We believe that connecting people from different backgrounds and cultures opens minds and makes for a more interesting and compassionate world. As our children were growing up we hosted multiple exchange students and always felt that we received far more than we gave. When our children left the nest we were left with an underutilized studio apartment space above our garage and we decided to start an artist residency program to provide opportunities and support to emerging artists. One of our daughters and our son-in-law are professional artists, and we have observed the challenges artists go through to grow their practice. Bill and I also see the importance of time to be creative in our everyday lives, through creating wearable and functional art, and cooking. Based on all of our experiences and a desire to support the arts we decided to establish the Good Hart Artist Residency program. We approached Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey, Michigan in 2013 and set up our first community partnership.
After four great years hosting artists, in 2017 we decided to expand the program to bring in more artists and writers and partner with additional community organizations. We see art as a driver of social change. By partnering with other nonprofit organizations and connecting them with artists with common interests, it helps both get their message out to the public in creative ways. Through partnering with other organizations we provide opportunities for the local community to meet the artists, see their work, engage them in conversation and participate in educational workshops and presentations.
In 2018, we began construction of a new artist residence and studio facility in Good Hart, which was completed in June of 2019. The new residence allows us to host artists, writers, and composers year-round, and to offer a parent-artist program.
We support artists at any stage of their artistic career by providing them with a place, great food and time to immerse themselves in their work and in the scenic landscapes of Northern Michigan. Viewing, making and interacting with art and artists increases our quality of life, and inspires us to do more for good in our lives and in the community. We will see what the future holds in trying to support the arts and bring more ART to GOOD HART.
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