Ihart | Art exhibition.

Illustrators, graphic designers, sneaker aficionados and skaters will come together at the Claremont Hotel on Friday, November 4, for the inaugural IHART exhibition.

A celebration of contemporary art and design raising funds for the Heart Foundation of Western Australia. Boasting custom skate board decks, sneakers and prints created by a slew of talented artists, on sale at affordable prices, all funds raised from art sales at IHART will support the vital work the Heart Foundation conducts. The concept stems from the personal experience of curator Dwight O’Neil, who suffers from an ongoing, rare heart condition. With two heart surgeries under his belt, the work of the Heart Foundation of Western Australia is incredibly important to Dwight,  so coming up with the idea for IHART was simple: use the skills he has acquired as a designer and with help from good friend Michael Prendiville create an art show which not only showcases Perth’s finest artists but gives the people the opportunity to purchase original art at an affordable price. 

IHART will see a collective of local and international artists dedicated to raising funds for the Heart Foundation through the display and creation of art on sneakers, prints and skate decks. This entirely not-for-profit event will have all funds donated to the Heart Foundation and see the inclusion of local and international artists all working towards the same great cause. Artists were given the opportunity to creatively transform a pair of fresh white Chuck Taylors generously donated by Converse using any means necessary. They were encouraged to create something unique to express their own personal creative style, using any media necessary to form their original piece. In addition to the hi-top sneakers the body of work will also include 30 one off original skateboard decks courtesy of folklore skateboards and 30 limited edition A2 prints. All artwork will be sold on the opening night in limited quantities. Door prizes and entertainment by local DJs will kick start the night, generous prizes will be awarded by sponsors to the best of each category and a ‘best of show’ will be announced. 

All money raised at this event will go towards helping The Heart Foundation of Western Australia which saves lives and improves health through funding world-class cardiovascular research, guidelines for health professionals, informing the public and assisting people with cardiovascular disease. While their tireless work over the past five decades has helped reduce the number of deaths, cardiovascular disease remains still one of Australia’s most devastating health problems.

Big ups to Dwight on this event! Please come down and show your support. Some Paper Chain artists will be lending their time and playing some tunes to support the cause.