A Gallery of Waiting Hearts

The Heart Gallery is a photo art display featuring remarkable children and youth in state care who need an adoptive family.  Volunteer professional photographers give their time and talent in capturing each child's and youth's personality in a photograph portrait. 

The Heart Gallery began when Diane Granito, a Social Worker from the state of New Mexico's Department of Children, Families and Youth, launched a unique partnership with the arts community in 2001.  Their efforts received national attention and sparked the interest of two Connecticut photographers, Sandy Hale and Christine Breslin.  They approached The Department of Children and Families and secured the commitment of other local photographers who would donate their time and materials. Their efforts helped to create Connecticut's Heart Gallery. 

Using the combined resources of public and private partnerships including the Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents, Hearts, Hands and Homes Community Collaborative and many others the Heart Gallery is now in its sixth year. 

The Department works with each child and youth in preparing for the Heart Gallery.  If they agree to be featured, the children are connected with a volunteer professional photographer for a photo session.  These photos are assembled into a traveling photo exhibit that moves throughout the year.  It travels across Connecticut in bringing these inspiring photograph portraits to theaters, children's museums, galleries, local hospitals, area malls, and we are fortunate to have it here at the Burlington Public Library. Heart Gallery organizers hope that when you see their faces you will feel their spirit and fulfill their dreams.

Families who are interested in the children and youth featured in the Heart Gallery can call (860) 550-6582.  For general information about adoption in Connecticut, please view our web site or call 1-888-KID-HERO. 

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Page Updated Setpe,ber 2., 2010, DMR