‘Art to Heart’ salutes the romantic season at In-Town Gallery

In-Town Gallery recognizes February as the month of love and giving with “Art to Hart,” an exhibition that doubles as a partnership between In-Town and Hart galleries.

Various artists at In-Town have supplied new works saluting the romantic season. These include a 10-inch copper hand-cut heart by metal sculptor Denise Bizot, a walnut heart box by Roger Harvey, Eugenia Johnston’s playful “Egg I” painting and “Red Roses in Blue Vase,” an oil painting by June Teuscher.

Hart Gallery is a Chattanooga nonprofit that offers the homeless and other nontraditional artists an opportunity to create and sell their artwork for their benefit. Additionally, the organization teaches classes at other agencies around town that serve low-income seniors, at-risk inner-city youth and others who face both physical and mental challenges.

Owner Ellen Heavilon says the ability to create can so improve morale that clients discover a sense of purpose and often gain enough confidence to move on to jobs and into their own homes.

For In-Town’s outreach, member artists are donating art supplies during the month to share with Hart Gallery. Visitors to “Art to Hart” also are encouraged to donate creative materials or cash contributions and gift cards toward the cause. Receptacles for receiving donations will be set up throughout the month.

An opening reception for “Art to Hart” is scheduled Friday, Feb. 5, at In-Town.