Open Hearts Art Center - Arts. People. Empowerment.

Alex

“I like to play video games, listen to music, and watch T.V. I also like to draw people and make money from my artwork.” 

First thing in the morning at Open Hearts, you might hear the stereo bumping to the latest hit with Alex dancing right in rhythm to the beats. Alex has a very eclectic music taste and oftentimes has his headphones on singing the words to the song. He is mister congeniality, very respectful, and has a great sense of humor. Alex even has his own Youtube channel featuring funny videos. Alex was trained to be a DJ through Open Hearts Art Center’s Supported Employment Program and has already worked for over 10 events!

Andre'

I like the outdoors, and I like to ride my scooter. When I make art, I like to draw people, animals, and cars.

Andy

“My name is Andy, and I like collecting currency around the world. I like to make art and watch TV. My favorite kind of thing is to draw animation on paper or on the computer.”

Andy possesses an impressive amount of skills and hobbies, including extreme sports, joke telling, impersonations, traveling the world, polishing his Spanish, producing art, and more! Talk about a cheerful fellow, Andy’s humor and kindness are great for the group morale and a good laugh.

Ashley

“I love to crochet and daydream. I like to think that I’m a funny person.”  

Ashley’s joyful presence easily wraps you in the glad comfort of one of her hand knitted scarves. Her attention to people’s “handsome features,” accompanied by her hearty and unique chuckle, is enough to tickle anyone’s heart and deliver big smiles.

Bucky

My name is Bucky. I love to paint at Open Hearts. My artwork is abstract. I like to use shapes and textures when I paint. I enjoy hiking and nature.

Dianna

I’m Dianna. I love Def Leppard and Kiss and rock and roll music. I like to paint realistic pictures with my friends at Open Hearts.

Erica

My name is Erica. I like to listen to music, shop and read. I also really like to sing. I enjoy coming to Open Hearts so I can be with my friends and paint pictures.

Erin

My name is Erin. I love to dance and have fun! I love shoes! I love to draw smiley faces, and I know sign language. I can sign the first letter of your name.

Georgia

I am a sweet and affectionate person. I like painting and singing. I enjoy coming to Open Hearts and seeing the people I love.

Isaac

Jacob

Jason

“I like to look at maps. I like to take art class. I like to dance. I like my style. I like to sew. I like to draw. I like to paint. I like to draw houses. I like to draw people. I like to draw trees. I like it good. I like it nice.”  

Jason is a charming, mannerly, and focused guy, who is a great role model for fellow artists in the program. With a personality as pleasant as his subject matter, he creates cozy, friendly scenes that invite viewers into his artistic realm. Jason also likes listening to his favorite musician, Billy Joel, make a splash in the lap lanes at the pool, and browse atlases at the library.

Jennifer

My name is Jennifer. I like to paint on canvases of all sizes and to help raise money for Open Hearts Art Center. I am a social, outgoing, and compassionate person. I like to take things slow and put others before myself. I like to paint landscapes, famous people, and artists in history. I draw from the inside of my mind and from things in my past.  

“If you ever need a friend, a private investigator, or a public speaker…I’m your girl.” – Jennifer

Jennifer is a true bright and shining star in the world. Jennifer or J-love, as we like to call her, loves to shower you with affection and gives the most amazing shoulder rubs as she practices for her massage therapy license one day.

Jerry

Hey. My name is Jerry, and I love to watch General Hospital. I enjoy drawing abstract animals and shapes.

Jody

I like to play the guitar and sing “This Little Light of Mine.” I like living on a farm with goats and cows, but my favorite animals to paint are sheep.

Jose

My name is Jose. I was born in Colombia, South America. Since I was a child, I
compensated my low performance at school with my art projects, and I was very
successful. I enjoy doing art because it’s like a connection with God, and I want to
be in connection with God all the time.

Josh

Josh loves yoga, making art about pigs, chickens and getting out for walks. Field trips are “HUGE!” for Josh. He has many friends, due to his brilliant charm. Every day is a “Happy Day” with Josh. Pizza is Josh’s passion.

Judy

Hi, I’m Judy. I like to paint and draw  images of Mary & Moses, animals, and covered wagons. I have fun with my friends who I love the most. I also like to make stuffed animals and sewing. I like to say a story of the Lord and tell the story of Jesus.  

