Haynes creates social justice art tackling issues of gender inequality. She believes that the most certain way for our world to recover environmentally, economically and socially, is to support, empower, and educate young girls; and yet females continue to face inequality, violence and fear, especially in developing countries.
HAYNES BIO + CV
Artist Bio
Heather Haynes began her artistic career in 1995 after studying Visual Arts at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada. For 10 years she self-represented and worked intently to develop her practice. In 2005, she entered the gallery circuit and since then has had the opportunity to show work in galleries and exhibits throughout North America.
A fierce vexation in gender inequality took Haynes to one of the world’s most despairing places, The Democratic Republic of Congo. There, she witnessed the impact of unspeakable cruelty and systemic injustices at every turn. She vowed to help in whatever way she could, intent on finding an accessible avenue. Then, a chance meeting with a Congolese gentleman who was caring for orphan children altered the trajectory of Haynes’ artwork, and life. It was those children who became the inspiration for a body of work that is Wall of Courage, an eighty panel installation honouring the resilience of the human spirit. Through a series of touring exhibitions, Wall of Courage has been the impetus to raise awareness and funds in the fight to eradicate poverty through education and healthcare, in communities in and around Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo.
In 2018, as a natural extension of her fundraising efforts and humanitarian themed artwork, Haynes formed a non-profit organization to add legitimacy to her endeavour. The Art of Courage is a platform for storytelling through art to create awareness, educate, advocate, and raise funds to change lives. The artwork and efforts continue to be noticed and Haynes’ circle of influence continues to grow. In 2020, Haynes was honoured to have Wall of Courage anchor the Human Element of Emergency on Planet Earth, a poignant exhibition at the UTA Artist Space in Los Angeles, curated by The United Talent Agency’s Director of Fine Art, Arthur Lewis.
Haynes continues creating social justice art, as her current work tackles issues of gender inequality. She believes that the most certain way for our world to recover environmentally, economically and socially, is to support, empower, and educate young girls; and yet females continue to face inequality, violence and fear, especially in developing countries.
Artist CV
Heather Haynes
B. 1970
Kingston, Ontario
EDUCATION
McMaster University, Study of Fine Arts 1989-1993
SELECT SOLO AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023
“In Search of The Common Thread” solo exhibition, Hotel Wolfe Island - March of Arts, March.
2022
"The Common Thread" film, official selection at Kingston Canadian Film Festival, Nickel Indepndent Film Festival, Edmonton International Film Festival, San Diego International Film Festival
“Artist Project” Annual art fair in Toronto, Ontario. April.
2021
“Art Prize 2021” Annual international art competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan. September - October.
“Beyond Limits” Group exhibition at D.Colabella Fine Art, Ridgefield CT. September - October.
“Resurgence” Group exhibition at NYC Culture Club, WTC Oculus. July.
“The Influence of Art In The Home” Grand Opening and group exhibition at Virgil Catherine Gallery, Chicago, IL. June.
“Movement: Art For Social Change” My piece, “The Universal Language” was one of 15 international finalists to be featured in an exhibition to support the fight for Racial Justice. The winning artworks were projected onto iconic buildings in Washington DC, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City. May-June.
2020
“Emergency On Planet Earth - In A Time Close To Now” Curated by Arthur Lewis.
UTA Artist Space, Beverly Hills, CA
Wall of Courage was the Anchor for the Human Element of the exhibition. October
“It's Liquid International Contest 7th Ed. 2020” First place winner, Online Artists’ Contest
“Virtual Stylez” The Pink Duct Tape Collective, Online Group Exhibition
“Toronto Artist Project” Better Living Centre, Toronto, ON
2019
“Toronto Outdoor Art Fair” Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON
“Other People’s Memories” Heather Haynes Gallery, Gananoque, ON
2018
“The Art of Courage” KOPI Health Complex, Kingston, ON
“The Sacred Feminine” Heather Haynes Gallery, Gananoque, ON
2017
“Wall of Courage” Seaside Institute, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, USA
“Inaugural Artist Residency” - Anne Hunter Galleries, Seaside FL, USA
2016
“Artist Residency” Worlds Collide Africa House, Moshi, Tanzania
“Wall of Courage” Isabel Bader Centre, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON
“Art Prize 8” Wall of Courage installation at MCC, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Wall of Courage” Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON
2014
“Courage” Heather Haynes Gallery, Kingston, ON
2012
“Women of East Africa” Heather Haynes Gallery, Kingston, ON
2011
“Tanzania” Gallery Raymond, Kingston, ON
2009
“World Malaria Day” Speaker’s Chambers, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON
2008
“Landscape” Brights Gallery, Blue Mountain, ON
2006
“Standing Alone” Envers Chapin Gallery, Toronto, ON
2005
“Spring Show Toronto 05” Forest Hill, Toronto, ON
2004
“Bright Lights-Big Fat City” Corpfinance Head Office, Toronto, ON
“Three New Artists” The Artym Gallery, Invermere, BC
“Heather Haynes 04" The Whitney Manor, Kingston, ON
2003
“I'm a Great Me! - Paintings from the Book” The Renaissance, Kingston, ON
2002
“Spring Show” The Whitney Manor, Kingston, ON
“Fall Show Toronto 02” Roncesvalles, Toronto, ON
2000 / 2001
“Live Painting with The Kingston Symphony Orchestra” Black Tie Gala, Kingston, ON
FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES
The Art of Courage Non-Profit
Bring On The Bling, Dress For Success Fundraiser
An Evening With…, B’Nai Brith Fundraiser
Fare For Friends Featured Artist for United Way of KFL&A Fundraiser (10 years)
The Red Door Family Shelter Fundraiser
Big Sisters of Kingston Annual Fundraiser
Rotary Fundraiser
Limestone District School Board Fundraiser
Thousand Islands Playhouse Fundraiser
The Art of Courage Fundraiser
Worlds Collide Fundraiser
PROMINENT COLLECTIONS
The DeWoody Collection
Guy Stanley Philoche Collection
McCarthy Collection
RECOGNITION
2022 Chair, PAC - Visual and Creative Arts, - St. Lawrence College, Kingston Campus
Keynote Speaker, Int’l Women’s Day, 2020 - 1000 Islands Chamber of Commerce
Citizen of The Year, 2019 - 1000 Islands Chamber of Commerce
Woman of the Year, 2019 - Girls Inc.
Paul Harris Fellowship Award, 2014 - Rotary International