Van Buren artist overcomes adversity through art

Sheri Hart, a native of Van Buren and the owner of The Painter of Dreams, creates original artwork for household goods. Her success as an artist can be traced to the challenges she has overcome throughout her life.

Hart has osteogenesis imperfecta tarda, a genetic disorder that results in brittle bones. Throughout her life, she has broken 82 bones and been confined to a wheelchair. Art has provided her a venue for self-expression, while keeping her physically safe.

Her interest in art started at an early age when she watched her father paint a portrait of her and her mother. As a high school student, she painted the mural on the retaining wall in downtown Van Buren.

In an effort to hone her skills, she pursued a degree in art at Westark Community College, but found the program tedious and decided to take a break from her artistic pursuits.

Years later, a high school friend contacted her about licensing her art. The process was long and arduous, but once Hart saw her art on garden flags at a local retailer, she was hooked.

Hart's artistic process begins with designing watercolor images on paper, then she uses a computer to complete the scenes. Once she makes her client’s suggested edits, her pieces are distributed to stores in the River Valley and online.

Her pieces follow stringent specifications and the quality of work is carefully inspected prior to being released to retailers.

In addition to being reflections of her artistic outlook, Hart's pieces are examples of overcoming adversity and embracing one’s capabilities.

For a list of retailers that sell Hart's work, visit daydreamsandcanvas.com.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Van Buren artist overcomes adversity through art