The mission of the Have a Heart thru Art program is two-fold: First, we want to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged and disabled children in our community by exposing them to the "arts".

Secondly, we want to raise community awareness of the role that the "arts" play in enhancing the cultural life of our parish. We hope to integrate the "arts" into solutions for community problems and strategies for achieving community goals.

The concept of the "arts" as used in our above mission statement is based on three areas of artistic endeavor: the performing arts (dance, theatre, & music); the literary arts (prose, poetry & creative writing); and the visual arts (painting, sculpture, graphic arts, & mixed media).

Through various community events, the program raises funds to allow underprivileged and disabled children access to music, art, dance, and drama programs; lessons; and camps. Over the last 6 years, thousands of children have been given the opportunity to attend camps and programs each summer that they normally would not have the means to attend.

Have a Heart thru Art funds musician and artist-in-residences at schools throughout St. Tammany Parish. The program also buys necessary equipment and supplies. In-house workshops at schools and public libraries are provided, as well as field trips, to enhance every child's appreciation for the "arts". A few examples of the services the program has provided are:
1. Visits to The House of Blues' "Blues Schoolhouse" Program
2. Performances by The Hampstead Players & Young Audiences
3. "Bach to School" in conjunction with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
4. Storytellers for schools, Head Starts, and community performances
5. Various hands-on demonstrations by artists and musicians
6. Murals created for classrooms and auditoriums
7. Discipline-Based Arts Education workshops for Teachers

A variety of other programs and services are provided based on specific requests by local schools, and community service programs such as the Boys and Girls Clubs.

If you can help by volunteering time, money, or services to help us reach our program goals, or if you would like more information on our program, please contact Denise Gutnisky at denise@haveaheartthruart.com. Our phone number is 985.892.0060.