Our Programs
Art Changes Lives.
For over 20 years, we’ve provided a supportive studio and gallery where adults with varied abilities can discover their voices, build confidence, and connect with others through the arts.
Every artist has unique strengths and needs. We offer a wide range of programs designed to meet each individual where they are. Each program is more than an activity; it’s an opportunity for growth, self-expression, and empowerment..
We’re here to help you explore our programs!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Tara Brummett, OHAC Qualified Professional. Tara’s been a caring, vibrant, and inspiring team member at Open Hearts since 2015. Tara has a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from Mars Hill College and has worked in the human services field for over 20 years.
Tara would love to hear your unique story and help you consider our various programs.
You can reach here by email at tara.openhearts@gmail.com or by phone at (828) 505-8428 ext. 100.
Studio Arts Day Program
Mon - Fri, 8:45am - 3:00pm
Our day program provides a wide array of instructional activities in visual and performing arts. Our ever-expanding slate of creative workshops, classes, and activities are as unique and varied as the individuals leading and participating in them. A typical week at Open Hearts could include classes in painting, drama, dance, music, fiber arts, mixed media, ceramics, sculpture, screen printing, and creative writing.
On any given day, our day program artists might be enjoying a group dance performance, painting on a life size canvas, learning a new skill in a workshop, or sewing up a stuffed monster.
Every day might be different at Open Hearts Art Center, but one things will never change – our studios, gallery, and halls are always filled with fun, smiles, friendship, laughter, and the joy of creativity.
Artists can join our day program for all 5 week-days for any combination that works within their schedule.
Boundless Art
Schedule Varies, Within the Mon-Fri, 8:45am - 3:00pm timeframe.
Who doesn’t love a field trip?! The Open Hearts Boundless Art program takes our day program artists outside the boundaries of the Open Hearts Studio and into the community and the beautiful outdoors. We even have our very own Boundless Art bus, wrapped in artwork by our amazing artists.
We visit art galleries, exhibits, museums, and nature centers. We take classes at community locations. We take walks and hikes. We sit in from of a lake and paint what we see. The opportunities for creativity, inspiration, and fun are endless.
The Boundless Arts program is led by Matt Bedsill who is a man of many talents. He drives our Boundless Arts bus, hosts our annual Talent Show, and makes everyone laugh, every day.
Art Exhibition Program
Open Hearts Artists have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their artwork created in the day program. We showcase artwork within the community, at local and regional art festivals, special events, galleries, in restaurants, in office spaces, and in our large permanent booth at Woolworth Walk in downtown Asheville.
The Art Exhibition Program not only increases confidence and autonomy within the artist but also raises public awareness of the numerous artistic abilities that members of this population possess.
Artists generate income by receiving 50% of the sale of their art. The remaining 50% supplements our arts supply and marketing funds.
Day Support Program
This is an individualized and group service that provides assistance to artists in self-help, socialization and adaptive skills. Day Supports are furnished in a non-residential setting, separate from the home or facility where the artist resides.
Supported Employment
Supported Employment Services provide assistance with choosing, acquiring, and maintaining a job for artists for whom competitive employment has not been achieved and/or has been interrupted or intermittent. These services can include pre-job training/education and development activities to prepare a person to engage in meaningful work-related activities, such as, job shadowing, assistance in the use of educational resources, training in resume preparation, job interview skills, study skills, and assistance in learning skills necessary for job retention.
Staff providing Supported Employment may also help an artist develop and operate a micro-enterprise. This assistance consists of helping artists identify potential business opportunities, develop a business plan, and identify supports that are necessary to operate the business. Supported Employment services can include coaching and activities that enable an artist to complete initial job training or maintain employment, such as monitoring, supervision, assistance in job tasks, and work adjustment training.
Community Networking
This service offers artists a variety of opportunities to interact with their community.
They’re supported to interact consistently with peers who do not have a disability by being given opportunities to:
participate in adult education
develop community-based time management skills
participate in classes for the development of hobbies or leisure/cultural interests
volunteer
participate in formal and/or informal associations and/or community groups
complete training and education in self-determination and self-advocacy
learn how to use public transportation
be included in a broad range of community settings that allow them to make community connections
Private
Studio Rental
Our gallery and studio space are wonderful for all kinds of events. Please contact us for pricing.
Contact: Debbie Harris at debbie@openheartsartcenter.org
