Behind the Scenes with Artist Heidi Hardin
Heidi in her Studio
Family photos are more than snapshots. They carry memory, identity, and legacy. Each worn edge and faded color holds the story of where we come from — and who we are becoming. This fall, artist Heidi Hardin is bringing those stories to life in a remarkable new way: by transforming family photographs into painted works of art. Her work features in First Families/Family First (Indigenous)… An Installation, one of the most meaningful nonprofit art exhibitions in San Francisco this fall.
Meet Heidi Hardin:
A longtime artist and community builder, Heidi has dedicated her career to exploring the connections between family, memory, and belonging. For her, this project is not just about making paintings; it’s about honoring people’s histories and preserving them for the future.
The Creative Process: Art that honors Indigenous heritage and memory
The journey begins when families share their chosen photographs with Heidi. She doesn’t just see faces on a page; she listens for the stories behind the images. What moment was captured? What emotion lingers there? She studies every detail, then begins to sketch, layer paint, and weave the threads of memory into her canvas.
In her hands, each painting becomes more than a replica; it becomes a living portrait that carries both memory and imagination.
Why It Matters: Legacy and memory in art
For the families, seeing their photographs reimagined is deeply moving. These painted portraits don’t just preserve heritage; they celebrate resilience, culture, and love. As Heidi shares: “When I paint a family photo, I’m not only honoring the past, I’m helping ensure that these stories live on for generations.”
An Invitation
This October, we invite you to witness Heidi Hardin’s work as part of our upcoming exhibit. Come see how ordinary photographs, the kind tucked into albums or saved on phones, can be transformed into extraordinary art.
And as you walk through the gallery, pause to reflect: what stories do your own family photos hold?