In Episode 35 of Inside the Frame Podcast, we sit down with Heather Kinney, the creative force behind Local Art Matters, a platform and philosophy that champions community, accessibility, and joyful creativity. Heather shares her journey from pastry chef to full-time painter, her deep ties to the South Shore arts scene, and the heartfelt vision guiding her work.
From Pastries to Paint
Heather’s path to painting wasn’t linear. Her early passion for visual expression began in childhood, inspired by a school trip to the MFA where she stood mesmerized in front of a Renoir. But art took a backseat to practicality. Heather pursued a successful career as a pastry chef, designing inventive desserts and operating her own bakery. Creativity was always central, whether expressed through fruit tarts or custom sorbets.
It wasn’t until the pandemic that Heather rediscovered painting through a family oil class. “I never thought I could love something as much as baking,” she reflects. “But I found that same fulfillment in painting.”
Embracing the Local Art Community
After moving to Scituate 14 years ago, Heather immersed herself in the local art scene. She’s taken classes at South Shore Art Center, Plymouth, and the MFA, and is an active member of North River Arts Society. Her latest solo show at the Dolphin Gallery in the Hingham Library, organized through North River, has received glowing feedback for both the work and the framing.
The community has been instrumental to Heather’s artistic evolution. She credits local instructors, peers, and organizations with helping her gain confidence and direction. “We all need each other,” she says. “There’s no scarcity in art. We rise together.”
The Heart Behind Local Art Matters
Heather’s website and brand, Local Art Matters, was born from a desire to advocate for local creativity while making art more accessible. She offers prints of her originals to reach a wider audience and envisions expanding the platform to showcase work from other artists, including her own children, who are creative in their own right (her daughter in ceramics and her son in sculpture).
“It’s about inclusion and representation,” Heather explains. “Whether it’s a cow, a flower, or an abstract inspired by a walk in nature, if it’s made with heart, it matters.”
Playfulness Meets Professionalism
Her recent pieces include whimsical pop portraits of animals like Henrietta the cow, who’s been a crowd favorite, and abstract landscapes infused with emotion and vibrant color. Whether designing a quilt, painting a lake scene, or sketching in a museum gallery, Heather’s work reflects her playful, positive spirit.
Though she approaches her art with joy, Heather also applies the business skills she honed running a bakery. She researches venues, builds relationships, and isn’t afraid to ask for space to exhibit. Her persistence and professionalism have earned her spots in Rhode Island retail spaces, Boston design showrooms, and regional pop-up shows.
Looking Ahead
Heather continues to grow her presence across New England with upcoming exhibits and projects. She remains committed to producing the art she loves—and trusting others will connect with it too. “If you make what you love, people will feel it,” she says.
To see her work and follow her journey, visit her website and follow her on Instagram. Stop by Frame Center for a sneak peek at her latest framed pieces and keep an eye out for her next exhibit!
