Roomscapes Gallery & Heartwork Studios

SHINE A LIGHT FINALIST
"Roomscapes Gallery & Heartworks Studio artists"

Roomscapes Gallery & Heartworks Studio is a gallery and art studio in Woodstock, GA. Although this business has been operating for a year it’s the combination of two successful business owners sharing their passion for art and community. Their goal was to create an opportunity for local up and coming artists to show and sell their work as well as educate the next generation of artists and art lovers. The gallery represents over fifty artists from Atlanta who show their work without having to pay for display space. The studio provides the space to explore mediums of art, offering adult and youth classes and art camps. I find their commitment to keep Woodstock a thriving business center inspirational. Despite high number of businesses closings they are committed to staying and supporting other local establishments. They partner with another art studio to hold monthly shows focusing on an art style or theme. I find that creative and impressive considering it has potential to be profitable for one business. They also partner with local restaurants to exhibit paintings. The owners sponsor various community events. One event was a chalk art competition with categories for children, art students and professionals. Chalk covered adults were side by side next to the 3 year old whose creation was done with the same pride and spirit of the professionals. I was part of the judging panel, it was uplifting to watch each winner collect their prize and get their photo taken for the newspaper. The business supports local high school artists by providing a mentor relationship that teaches students the process of creating, critiquing and exhibiting art which culminates in a feature showcase at the gallery. My husband and I attended this show, we found a piece we loved but it had already been sold. Seeing that we loved the painting the owners suggested we commission the piece that now is proudly displayed in our home. Every time someone asks who painted it I’m thrilled to tell the story of being the first to commission a piece from him. Perhaps the most impressive example of community involvement is their work with non-profit organizations. They support non-profits by providing artistic pieces or class instruction for charity events. Their latest undertaking is establishing the Elm Street Cultural Arts Center. This venture involves saving and preserving a 100 year old home. The home is the crown jewel in an area hard hit by the economic downturn and offers a glimmer of hope for the neighborhood. The owners held a volunteer clean up of the home by soliciting volunteers through local news stories. The support from the community was overwhelming, one family joined the clean up in an effort to teach their children a lesson about giving back. If successful in winning the grant they will be able to further the work they’ve begun in establishing a stronger sense of culture and community. I am proud to support these owners in their commitment to community through art