Over the time that Judy has attended Open Hearts, we have watched her blossom as an individual, as well as an artist. When she first came to Open Hearts, she did not speak with anyone nor had any interest in making art. Judy now performs in front of hundreds of people and is a lucrative artist. Judy will tell it like it is. She is a no- nonsense kind of lady. She has a huge heart and will be the first to offer you a gift or a hug. Judy also has a great sense of humor and is the source of much laughter at the Open Hearts facility. One of her many sayings is, “I’m not going to stick my foot in that fire!” in regards to getting married.

Kathy

“I’m happy all the time! I love to color and paint the Thunderbirds.”  

Kathy is a fireball, who can answer any Thunderbirds trivia question. She creates very elaborate, bright artwork. Humorous and considerate, she makes a loyal and lively friend.

Kim

Hi, my name is Kim. I like to have fun with my friends and go shopping. My favorite things to draw are flowers and butterflies.  In music class, I dance with my best friend, Jennifer, to “I Had the Time of My Life” from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.  

Kim is one of those people who you know has nothing but kindness in her heart. She is the first one to ask for a hug or ask how your family or pets are doing. She also has a great memory and will remind you that you have a birthday coming up or that boyfriend needs to ask to marry you! Kim also has a great sense of humor and loves to crack a joke to make you smile. When you have spent a lot of time with Kim, you might hear her say, “Goss, Goss, Goss,”  which is her term of endearment.

Melanie

“My Name is Melanie, and I like to skate, dance, and sing. I like to make money at Open Hearts and do my work. My favorite thing to draw is dancing ladies. I think I’m pretty. Who wants to dance with me?”

With her tender heart and bold personality, Melanie brings a lot of joy and color to Open Hearts Art Center. Avid singer, dancer, artist, Mel does not miss a beat. If she isn’t performing in the limelight, Meanie may be backstage DJing for karaoke or group dance, skimming glamorous magazines, or polishing her “cat lingo.” (Staff still do a double take for a real cat because her impression is so uncanny.) If Melanie’s jewelry appears unusually beautiful, it’s because she mostly sports her very own, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces. Everyone can agree that Melanie is a spectacular attribute to the program, as well as a wonderful friend to all.

Melinda

“My name is Melinda, and I like to swim, shop, watch movies, and make art. I like to draw cows and horses. Thank you for having me at Open Hearts and helping me become an artist.”  

Melinda is a kind and thoughtful friend. One of her creative gifts is her warm smile that she shares with others.

Melissa

“I like to make art, play with my dog, and work at Goodwill. I’m a really good writer.  My favorite class at Open Hearts is music class. I get to share my CDs and eat lunch with my friends. Making art makes me happy. I like to give it to people as gifts.”  

Melissa’s enthusiasm is contagious and kindness infinite. Always considering her classmates and friends, Melissa emanates a bright, warm, light that seems to spark the same in the hearts of others. A memorable moment was Melissa’s heartfelt performance, singing Keb Mo’s “I’m  Amazing” at our Annual Talent Show.  She brought both those who knew her story and those who did not to tears.

Merlin

“My artwork is great! I like to draw superheroes. I like to play video games and read Comic Books. I like coming to Open Hearts because I love art! I mostly like to paint pictures of Batman and Gambit.”

Merlin has bright red hair and hand-drawn tattoos of superheroes adorning his arms. He is a self-taught artist, who can draw just about anything with a comic book like quality. Merlin oftentimes mixes imagery from his favorite books with real life experiences, taking his friends and turning them into superheroes or creating his own unique hero.  Merlin has won many awards for his artwork, including the VSA Art’s DRIVEN project, which was hung in the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center in Washington, DC in 2007. You can read about that contest and the artwork Merlin sold to the Smithsonian at:   http://www.vsarts.org/PreBuilt/showcase/gallery/exhibits/driven/02_N_strivelli.html

In 2010, Merlin also showcased his artwork at the Pump Gallery, here in Asheville, and traveled to Alaska to teach a comic drawing class to artists with disabilities at Hope Studios.

“If there was no art in the world, I would just pick up and paint somewhere else.”  -Merlin

Nancy

I like to make art and work at Open Hearts Art Center. I like to sell my art to make some money. My favorite thing to use is watercolors. I mostly paint pictures of people and flowers. I have lots of friends.

