The Positive Voices

I have two children, Aaron and Josh. Aaron was a twin and his brother’s name was Anthony William Knight. He passed away of SIDS at the age of two months and one day, April 26, 1988. Aaron and Joshua are a big strength in my life. The biggest is God. If it wasn’t for God in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I had a job working for Family Fare for seven years when I became ill with fibromyalgia and arthritis. After my hip surgery, my doctor told me I couldn’t work anymore. That really put me into a depression. I did art off and on since high school, so I started doing jewelry to keep me going. Everyone liked it, and I began to sell my jewelry. That’s when I started my art again. My grandmother didn’t know how to read or write, so she drew, and that’s how she communicated with people. I have a mother who is deaf and blind in one eye, she reads lips and signs. My father was an artist, but never went anywhere with his talent. He would give his art to family members or friends. All of this gave me strength to keep going. The kind of art I do puts everything together on how beautiful life is. Heartside Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9:30am until 3:30pm. The gallery is located immediately north of the ministry’s main door at 54 S. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; Ph: 616/235-7211. Visitors are always welcome. Volunteer opportunities are available. Donations are gratefully received. Note: Because some Neighbors struggle with substance issues, Heartside Studio does not use oil based, aerosol paints or solvents. Gifts of acrylics, watercolors, and pastels are welcome, as well as canvas, frames & paper, etc.