10/16/2026
: Stark County Job & Family Services is proud to present the opening of the 2026 Heart Gallery with a free public reception on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Hub Art Factory, 336 6th St. NW, Canton, Ohio 44702. The Heart Gallery is an art exhibition that pairs local artists with children waiting to be adopted from foster care, to create a series of special portraits.
The community is invited to attend the public reception to enjoy refreshments, view the outstanding artwork, mingle with artists, and learn more about foster care and adoption in Stark County. Staff from the Division of Children Services will be on-hand to answer questions during the event.
The Heart Gallery is presented in recognition of National Adoption Awareness Month in November, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the need for adoptive families in our community. Currently, Stark County has approximately 500 children in foster care, with nearly a quarter in permanent custody and awaiting adoptive families.
The exhibition will remain on display at the Hub through November 23. It will then travel to the Canton Museum of Art from December 14 to January 11, followed by the Malone Art Gallery from January 25 to February 27. The tour continues at the Stark County Main Library from March 1 to March 26, moves to The Little Art Gallery from April 2 to April 30, and then stops at Church of the Lakes from May 3 to May 10. The exhibition will conclude its run at the Massillon Museum from May 15 to June 6.
This year’s Heart Gallery features the following youth and artists:
Cavaughn, Elijah, and Braylan by Maureen Magner-Sylak. Cavaughn, who goes by CJ, loves making art, playing sports, and spending time outside. His favorite treats are pistachios and shortbread cookies with Nutella. He hopes to become a police officer and join the Navy someday. Elijah enjoys basketball, working with machines, and playing games. His favorite food is fried okra, and he hopes to become a math teacher someday Elijah loves his brothers deeply and wants them to stay together. Braylan enjoys playing basketball, spending time outside, and helping around the house. His favorite food is white chicken chili, and he hopes to become a landscaper someday. Artist Maureen Magner-Sylak (SylakFineArts.com) is a Cleveland-based landscape and portrait painter whose work reconciles realism with imagination and heart. The subjects of her paintings are grounded in who and what she loves about life.
Da’Maree, Kanoi, and Zyaire by Madison Miller. Da’Maree loves the color yellow, penguins, and celebrating Christmas. He feels happiest when he gets to visit fun places like Urban Air and Sky Zone. One of his special talents is telling time on an analog clock. He loves clocks and can tell you the time with ease! Kanoi loves the color pink, cats, and celebrating Christmas. She feels happiest when someone is paying attention to her. One of her favorite things to do is play dress-up in different costumes! Zyaire loves the color red and celebrating Christmas. She feels happiest when she first wakes up in the morning. One fun fact about Zyaire is that she loves to hold all of her binkies! Artist Madison Miller is an arts educator. She is a graduate of Kent State University and holds a certification in The Impact of Trauma on Learning from the Lesley Institute.
Genesis, by Heather Bullach. Genesis, who goes by Genny, loves spending her weekends going out for ice cream and enjoys watching her favorite show, Ready Set Love. She is a big fan of seafood and dreams of becoming a veterinarian someday. Most of all, Genny feels happiest and most at peace when she is spending time with her mom. Artist Heather Bullach (HeatherBullach.com) is a portrait and landscape painter who works in oils. She is inspired by her Ohio surroundings and frequent visits to Charleston, South Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Malone University.
Grace, by Scott Phillips. Grace enjoys spending time with her friends and relaxing by watching TV. She loves shows like Victorious, Gilmore Girls, and Ginny & Georgia, as well as the Scream movies. Her favorite meal is fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp. In the future, Grace hopes to become a doctor or autism specialist. She feels happiest when she is with friends, taking a relaxing shower, or playing with her fidget toys. Artist Scot Phillips (25th & Lincoln Mural Company on Facebook) is the operations officer at the Massillon Museum and a 2008 Kent State graduate with a BA in art history and a minor in fine arts. The Phillips Family owns and operates 25th & Lincoln Mural Company.
Ivy, by Tim Carmany. Ivy loves the color pink, horses, and celebrating Christmas. She feels happiest when she is swinging, swimming, or spending time with the people she loves. Ivy is also learning sign language, which is a fun and special fact about her! Artist Tim Carmany specializes in reverse glass paintings and largescale murals. In 2013, he founded the Hub Art Factory, a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization located in Canton's Art District at 336 6th St. NW.
Johnell, by Andrew Wells. Johnell loves playing video games, especially Roblox and Fortnite. He also enjoys making paper origami and doing hands-on activities. His favorite McDonald’s treats are chocolate shakes and McFlurries. In the future, Johnell is considering a trade school career where he can work with his hands. Video games and origami help him feel happy and relaxed. Artist Andrew Wells (Wavy_Scribbles_Art on Instagram) has always had a deep passion for art. He is a proud graduate of Alliance High School, where he was fortunate to have amazing teachers who inspired him to attend the Columbus College of Art and Design. Andrew strives to make art that people enjoy visually and emotionally.
Julia, by Heidi Fawver. Julia loves making art and jewelry, singing, and participating in the Boy Scouts. She enjoys Beetlejuice, swimming, and walking in the woods with her dog. Julia loves animals and feels happiest when she is creating. She is kind, generous, and sensitive, and enjoys choir, theater, and swimming. Artist Heidi Fawver is a 2018 graduate of GlenOak High School and is currently a resident artist at The Hub Art Factory located in Canton’s Art District. Her work involves the process of pyrography or pyrogravure, the art of decorating wood by making burn marks.
Lanna, by Kaley Weaver. Lanna enjoys playing video games and swimming after school and on the weekends. She loves The Baby-Sitters Club, playing Old Maid, and watching Gentry Chow. Her favorite food is ramen noodles. In the future, Lanna hopes to become a dancer. She feels happiest and most peaceful when she gets to go on field trips. Artist Kaley Weaver is an artist and art educator based in Canton, Ohio. In 2021, she earned her bachelor’s degree in art education with a minor in painting from Kent State University.
Paisleigh, by Kat Francis. Paisleigh loves playing outside and spending time with her foster siblings. She enjoys reading the Harry Potter books and Dork Diaries, and she loves watching Wednesday on Netflix. Her favorite food is homemade macaroni and cheese. Paisleigh hopes to become a nurse when she grows up so she can help people. She feels especially peaceful when she is reading books or writing. Artist Kat Francis (KatFrancisArt.com) works in contemporary mixed media and collage. She has a passion for drawing and fascination with her surroundings and social history. Kat holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the Columbus College of Art and Design and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from The Ohio State University.
Sophia, by David Sherrill. Sophia, who goes by Sophie, enjoys relaxing in her room, where she feels happiest and most at peace. She loves watching Bones and enjoys walking tacos as one of her favorite foods. When she grows up, Sophia hopes to become a nurse so she can help others. Artist David Sherrill (ArrowHeadGoods.com) creates art full of fun and wonder. He uses found objects and vintage art pieces to create something new. David and his wife are the owners of Arrowhead Vintage and Handmade Goods in downtown Canton.
Residents who are interested in becoming a foster and adoptive parent can take the next step by registering for an information meeting. Please call 330-451-8789 or email [email protected]. Visit StarkCountyJFS.gov for additional information about foster care and adoption.
