“Art for the Heart” | Heart Gallery of Sarasota and Art Avenue Raise Awareness About Youth in Foster Care at Art Gallery Exhibit

Sarasota, FL—January 7, 2022—Paintings and photographs of children and youth who are currently waiting in state custody for their forever families will be on display in February at Art Avenue in the Westfield Siesta Key Mall. To help raise awareness of the need for foster and adoptive families, the Heart Gallery of Sarasota is hosting, Art for the Heart, a celebration of the exhibit at Art Avenue on February 26th from 5 to 7pm.  There is no charge to attend.

The portraits are part of The Heart Gallery of Sarasota — a traveling photo exhibit of children waiting adoption. The Art Avenue installation includes works by professional photographers including Wendy Dewhurst, Barbara Banks and Daniel Peralis and oil paintings by artist who volunteer their time and talent to Painting for Good Causes, a non-profit that turns cherished photographs into beautiful works of art for children in need.

“At this moment, over 1400 of our areas most vulnerable youth do not have the stability and unconditional love of a forever family,” says Matthew Straeb, Heart Gallery of America co-founder and president of the Sarasota location. “We engage over 50 professional photographers and artists who capture the child’s character and spirit to attract the attention of prospective adoptive families. Through these portraits we are able to get more kids adopted into loving, stable homes.”

“These kids are Sarasota and Manatee kids and it’s everyone’s responsibility to help them”, said Paul Sykes, the owner of Art Avenue, who curated the collection alongside his wide collection of notable works by famed artists. He also owns the café at the mall that will be catering the event. “If having the Heart Gallery displayed Art Avenue makes a difference for just one child, it will be a success,” says Sykes.

About Heart Gallery of Sarasota: The Heart Gallery of Sarasota, Inc. was established in 2005 to bring our community’s children into the light. The Heart Gallery of Sarasota has affected hundreds of adoptions in Sarasota, DeSota and Manatee counties. We engage over 50 professional photographers who capture the child’s character and spirit to attract the attention of prospective forever families. The success of the program is measured in the number of successful adoptions. Contact: Allison Juceam, Executive Director, Heart Gallery of Sarasota, 941-504-2135, aljuceam@yahoo.com or Matthew Straeb, president, Heart Gallery of Sarasota, 954-850-6606, mstraeb@gmail.com.