debbie Harris, and Sonia Pitts, Open Hearts has evolved from a small grassroots initiative into a thriving center that fosters not only creativity but also entrepreneurship through its Supported Employment (SE) program, which Tara Brummett, Clinical Supervisor, spearheaded in 2016.

Open Hearts’ SE program is unique in its focus on helping artists turn their creativity into viable businesses. Unlike typical job placement programs, Open Hearts’ SE model centers around helping artists design and launch their own businesses. The process begins with a deep understanding of each artist's interests, abilities, and personal goals. 

"We’ve never launched the service without this relationship," Brummett said. “We begin with a conversation with the individual to see if owning their own business is something that they want. If applicable, we carry that conversation on to their legally responsible person (guardian). We always want to make sure that we are being respectful of the individual's wishes. There have been times when the individual's wishes have differed from their guardian's wishes in terms of SE and we typically hold several meetings to narrow ideas down to be something with which both parties can agree.”

The artists involved in the program are given guidance on all aspects of business development, from identifying viable business ideas based on artistic skills to constructing detailed business plans. "We help them construct a business plan, determine whether becoming an LLC or pursuing an S-Corp is a good idea," Brummett said. The team also helps with market analysis to refine business ideas based on current trends, ensuring that the ventures are not only creative but also financially sustainable.

Open Hearts staff provide continuous support, helping artists troubleshoot challenges, track their income and expenses, and adjust business strategies as needed. The SE service is re-evaluated annually and those participating must provide a completed business plan along with an income/expense report at each annual evaluation. “Direct Support Providers at Open Hearts help our artists complete the business plan, develop an income/expense tracking system, and assist with the development and upkeep of a portfolio,” said Brummett. 

The SE model also provides crucial life skills training in areas like customer service, budgeting, and marketing. "We assist our artists with the development and upkeep of a portfolio, and we help them with soft skills like role-playing scenarios where they pitch their business to the public," said Brummett. Additionally, artists receive support in creating marketing materials, building an online presence, and promoting their work at local fairs, galleries, and community events.

Two artists at Open Hearts have launched comic book businesses, with one specializing in commissioned superhero portraits that make popular gifts. Another artist has built a thriving concierge DJ service. "Many times, Open Hearts is the only source of employment for the artists we support," said Brummett. "Only 10 of our 54 individuals have jobs outside of Open Hearts. Supported Employment assists creative individuals with owning their own business, setting their own schedule, and being more in charge of their own life. The income our artists generate through our SE program helps to provide financial resources to sustain their wants and their needs. At times, income artists earned from our SE program has been the lifeline that helped our artists avoid homelessness.”