Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen Ouzts. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Karen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

There are so many things I would do differently if I had to start over. I think one of the things that I have learned is that no one can open your gifts but you. What I mean by that is that Heritage Art Center was a blessing entrusted to me. I have made the mistake many times of seeking other’s opinions, advise, or help when I should have listened to my own heart. I am very appreciative of those who have shown up, that’s not what I mean. There are so people that have blessed me and so many people that have been in my corner, of which none of this would have been possible without. What I do mean is that the times things have blown up or took a downward turn, its because I went against what I felt was right deep in my heart, because I valued someone else’s opinion over my own.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Heritage Art Center is the premier artist’s hub in Columbus, Ga. We offer private studios, Gallery Space, workshop/meeting space and we can even host weddings. We are thrilled that we can now offer wedding space and the studios. Those are both new. Our studios are all private. Along with having your own personal creative escape, studio leasing comes with lots of perks. We are partnering with JG Art Haus. Artists who lease studios have the opportunity to have their art shown in movies and television. In addition, are artists have the opportunity to showcase in our gallery. Studios start at $275 monthly and include all utilities and Wi-Fi with green space access. Its the perfect place to create art and content for social media.

In true Heritage fashion, we offer something more than just wedding space as well. Couples can lease our gallery for their special day, be it the ceremony, reception or both. However, we can also curate their date. We have a fantastic list of premier vendors, all the top in their industry to make every moment of each couple’s day uniquely theirs’s. As an added exclusive bonus, JG Art House can turn our gallery into anything the couple’s heart desires. For example, if they wanted to get married in a 1970’s skating rink, the prop designers at JG could transform our gallery into that for them. We have everything to suit everyone’s taste and needs. We will be having a bridal expo on May 2oth to showcase our space and our vendors.

We are excited to invite vendors to apply and artists to reserve their studios at www.Heritage-Art-Center.com

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I work with emerging artists. There’s something amazing about bringing their visions to life. Its like I get to witness the very beginning of an amazing life. I love the look in their eyes when they see their art on the wall at their first show. I love learning about their stories and finding a connection with them, then connecting them to their audiences.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think non-creatives may not understand that the same gift that makes a creative see all the beauty in the world, also lets them feel most of the pain in it too, Creatives tend to be way too critical of themselves and put too much weight on themselves. When they create, they are creating with their soul. That’s not something you can buy from a big box store, when you support a creative, you’re supporting everything that makes them unique , which gives them the motivation to keep giving little pieces of themselves over and over again.

Image Credits
Images of Heritage Art Center taken by Sammie Saxon