About the Heart Gallery
In 2001, the first Heart Gallery was organized in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The idea was simple: To have talented photographers create inspiring portraits and of children who were waiting for adoption.
The first Heart Gallery exhibit was an exciting success, attracting more than 1,200 visitors and
initiating the adoption of six waiting children.
Just one year later the Oklahoma Heart Gallery was born. It was the second Heart Gallery in the nation, and today it is one of more than 80 across the United States.
The Heart Gallery's mission is to provide innovative systems, individuals and communities across the state so they may effectively promote adoption and enrichment to serve Oklahoma's foster children currently in state custody. Our vision is that every foster child finds a forever home. Though not currently a direct service organization, OHG supports partner organizations in meeting identified needs by providing funding, technical assistance, and other resources.
The primary purpose of our work is to be the voice of our foster youth by representing them for adoptive families to find and hopefully bring them into their homes. Historically, we did this work through digital and physical galleries that link the community to our online gallery showcasing the youth in state custody and their stories, as well as in-person matching events with prospective adoptive parents.
We also raise awareness of the need to find foster or permanent adoptive homes for those children who are currently in the custody of the state. This is achieved through our marketing efforts, speaking engagements, and our galleries where we also include information to raise awareness about the need and educate the community.
Finally, we also raise funds to promote the health, support, maintenance, and welfare of those children who are currently in the custody of the state. We do our best to enrich the lives of our youth while they wait for a forever home through attending programs like the First Lady's Back to School event and holiday programs via Peppers Ranch Foster Care Community.