Art with Heart More than Just a Galleria

Owner Jan Grell thinks you’d have to look far and wide to find another business like Art With Heart.

Located on Cleveland-Massillon Road in Ghent Square, Art With Heart may look like just another galleria selling handcrafted gifts. But look closer, and you’ll see a combination of Grell’s passions – children, art and education. “I wanted to try to create a model of a philanthropic business with an education component,” said Grell, who holds a Master of Arts degree in international relations and has taught at the University of Akron.

At least 10 percent of Grell’s net proceeds from Art With Heart are donated to the child life program for the oncology/hematology floor at Akron Children’s Hospital. Grell researched and visited many different areas of the hospital, but, “those children just took my heart,” she said.

In addition, Grell provides art lessons for children who have been treated for cancer. She teaches film photography and oil painting. If the children want to work in a different media, Grell turns to the more than 100 artists and craftsmen who sell their work through Art With Heart. Many have donated their time to teach, she said. The children’s work – which is for sale – is displayed in the store.

The galleria features work from more than 100 mostly local artists and craftsmen ages 10 to 90. Their work includes paintings, fiber arts, jewelry, pottery, handmade greeting cards and blown glass. Grell also offers wall design for offices and framing services. The store has gift registries for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and graduations.

Art With Heart opened in 2007 and Grell, a Copley resident, said she still is learning about being a business owner. “I feel very blessed to have a dream become a reality. It’s just a good thing for everybody,” she said.

Art With Heart is located in Ghent Square, 843 N. Cleveland-Massillon Road. Store hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.