Christina Heintzelman-Jones of Gallery Blu

In this, our first in a series of “snapshot” interviews with the movers, shakers, and really cool people of Central Pennsylvania’s burgeoning arts community, we had the pleasure of chatting with Christina Heintzelman-Jones, co-owner of Gallery Blu in midtown Harrisburg, PA. An accomplished photographer, Christina has her finger squarely on the pulse of the revitalizing Midtown art scene and what’s necessary for the momentum to continue. Let’s hear it in her words…

CPAG: Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to own and operate a gallery.
CHJ: Even though my work background is in accounting, I have always considered myself to be creative and wanted to embrace that side of my being. That was originally my thought in opening and co-creating the gallery with my husband. And the short story is that an event made this all happen synchronistically, and, since I am never one to say “No” when something randomly presents itself—well the rest is history.

CPAG: Let’s talk about Gallery Blu, specifically. What’s its primary focus and what makes it unique?
CHJ: We feature local and regional artists and also give voice to newly emerging artists. Our uniqueness can be found in the way I curate shows. There tends to be an overarching theme rather than a showcase of a particular artist. In addition, we try to expand our viewers’ ideas of the “whos”, “whats”, and whys” of art by exposing them to ideas that may be new to them. I am always trying to get all of us, including myself, to think outside the box.

CPAG: Why Midtown Harrisburg? What’s the attraction for you?
CHJ: Midtown Harrisburg is truly an up-and-coming community. The revitalization is amazing and you can actually feel the vibrancy in the air and among the people.

CPAG: Your tagline is “Embracing Community as Art.” Can you tell us some of the ways in which you’re using art to support and enhance the local community?
CHJ: In addition to benefits for the Salvation Army and the Consolidated Cathedral School, which we held during this year, we focus on diverse segments of our community through shows such as “Magnificent Minds”, featuring the art of people with mental illness, a project of Syngred Briddell and the newly formed non-profit “Magnificent Minds; “Juneteenth”, focusing on the creative works of our African American community; “Art of The Neighborhood”, featuring artists who live in Midtown; and “Pride”, featuring art from the LGBT and PFLAG communities. Our hope is that we can create one large community which embraces all the diversities found in our area, and, at the same time, showcase the talent that exists right here in Harrisburg.

CPAG: You’re an exhibiting fine art photographer yourself. Give us some insight on your personal creative philosophy and the kind of work you’re currently doing.
CHJ: I first studied photography with John Daido Loori, Roshi at Zen Mountain Monastery. This study makes my work contemplative in nature. I tend not to focus as much on the techniques as I do on the “soul” of the work. What story do I see unfolding as I snap a photo, or, what is the emotion that I see portrayed. In other words, how can I photograph “thusness” and “otherness.”

CPAG: As an art form, do you think photography has achieved parity with other disciplines like painting and sculpture?
CHJ: No, not yet anyway, but I do think that is changing. Part of the problem is with photography’s ability to mass produce, reduce, or enlarge a photo. I think photographers are doing more specialty things with their work through painting and embellishing and Photoshop, making the photographs more “one of a kind.”  And, of course, as gicleé prints becomes more popular with painters, it sort of evens out the playing field.

CPAG: In general, do you feel that gallery owners and curators are becoming more open to exhibiting photographic works, especially that of up-and-coming artists?
CHJ: Oh, yes. I have seen some terrific photographic shows and there’s a lot to be said in this artistic voice.

CPAG: Let’s talk about the health of the arts locally. It’s been said that Harrisburg hasn’t been taken seriously as an arts destination in the past. Why do think this is?
CHJ: We have a large amount of transient people because of state government. Basically, people who come to work in the city, but then go home to play, attend events and spend money. We need to give them a reason to spend more time here in downtown and midtown Harrisburg. Also, Harrisburg seems to get more than its fair share of bad press. So many people view the city as unsafe and, therefore, don’t even consider coming here for the finer things in life. In addition, art galleries take a long time to reach financial stability and, because of the perceptions of living, shopping, and buying in the city, many places can’t survive through the incubation period necessary for stabilization.

CPAG: What can the City and the local art and business communities do to actively change this perception?
CHJ: First of all, businesses have to work together in a supportive way and present our needs to our local government. The city has to embrace small businesses and become more helpful. The first step might be for city government to hold a small business forum and actually get information on what it is we need from them. Another thing would be for members of city government to come out to the many special events that are held in Harrisburg and support businesses by their attendance. “3^rd In The Burg” should be attracting all of our city government people. It is a fantastic monthly event.

Also, even though advertising costs can be so prohibitive, I think there are more co-op things we all could be doing. Again, the idea of working together to reach the common goal. We could also partner with existing neighborhood associations such as Friends of Midtown and Engleton Group. Both of these groups are willing and able to help advertise in their monthly newsletters.

CPAG: So what’s next at Gallery Blu? Tell us about some of your upcoming projects and exhibits and where we can get more information about them.
CHJ: One of our most important projects will be to get the word out that Harrisburg features art that is comparable to art that you see in larger cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore. We’ve already shown works from four internationally known artists as well as some nationally known artists.

Our September show for Harrisburg’s Gallery Walk and also “3^rd In The Burg” is “Graffiti Then and Now – From Petroglyphs to Urban Scrawl”

In November, we will begin a three-month series entitled, “The Artists and Their Music.”  The artists involved are also musicians who will be exhibiting both their musical talents and the art they create. We’ll find out what inspires them.

Next year, some show ideas are “SOHO Meets Rio” featuring two female artists–one from New York and the other – yeah, you got it—from Rio.

“Ghosts” will feature two nationally known artists mimicking each others’ work in canvas and clay. This is definitely a show that tells a story.

And, of course, there will be a photographic show. I know there will be another large benefit planned but I’m still thinking about that.

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Information about upcoming events at Gallery Blu can be found at www.galleryblu.org.