R.I.P. Charla Burkett ~ 6/13/65 - 10/23/14

We lost a dear sister and friend last week and are sharing some photos taken in the Heartside Neighborhood. She was larger than life and always an awesome presence. We can't believe you're gone and will always miss you!

Chaka performing Bob Seger's "Turn the Page" at the Heartside Talent Show. Rock on sweet sister!

Guest Posting by Art Intern, Hannah Zeller ~ 4/21/14

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

Art of the Heart Gala - 10/30/13

 

We were humbled and grateful for your support of our annual Gala, The Art of the Heart! Joining friends new and old is one of life's joys, all the more so when sharing a wonderful dinner and supporting a great cause.

Heartside Champion Betty Zylstra was moved beyond words by the honor your presence bestowed upon her. The evening was a fitting tribute to her life's work.

The outpouring of love and support from each of you was palpable as together we celebrated 30 years of working side by side to improve the lives of the most impoverished and fragile among us. We hope you caught a glimpse of the difference you've made to our neighbors as they shared their stories of trauma transformed into hope. We are so blessed each day by these incredible, inspiring neighbors - and they in turn are blessed by your generous support.

 

We're excited to report that 300 people gathered that evening and together raised more than $65,000 for the work of sharing faith, hope, and life amidst the poverty and homelessness of the Heartside neighborhood.

 

 

Thank you for your expression of support for the many neighbors who are still working toward the transformation that Deb, Mike, Shelley, and Fuzzy Jane have found through Heartside Ministry. Your gifts continue to provide life-saving hope and healing for those touched by trauma and poverty. There's much work yet to do, and we do it only with your support. Thank you! 
Rev. Andy DeBraber
(Photos by Krizmaphoto.com/edited by Helen Van Essendelft)

R.I.P. Willie Jones

The world has lost a beautiful, soulful, prolific artist today. It is with heavy hearts that we learned of Willie James Jones' passing today. Willie filled our studio with Isley Brothers dance parties, harmonic loops, hot rod drawings, and a sparking fedora that just wouldn't quit.

We were thrilled that Willie had a solo show at (106) Gallery in 2011, featuring hundreds of his carefully executed hot rod drawings. And in late 2011 we were over the moon to travel with him to London, where he has work in the permanent collection at The Museum of Everything.

Our hearts will forever be 'fightin the power, you know, you know, you know' in honor of Willie. Memorial service info to come in the next few days. See you on the flip-side, Jonesie. Much love.

Sarah Scott