Last
August, I sent an email to Sarah Scott at Heartside Gallery in hopes of securing
an internship for the 2013-2014 academic year. Never did I imagine one email could have such a huge impact on my life. From the minute I walked into Heartside I
felt welcome. Katalina Corona was
sitting in the Gallery, collaging in her usual spot. She welcomed me and said,
“you’ll get addicted to being here.” At
that time I didn’t doubt her, but at that point I couldn’t even begin to fathom
the extent of what she meant.
I
have declared two majors at Aquinas College-Art History and Community Leadership.
My Art History major was chosen based on my love for art, and my Community
Leadership major is based my passion for social justice and nonprofit
organizations. To fulfill my requirement
of a practicum and a capstone course, I was to complete 150 hours of service in
the fall semester and write a grant during the spring semester. Although my requirement for being at
Heartside was academically driven, I realized through this year I would have
given all my time there for no credit.
Although
I am young and developing my career pursuits, I know what I have found at
Heartside is entirely unique. Everyday
Heartside opens at 9AM and supports anyone who decides to enter its doors. This type of hospitality is rare and we need
more of it in the world. Beyond all the
services Heartside provides to neighbors, I think the most unique part is the
familial element. That everyone feels welcome, that relationships go back years
and years, the sense of community, and of family is incredible.
Quickly
into the fall semester I felt a great connection to so many neighbors and staff
members. Sarah’s support, empowerment and trust in me made me feel I could accomplish
all the goals I had set forth. Beyond
what achievements I have made this year for my school requirements, I have
received the immeasurable benefit of just being at Heartside.
The
most essential part of my experience was being involved in a discourse that I
had not intimately known before. The
biggest ill of society seems to be marginalizing a portion of the
population. This occurs because of the disadvantages
of poverty, mental, emotional or physical illness, and homelessness. I have
always had a disdain for the disadvantages that occur from a disordered
society. What I know now is that those who have faced hardships within their
own life need only support. The support
that is given at Heartside then breaks barriers and allows adversity to be
replaced with strong character, individualism, and hope.
This character can be seen in the vibrant art on the
gallery walls. Scott ’s graffiti
inspired elephants, Gil’s geometric figurative work, Fuzzy’s cats and tornadoes,
Mike’s puppets, James’ mugs and vases, Katalina’s collages, Deb’s colorful
faces, Bertha’s mermaids, Mike’s water colored Ice Cube, Walter’s crocheted
gloves, Magnus’ motorcycle riding man, Tom’s cars, and on and on. The power in
their work exemplifies what truly amazing people fill the gallery
everyday.
Now that I am several weeks out from moving away from
Grand Rapids and back home to Chicago, Katalina’s words “you’ll become
addicted” resonates even more. As
someone who has a pretty addictive personality, I know how hard addiction is to
break and leaving Heartside is going to be one of the harder things I have had
to do in my life. It is going to be
difficult to leave a place where anyone can come as they are, be supported, be
creative, feel community, and feel positive change. It’s going to be hard to
say goodbye to people I am just getting to know. All I can do now is express my
sincerest gratitude to everyone at Heartside for being so wonderful. Special thanks to Sarah who is truly one of
the most amazing women I have ever met. I am so privileged she allowed me this
experience.
xoxo, Love to Heartside
always,
Hannah
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