Utica OD| Pieces of heART art display on Top 5 fun things to do around Utica this weekend
2027 Calendar
Learn about the artists that will have their work featured in the upcoming
2027 pieces of heART calendar!
Amanda Chamberlain
Amanda Chamberlain is an artist, sculptor, and musician who began creating through the pieces of heART program in 2011. She has exhibited her work at over 40 art shows in the community, within the agency, at local businesses, and in solo exhibitions. Amanda brings pure passion and raw emotion to each piece she makes, and her bright, shining personality is present on any canvas she touches.
Dechynelle “DaeDae” Frazier
Dechynelle "Dae Dae" Frazier is a visual artist who enjoys both painting and pottery as her go-to mediums. No matter the art form, Dae Dae always uses her trademark color palette, consisting predominantly of reds and blues, her two favorite colors. DaeDae is known for her signature smile that shines just as brightly as the artwork she creates.
Dan Turco
Dan Turco’s main art medium is pencil drawings and paintings on canvas. The canvas is sprayed with water consistently to ensure his pencil drawings are visible through the paint. Dan is undeniably authentic, true to himself by every definition; this confidence and understanding of himself drives Dan to create free from inhibition.
David Edward Grove
David “Ed” Grove takes his creativity seriously, recognizing it as an opportunity to share his personality with others in hopes of making an impact. Ed often creates paintings that are simple yet meaningful. Anyone who chats with Ed for just a few minutes can recognize his ability to bring change to how people perceive artists with disabilities. Although he often utilizes the help of a studio assistant to create his paintings, Ed has also been known to take on the challenge of creating works independently. The piece featured here was created entirely by Ed Grove.
Carleen Giannotti
Carleen Giannotti’s work has been accepted by Unique Magazine for several years. She has also been invited to the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, NY. In addition to painting and dying silk scarves, Carleen is known to break out in song, with the Bobby Vinton song “Blue Velvet” being one of her favorites to sing.
Escandido “Dido” Morgan-Barrot
While he only works for a few minutes at a time, at each session Escandido “Dido” Morgan-Barrot works enthusiastically, steadily layering his paint strokes over-top of those from the previous session for months until he achieves his vision. Always enthusiastic, Dido always greets the art team with a smile and a thumbs up, jumping out of his chair when it’s time to paint. Each finished piece is a testament to Dido’s artistic journey and progression.
Nikki Henkel
Nikki Henkle uses colors that are vivacious and expressive, just like her. Ever the social butterfly, Nikki loves to chat with staff and peers about her artwork. She creates with great pride and joy, often smiling and giggling while she applies colors to canvas in geometric patterns.
Virginia “Ginny” Hall
Virginia “Ginny” Hall began her journey as an artist in 2011 when the pieces of heART program was first established. Her artwork is just like her personality: colorful, bold, and vibrant. Although Ginny has utilized the point and laser system to paint, it was through the use of adaptive art tools that she harnessed her independence and never looked back.
Quinn Chase
Quinn's use of simple imagery to tell an artistic story is one of his trademarks. His minimalist approach does not lack depth; rather, this approach has the opposite effect. It gives the viewer wide open spaces that allow their imagination to run wild. Quinn’s dedication to his artwork is unquestionable as he attends the pieces of heART studio every week, without fail, to continue his artistic journey.
Sarah Fowler
Sarah Fowler enjoys creating many forms of art, including painting and clay. By using tape to create various geometric shapes and painting the spaces between, Sarah has honed in on an artistic style that portrays a sense of calm despite multiple colors and shapes fighting for the eye’s attention. Anyone who is acquainted with Sarah can attest: she knows exactly what she wants to do, and is steadfast in achieving her goals.
Mary Ann Carulli
Despite being nonverbal, it’s obvious that Mary Ann Carulli absolutely loves to create, as she lights up with excitement whenever it comes time to paint. By using adaptive tools and methods, Mary Ann is able to freely express herself by working on her paintings independently. When a work is finished, she beams with pride, elated to share the fruits of her labor.
Alan Morris
Alan is a hardworking, driven, passionate artist who is constantly working on his craft. Creating art extends beyond the pieces of heart program for Alan as he works independently at his in-home “mini studio.” One of Alan’s biggest inspirations is Bob Ross, often painting alongside Bob to create a beautiful, scenic picture. Alan’s enthusiasm is unmatched, as he is often the first to arrive and last to leave at art exhibitions in the community.