February 2026

Still Coloring Outside the Lines: 26 Years Bold!

Art with a Heart is celebrating 26 years by inviting the community to collaborate on the creation of a mural at The Avenue location. The theme, “Still Coloring Outside the Lines: 26 Years Bold,” honors the creativity, courage, and community behind Art with a Heart's work. These free events are open to public and all-ages are welcome —no experience necessary! Join us for one or all the sessions!!

In partnership with Arts Everyday, Art with a Heart collaborated with third graders at William Paca Elementary to create 60 pieces—the largest contribution from any school (you can see the AWAH teachers beaming with pride in the photo below)—for the 10th Anniversary of the 10 x 10 exhibit. Arts Everyday reflects, “For a decade, this exhibition has showcased Baltimore City students’ voices and dreams, offering our community a window into the hearts of young artists. This year’s theme, ‘Reflections,’ celebrates ten years of creativity, resilience, and imagination, highlighting how art inspires, heals, and empowers students across the city.”

Art with a Heart classrooms were filled with fun, community, and joy this month. Woodhome Elementary/Middle School students created large-scale portraits to add artistic humor to their school hallway. Older adults in a memory care unit enjoyed painting close-up snowman portraits that focused on the small details and expressive personalities. Art with a Heart also facilitated a special workshop celebrating Valentine's Day for Richcroft clients to craft one-of-a-kind mosaic hearts to give to a special person in their life. These meaningful artistic experiences continue to inspire creativity and foster connections across generations, enriching the lives of everyone involved.

Community Service and Public Art

This month Community Art and Service has been focused on installations and assembly, with one project in its final stages and another in the process of being installed. Art with a Heart staff and volunteers have been creating a paper flower installation for House of Ruth Maryland that is just about complete. The team has also been busy preparing for the large-scale mosaic installation at UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Bel Air. At nearly 19 feet long and 8 feet tall, the mosaic covers roughly 150 square feet and includes thousands of individually cut, multi-colored glass pieces. These exciting projects showcase the dedication and creativity of our staff and volunteers as they bring vibrant, meaningful art to life within our community.

HeARTworks Digital Programming

Digital programming is thriving at HeARTwares! This month, students from City Neighbors High School, Baltimore Lab School, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, and Academy of College and Career Exploration have been learning digital design through the 3D printing process. The students proudly mastered Tinkercad, created original 3D models, and produced store-ready items.

WorkMode Mondays

HeARTworks apprentices have been busy creating new products and décor for HeARTwares while also participating in HeARTworks' new workforce development series: WorkMode Mondays. The first session focused on workforce readiness and goal setting, helping apprentices define their immediate and long-term career goals. Upcoming sessions will include professional communication, conflict resolution, public speaking, time management, career exploration, and more - all designed to equip the young creatives for success beyond the studio.

Digital Meets Visual!

Creativity is in full collaboration mode at HeARTwares! While our digital design students have been busy producing exciting 3D-printed product samples — including AWAH and clicker keychains — our visual art students and apprentices have stepped in to add the finishing touches through hand painting and artistic detailing. This cross-disciplinary process beautifully brings together digital innovation and hands-on artistry.

As part of their Art as Activism session, Cohort 11 visited the American Visionary Art Museum, where they completed a scavenger hunt that explored themes of identity, social justice, peace, mental health, and joy. Guest artist Jessy Desantis shared how art can serve as a powerful tool for storytelling and cultural preservation. The session sparked inspiration as students began thinking intentionally about their upcoming capstone project and brainstorming ways to give back to a community through the.impact of art.

In February, the Impressionists brought their passion and creativity to life by supporting Art with a Heart’s mission at both HeARTwares and the Mill. Their enthusiasm, leadership, and dedication have helped make art more accessible and vibrant throughout our community. Are you a young professional eager to connect, create, and give back? Join the Impressionists for upcoming events on March 12 at the Avenue and March 26 at the Mill. For more information, contact jess@artwithaheart.net. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Thank you Volunteers!

Art with a Heart is grateful to those who shared their time and talent with the organization during this month, including: Arc of Baltimore, BCPSFALS, Constellation, Gallagher Law, Girl Scout Cadette Troop, Har Sinai Oheb Shalom Congregation, and Travelers.