Treating all people with dignity and respect is a core value at Meijer, and this summer, our stores offered a special opportunity to increase awareness and provide opportunities to support the disability community.
Through a unique partnership with Primitives by Kathy, Meijer released and showcased art created by artists at Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio and printed on Primitives by Kathy products. Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio is a nonprofit creative arts studio for adult artists with neuro-diversity and disabilities such as autism. The studio celebrates personalities and talents through free expression and collaboration, and since 2007, they have been encouraging artists to share their innermost thoughts, feelings and dreams with the world through creativity.
“It is surreal for us to see our Artists’ work nationwide through Primitives by Kathy,” shared Leah Scheib, Gallery Manager at Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio. “Our Artists get excited to see their artwork on everyday items. It allows us to share their stories and talents with the world for people who otherwise wouldn’t know them. It is like being able to carry a part of the Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio with you in your everyday life.”
A portion of proceeds from the partnership will be donated to Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio to support artist programs. Currently, more than 60 artists work with professional instructors, volunteers and visiting community artists to create and sell art while developing a sense of purpose, value, freedom and joy. Two different studio locations offer instructional art classes five days a week using various techniques and both traditional and unconventional media.
“We want our customers to see themselves, their friends, their family and their neighbors reflected in our team members, our products and our values,” said Erin Ashcraft, senior buyer for home décor. “This partnership with Primitives by Kathy is exciting because it brings this beautiful art created by artists who are differently-abled into the home décor set and creates an equal platform for these artists and their work.”
Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio products are in 233 Meijer supercenters this summer, and customers can find them in the home décor section through August 2.
“We’re beyond grateful that, with the help of Meijer, Primitives by Kathy can bring the joy and life of the unique Artists at Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio to more people through their wonderful works of art,” said Kathy Phillips, CEO of Primitives by Kathy. “It’s important to us that we encourage empowering and supporting the artistic talents of everyone, regardless of their differences.”