UniHeART Gallery
Current exhibition
Works by Assel El-Rayes, Farida Houseiny, and Hanaa Nakhla
Assel El-Rayes
Assel is a Canadian artist of Palestinian origins from Gaza City, who discovered her passion for art and literature in early childhood. Assel obtained a BA in Arabic Literature from Damascus University in Syria in 1994. Assel graduated with a Diploma in Fine Arts from the Ottawa School of Art in 2016. Assel is passionate about creating abstract and surrealist paintings with oil, acrylic, and watercolors. She uses painting as a form of journaling, and her paintings are reflections of raw emotions. Inspired by all that surrounds us and believing that making art teases the mind, widens the imagination, and reveals mysteries of our souls. Assel believes that there is a deep connection between painting, colors, mindfulness, meditation, and well-being. Assel participated in group art shows and exhibitions locally and internationally. Assel teaches privately and at the Ottawa School of Art both online and on-campus. In 2024 Assel was nominated for Ottawa's Visual Arts Artist of the Year (www.facesmag.ca/awards).
Website: https://asselelrayesartist.com/
Farida Houseiny
Farida is an Egyptian Canadian painter. She was influenced by her artistic family and life keeps feeding her with imagination and creativity. She started art when she went for graphic design in Dubai in 2010 but at that moment she noticed she is more affectionate
using her hand with paint to create unique pieces. That is when she started painting, right before she moved to Canada in 2012 and then studied art at the Ottawa school of art, where she is currently teaching art there and at her art studio and other venues in Ottawa. Since then she has been inspired by portraying her imagination on a canvas or any object that will depict the image on her mind that individuals can relate to. Words and Energy can be expressed through paintings. Life and what is created in it is inspiring. Farida uses Acrylic paint, mixed media and collage to create organic and geometric figures, by using a combination of surrealism, abstract, semi representative and expressive art. When she paints, she uses her subconscious, expressing
emotions to portray on an object, as though the work of art is a form of visual poetry.
Contact: Faridahouseiny.fh@gmail.com
Hanaa Nakhla
Hanaa is a painter who has been in love with art since 2012. Since then, her artwork has served as a personal biography, expressing her impressions of the world and the emotions she experiences. This passion manifests in pieces that feel lively and spontaneous, brought to life with visible brushstrokes that convey a sense of immediacy.
Contact: Hana@igroupegypt.com
Gallery Hours
Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
By appointment – Please contact Heartwood's Executive Director at 613-241-5937.
The UniHeART Gallery provides an opportunity for our community to enjoy various forms of artistic expression throughout the year. Artists gain access to quality exhibition space, and they, in return, support and enhance Heartwood programs and the work environment. In addition to exhibiting their work in the UniHeART Gallery, artists may find opportunities to partner with individual member groups, offering workshops or one-to-one art instruction. The ongoing collaboration between artists and the Heartwood community demonstrates the benefits of art as an integral part of our daily lives.
Artist Application
Please provide the following information and 4-6 photo samples of your work to jenheartwoodhouse@gmail.com. Once your completed application has been received, your application will be reviewed by the UniHeART Gallery Committee. We are committed to highlighting local Ottawa area artists.
ARTIST INFORMATION
Name:
Address:
Preferred phone number:
Email address:
Website (if applicable):
Please provide a brief description of your work:
Typically, the price range for art showing in our gallery falls between $50 - $450 and most pieces sold are priced under $250. What price range is your art?
We can accommodate small and large pieces of art work up to a max 30 pounds each. What are the typical sizes of your work?
How many pieces of art do you plan to include in your show?
All art must have wire installed on the back for hanging on our hook system. Will your work be prepared with the wire?
Have you shown your work previously? If so, where?
General Information
Security: Although Heartwood House provides as much security as possible, we cannot be responsible for any damage or theft of work.
Vernissage: We highly recommend the artist hosts a vernissage sometime during their 2 month art show. Most sales occur during a vernissage. All regular room rental fees (max 2 hours) are waived for your vernissage, as an added benefit to the artist.
Public Viewing: The UniHeART Gallery is available to staff, volunteers and participants of the Heartwood/ Unitarian Fellowship of Ottawa community every day, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. It is also open to the general public Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
Hanging Requirements: We ask for a minimum of 15 - 25 pieces of art (depending on size). Two artists can collaborate to host a show together, if needed.
Artist Biography & Contact Info: You will be asked to provide a short biography that highlights your work, your creative style and your history as an artist. This information will be posted in the gallery and on the Heartwood & Unitarian Fellowship websites. You will also need to provide your contact info so that interested buyers can contact you to arrange the sale.
Artwork Identification & Price List: Each art piece will need to be identified with a numbered label that corresponds to the price list you provide. The price list (8.5 x 11 ) should include the name of the piece, the art piece number and the price. This enables viewers to match the art hanging on the wall to its name and price.
Fees: There is a $30 Registration Fee due at the beginning of your show to help cover the costs of the gallery. We request 10% of your sales be donated back to Heartwood and a donation tax receipt will be issued for anything over $20.
Process: Please email your completed application and include at least 4 - 6 samples of your work. You may provide a portfolio, refer us to a website, or send electronic images. Please list titles, sizes and medium used.
Contact Jen Hubbard to apply or for more information - UniHeART Gallery Chair jenheartwoodhouse@gmail.com 613-795-9811