Southern Heartland (SHA, Inc), founded in 1987, is one of the oldest visual art guilds east of Atlanta.
The mission of SHA, Inc. is “to provide, encourage, and support involvement in the visual arts, toward the goal of enriching the cultural life of area residents through instruction, educational scholarship and exhibition of fine art.” SHA’s visual art center consists of classrooms and art gallery for exhibition. With an emphasis on education, SHA, Inc. offers ongoing weekly classes for all ages, has multiple summer art camps, and has provided workshops taught by nationally known artists, Terry Madden, of PBS Watercolor Workshop and Vae Hamilton. Elise Hammond, Gallery Director, has instructed adults and children in art for over forty years, and is but one of several experienced artist instructors teaching at the gallery. The gallery also has a weekly free and open to the public “Paint Party,” no experience necessary. “Paint Party” is mentored by local artist Linda Pflug. SHA offers scholarships annually for 3 graduating seniors interested in a career in fine arts. Additional scholarships are available for on-going instruction and underserved children who wish to attend summer art camp. Each September, an annual invitation art show is held at the Newton County Public Library. This invitational event brings artists, their friends and families from surrounding Georgia counties to compete for prizes awarded by professional artist-judges.