Nancy could be made of sugar because she is so kind! She always has a smile on her face in the morning and asks how everyone is doing.

Nicole

My name is Nicole, and I like to go walking, shopping, and out to eat. I have a good heart and am a peaceful person. I mostly paint images of butterflies, flowers, and birds. I Like to play games with my friends by calling them silly names like “Hot Tub” and “Carol Brady.”

Nicole is a very talented artist; her work was featured on the postcard for our “Work of heART” exhibit in 2009.  She has honed her skills over the years attending Open Hearts Art Center and has a style that is certainly all her own. With her playful imagination, Nicole has created a quirky game of firing random but associated words back and forth with her friends, such as “why you PB&J.” Not limited to food, her categories are vast and great! She also enjoys “poking” her friends (very gently) and then saying, “I got you!”

Nicole

My name is Nicole. I have Down Syndrome. I’m a good artist. I do my own art, and
it’s how I express myself. I love people for who they are. I like painting
mountains, hearts, and other things, too.

Oshin

I like going out with my friends. I have fun doing art, dancing, helping with the chores, and doing yoga and Zumba at Open Hearts. I especially love to paint!

Rachel

I want people to love my artwork. 
I like to paint with red, blue, and white because it's fun. 
During my free time, I enjoy playing on the computer and going to concerts. 
My favorite musicians are Nicki Minaj, One Direction, Justin Beiber, and Taylor Swift.

Rebecca

My name is Rebecca. I like to come to Open Hearts because my friends are here, and I enjoy painting and singing with them. My favorite thing to sing is “I’ll Fly Away.”  I love animals, especially my dog.  I also like to do puzzles and color.

Rob

I’m Rob. I like coming to Open Hearts because it is a place where I can do art with friends and have a lot of fun. I feel like I’ve become a better artist here because I learn from others and what they make.

Sarah

My name is Sarah. I like to paint, especially pictures of animals. I like to listen to music, like The Beatles. I love to go to Toy-R-Us and look at anything with a dog on it.

Scott

My name is Scott, and I live in Arden, NC, and I love to shop for CDs and underwear. I also like to sleep all day when I can. I like that I grew up with a disability because it makes me special. I love to paint with the color blue because it’s my favorite color. Music is my favorite class at Open Hearts Art Center because I have a lot of CDs, and I can dance good. I am a nice, calm, lazy, tired, and weird guy.

Scott, aka MJ( Michael Jackson), has been with Open Hearts since the beginning, one of the first artists in the program. He has a great sense of humor and loves to tease his friends with funny nicknames, like “Cutie” or “ Sweetie.” Scott also has dance moves that are sure to wow a crowd. His signature move is the worm and the unforgettable moonwalk. Scott brings a lot of joy to Open Hearts, and we feel lucky to call him our friend.

Susie

I like to watch baseball, and my favorite team is the Atlanta Braves. I like to do art, to paint and to do weaving. My main interest is telling people about Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities.

Todd

I love to visit Dollywood and ride the roller coasters. At home, I like to play the Wii and watch Ninja Turtles. I like painting the best, and I paint abstract shapes and patterns.

Todd is a kind, lovable, gentle guy. He can be very quiet, but when he does speak, he has great things to say. He brings a smile to everyone’s face, and the staff enjoy watching his transformation as an artist.

“I am continually excited and intrigued to see what he’ll paint next” -Bryan

Tory

Hi, I’m Tory. I’m a very polite person. I like to say please and thank you. I like to help out and play the Wii. I like to do pencil drawings of people.  

“Mister Mannerly” could be awarded to Tory for his ever-willing nature to offer a helping hand. He is a model participant at Open Hearts and exudes positive energy everywhere he roams. Tory enjoys jogging his mind with puzzles, games, and good conversation.

Travis

Q: What do you want people to know about your art?

A: Be happy. Sell it. I like Open Hearts because it’s fun.

Velvet

Hi, my name is Velvet. I like to do makeup, especially lipstick, and wear perfume. I like to draw clothes and shapes, like diamonds and hearts. I like to go shopping and go on walks.

Yannick

I’m Yannick. I like to sing and play gospel music at home and at Open Hearts. I also like to play video games and do research on my laptop and watch YouTube videos and TV. I enjoy drawing lively graffiti images, especially of vehicles and dogs.