Art for All
Our mission is to empower adults with disabilities to discover and reach their full potential through the arts.
We are a non-profit, fully-equipped art studio and gallery in downtown Asheville, NC. Our team of professional artists and seasoned caregivers support and encourage our artists to reflect on their personal story as inspiration for their creative work.
What We Believe
Art is a universal language
We believe that every individual possesses an innate creative spirit, and art is the most powerful tool for self-discovery and meaningful connection.
Potential is limitless
We believe that ability is not defined by diagnosis. Every artist in our studio has the right to access opportunities and reach their unique, full, and boundless potential.
Community is essential
We believe in providing a place where artists feel safe, supported, and valued, fostering genuine friendships and a deep sense of belonging for everyone who walks through our doors.
Joy is a necessary ingredient
We believe that the process of making art should be fun, playful, and inspiring, creating a lively atmosphere where laughter and creativity go hand-in-hand.
Expression changes
lives
We believe that when a person finds their voice through art, it creates a ripple effect of confidence, independence, and empowerment that changes not just their life, but the entire community.
20 Years of Art and Heart
On June 1, 2005, with just enough donor dollars and community support in hand, we flung open the doors to Open Hearts Art Center. We had no idea that it was the start of something bigger than we dared dream.
We celebrate our first 20 years of changing lives through art with endless gratitude for each and every person behind our growth and success.
Most of all, we thank our past and present artists for reminding us each day that what we do matters greatly. Your art inspires us, your laughter is music to our ears, and your accomplishments never cease to amaze us.
2004
Three women join forces with a vision to create a program that would combine their love for art with the desire to make a difference in the lives of disabled adults.
Open Hearts becomes incorporated and receives 501 (c)(3) nonprofit status
Open Hearts Through the Years
2005
Focus on Fundraising, in-kind donations, and community support
Receives Medicaid provider identification number to provide billable services though the Division of Medical Assistance
June 1 - opens doors!
2009
Receives first national accreditation from CARF
2010
Moves to new location in West Asheville
2012
Receives re-accreditation from CARF
2014
Launches Boundless Art Program
2015
Receives re-accreditation from CARF
2017
Moves into current location on
Coxe Avenue in the South Slope
neighborhood of downtown Asheville
2018
Receives re-accreditation from CARF
2019
We buy our very own Boundless Arts bus!
2020
Covid-19 Pandemic shut down – after 1–2 weeks, a small team continued working on-site at the center while also offering telehealth/virtual classes for artists and staff. Our team visited artists at their homes to continue providing care. Receiving Innovation Integration award from Vaya on this in 2025
Lady pARTs Art Show - January 16, 2020
Virtual art show “The Nature Of Things” - April 16, 2020
Grand Mural Opening of building mural - Nov 22, 2020
2021
Receives re-accreditation from CARF
Merlin’s artwork featured on the cover of Mountain Xpress - Feb 24, 2021
OHAC interviewed/featured on WLOS 13 - March 2021 (around March 11th)
Interview w/ DJ Kipper Shauer live on Mix 96.5 FM, 105.9 FM and the Mountain, or Wise Sports 131.0 AM - interviewed Merlin & Bryan Oct. - April 10th, 2021
Collab w/ HEART Inclusive Arts Community (@heartsc_org) for a dance collaboration at their inclusive virtual open mic. This was held on OHAC’s YOUTUBE channel- May 13, 2021
OHAC Tik-Tok was created- July 2021
OHAC Artwork displayed at Homegrown- July 2021
Art In The Park Vending- October 13th, 2021
Downtown Asheville Holiday Parade- artists/staff walked w/ OHAC banner- Nov 2021
Holiday Market - Nov 20th, 2021
2022
The creation of Dave & Merlin’s business Instagram accounts for their comic book businesses via Supported Employment- Feb, 2022
Spring Art Market- April 30th, 2022
OHAC Art Exhibited in Farewell for the month of June, 2022
Art Night event @ Mark Bettis Art gallery space in downtown AVL- July 1st, 2022
OHAC featured at Downtown After 5 as the beneficiary of wristband sales- July, 2022
Holiday Market - Nov 19th, 2022
2023
Grail Movie House Commission Series
Sparkfire Comics Release Party - Aug. 4th, 2023 @ Open Hearts
Melinda’s artwork featured in group exhibition “Today Is The Greatest” curated by
@quickestflip & on display at NIAD Art Center in Richmond, Cali. - Oct 2023
Holiday Art Market- Nov 18th, 2023
Talent Show- Thursday Dec 14th, 2023 @ Masonic Temple
2024
Receives re-accreditation from CARF
Local Cloth Collaboration/Classes
Dogwood Health Trust Commission Series
Talent Show March 8th, 2024 @ Masonic Temple
Art From The Heart UNCA exhibition event- March 29th-May 12th, 2024
103.3 Asheville FM On-Air Radio Interview with Rob, Ashley, Alex- May 1st, 2024
Harvest Records Art Exhibition Opening- July 5th, 2024
2025
Major Grant from ArtsAVL -
Arts Builds Communities
Joined Asheville/Buncombe
County Chamber of Commerce
Receives first-ever "Integration Innovation
Award" from Vaya Health citing rapid
response to Pandemic shut down, became
model for others.
2025
Talent Show at Highland Brewing - March 28, 2025
We celebrate our 20 Year Anniversary!- June 1 2025
Local Cloth Exhibit - June 26th, 2025
First Annual OHAC Disability Pride Parade- July 31st 2025
Beth’s Pottery being sold from To The Brim- started Sept 2025
UnLabel Me Performance at Wortham Center- Oct, 19th, 2025
Dogwood Health Trust partner stories article released featuring OHAC artists- 2025
Cordially Invited at Make Studio Baltimore exhibition- Oct 10- Nov 15, 2025
20 Years
Meet the Artists
Our Team
Get to know the incredible individuals who make magic happen! Meet the awesome humans who provide the hands-on support and creative high-fives that help every Open Hearts artist shine!
Our Programs
We offer a variety of adaptable programs designed to meet every artist where they are, ensuring we provide the flexible support, resources, and creative disciplines necessary for each individual to thrive.
Our Partners
Our work is made possible by a powerful community of champions! See the local businesses, trusted foundations, and community partners that stand behind our mission to support art for all.