About

OUR MISSION

The act of creating art is itself an act of healing. Creating can repair a life as well as a community. Art As Healing Foundation shares unique artistic voices with the greater community helping artists to show and sell their work.

HEALING

Creating art is a powerful form of creation and healing. Healing is not only physical, but also emotional, social, and economical. Divisions in our culture can be expressed and healed through art. The constantly changing world can be an incredibly stressful place and art can be a method to release some of that tension and assist to rebalance to a healthier place. Art is a marvelous form of expression that communicates things that people may not, at first, be able to fully verbalize until they work through a creation process. Our events help us raise funds to create special programs to focus on the healing aspects of visual art.

GOALS

To provide assistance for artists to help them navigate through the establishment obstacles of the art world and benefit our communities with strong and diverse creative voices. Our goal is to provide several opportunities for visual artists to share their creative voices and sell their works via special programs, art fairs, and exhibitions throughout each year.

HISTORY

Over the past nine years we have produced 22 fine art fairs, a handful of plein air paint-out events, and six major exhibitions. For details on our upcoming art fairs visit artfairfun.com.

Exhibitions and Plein Air Paint-Outs will be announced by invitation to our artist list. We love trying out different themes for these events, such as having one of our Plein Air Paint-Outs at a Taco Festival. This was a different type of challenge for the artists and produced some amazing works.

We are passionate about bringing high quality art to the public and, at the same time, promoting the talented artists. We are looking for great partners to help support us as we grow and evolve.

OUR BOARD

Executive Director Karyn Stetz has a BFA from Eastern Michigan University, is a practicing artist and as a woman artist, she has found huge barriers to women gaining access to shows and representation in major galleries and museums which directly impacts income. This is what lead her to found Art was Healing Foundation. Karyn has extensive experience in art exhibitions, art fairs, marketing, promotion, and graphic design. Her passion resides in making the art world more equitable and financially accessible for women and minority artists. She is certified in Art Therapy and Yoga Instruction.

Marketing Director Bart Loeb has over three decades of event and marketing experience. He has produced over 2,500 shows and continues to help other events be successful via their advertising, sponsorships, and event operations. He has the unique quality of bringing people together from diverse backgrounds. Recently, a colleague of his said that Bart had done more for him, his family and many other African immigrants by helping them succeed in the United States by developing successful businesses than any other person or organization.

Operations Director Karen Kiley has been active in the Art Show industry and Women2Women Expo’s for several years.
As a graphic designer she has been in the printing industry for over 30 years. She began in the
newspaper industry and
Associate Art Director and Production Manager for three national magazines. Although multi-talented, her true talent lies in being a leader and having the ability to direct people to do what they need to do and when they need to do it in order to make every project a success.

Oversight Director Kim Elliott, born and raised in South East Michigan. Kim has Finance degrees from Oakland University and an MBA from Bakers College. She is an animal lover and activist for animal well-being who often volunteers at animal sanctuaries. Kim is an active visual art enthusiast and supporter who loves to attend art exhibitions and art fairs and support local artists and businesses.

Director of Healing.
Felicity Hane is a Certified Massage Therapist and has a decade long background in competitive dance. Both contribute to a great understanding of anatomy, the human condition, and healing. Felicity is very intuitive. Her massage practice books out months in advance because she creates a tranquil environment for healing combined with superb technique. Her passion resides in helping people feel better and to instill in them that it requires a daily commitment to one's own well-being. She is also a naturally creative person and enjoys the visual and performing arts.