Open Hearts Art Center is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to serving community members with a variety of challenges, which include developmental, mental, physical and emotional disabilities. These unique individuals are able to reach their full potential through creative techniques, such as music, drama, dance, creative writing, ceramics and various visual-art methods. Open Hearts strives to develop and fulfill attainable goals with their students, to build upon their artistic and social skills, to provide a safe and nurturing environment, and to encourage the individuals in realizing their important roles in all communities.
One student describes the program as “being loved and accepted by people that care about you the most,” and says, “the staff goes above and beyond the call of duty.” Open Hearts is considered a day-habilitation program through the state of North Carolina, and is accepting prospective students who receive funding through the Medicaid Waiver program or who can pay privately.
Through the month of February the student work can be seen at the Asheville Area Art Council’s Front Gallery located at 11 Biltmore Ave. in downtown Asheville. Student work is also on permanent display at the Woolworth Walk, 25 Haywood St., also in downtown Asheville.
For more information and volunteer or internship opportunities, call 658-8875, e-mail openheartsart@aol.com or visit www.openheartsart.org.
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