Why I do this

We are a non-profit organization, but often I get asked~

Why do I do this... for free?

The short answer is that because sometimes free is the only way it can be done. Seems free is a weird concept in our post-casinos South Mississippi. We will take payment, but they will be considered donations and only if it can be afforded. The real payment is the act of passing art on.

But, what is given to us as donations is put back into Art with Heart's funds to do more. If individual artists get paid in other means or get jobs unrelated to us, that is theirs to keep. But before I answer why I do it free, I'd like to reiterate what and how we're doing freely. If you know the drill, skip this part :)

What are we trying to do.... People interested in the arts should be able to connect with artists to just see what happens. Its bound to be something good! Schools need art, community projects need art, healing professions need it, and artists need the fellowship within society~ its a win-win situation.

We could be an art association, but its understandable that the public might feel intimidated by the "expertise" of associations of artists. We are that and more- What makes us different from art associations is that while we are associated with associations <wink> and highly respect their roles, we cater to everyone and we're free, no association fees, no competitions. no politics, We have shows, plenty of education, and plenty of fellowship. We might toot our horns, but we toot yours and the group's down the road, too.

How does it work if you are seeking an artist, art teacher or art therapist? For either individual or organizations, we take the donations from our communities' companies, our fundraisers and work sold to support our endeavors, get supplies and then travel to you whenever and wherever (in the three counties) you need.

You can call us for art projects/therapy groups/talks or connect you with artists to teach classes, give workshops, or put out word to find someone in specialty area of your interest (say... non-objective painters). We show up and do the work.

Sometimes we can pay our artists ourselves, sometimes we accept pay as donations from those "hiring" us, but if nothing can be afforded, its a gift of the heart. If free is still too weird a concept, you can give back by volunteering with us or just come as you are and hang out.

How does Art with Heart work for Artists? If you want to volunteer some time, just contact us through any of our links, call us and say... Hi. I am interested in doing something. Here's what I do and here's how often I can do it. Thats it :)

You can email pictures of your artwork and get a page to show and/or sell your work on Art with Heart website free, show your work at one of the upcoming festivals free, come and paint, just hang out at the rec center and give some lessons, too, or just hang out and paint. You can be put into our database for upcoming events, group shows, solitary shows and even (hopefully in the future) artist-advocacy and promotion. We want your name "out there" as much as possible and the more you're connected with good stuff, the better success you will have! Although you have much to offer, all your work is yours and no portions go to Art with Heart unless you want it to.

If you're a new artist and don't feel comfortable giving a talk or workshop, thats ok. We like you just as you are and you're welcome to all the stuff the others get, too. We'd love to show your work and give you experience to build up that resume and self esteem.

And, if you are an artist in need of supplies, experience, guidance, show areas, web space- give us a call. The art world doesn't have cut and dried answers, so we will help you with whatever knowledge we can. We can get you hooked up, no doubt! And if friendship and constructive critiques are what you'd like to do, we'll get together or start something in your area.

Enough procrastination, here's the answer.

Love, passion and how it looks from the inside out. Because I believe in art that much. Because I could live in a monastery and do this for food and water (or coffee).

Because, working for free, it is possible to pack up supplies without asking a boss and head off to teach a bunch of kids who get together on purpose at the Moss Point rec center.

Because, working for free, its possible to reach so many more with much less red tape.

Because Kreole hadn't had but one art class in years and years (but does now, thankfully!).

Because it some people haven't had a chance to find a connection to themselves in a very, very long time.

Because I remember how it felt when we couldn't afford much after my parent's divorce and a lady named Gerry saw my interest in art and gave me real drawing pencils, a kneaded eraser and a newsprint tablet for Christmas when I was 15. It was one of the first times I consciously felt real worth.

Besides these, the reasons of how proud I am to be an artist and the grace the rest of us like me have been blessed to do something we love so much, its given me joy and healed my broken heart more times than sands on the beaches. I'm indebted to this pronunciation of Spirit.

Money isn't the reason I ever do a thing, its a means to an end. It sounds hokey, but honestly- the real payoff is seeing the moment when a child learns what colors he likes best and that it means something to him-- but then realizes he can put these colors together in such a way that it speaks his own unique truth.

The moment when art mixes with poetry to reveal something the lady had been feeling, but was lost, alienated inside herself until she stumbled upon this piece at the show and read it.

There is another moment when the young artist's (too long silenced) insides seemed so strange and un-understandable to her.... until her piece met with the viewer's eyes, widening them with incredulous recognition.

All of these moments have one thing in common: connection. Whether its connection to self, to others or a larger emotional reality, it is all Voice of Spirit that created us to create... and that is the REAL reason I do this. Nothing on this earth can compare to it.

Art is the soul made visible; Inspiration turns into word, word becomes flesh and the creation exists. That is a painting, photo from viewfinder, written song or pot on a potter's wheel. All you have to do is show up and breathe your life and your vision into it. What a miracle.

Taking money for this just seems like being paid twice. Those of you who do art and healing professions know this already. So, this is why I do this and want others to do and share their art, whether for profit or for heart. Don't hide your light under a bushel.

For more information on the importance of art, please check out our upcoming "Yep, Art is that important" page.Blessings and love always in creativity,
Linda