Hellen Hsieh showcases and highlights artists' talents

Hellen Hsieh showcases and shares artists'
talents with all community members

Hellen Hsieh, owner of Design Loft, is a dedicated long-time art curator volunteer at Abilities United.  Since January 2010, Hellen has contributed her own artistic talent selecting, preparing and framing the original works of art created by artists of Abilities United. She also spearheaded Abilities United’s participation in the Silicon Valley Open Studio tours (SVOS) as well as dozens of other Bay Area venues to showcase and promote the art created by participants of Abilities United.  Hellen has also hosted an art show of the Abilities United artists at her Design Loft grand opening.

Hellen’s efforts are inspirational and the artists inspire her,  “I want other people to see the beautiful artwork individuals with disabilities are capable of creating; to help people see their talent and ability rather than their disability. This is an opportunity to give these artists a public space to display their work.”

She was honored with President Obama’s Volunteer award for her hundreds of hours of volunteer service as our art curator. She has received the San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) Service Above Self award for community impact. Her volunteer efforts have been highlighted in the San Jose Mercury News, Menlo Park Almanac and Mountain View Voice.  Hellen’s contributions have made possible art shows at Silicon Valley cafes, libraries, city buildings and corporations.  She has expanded the art shows to corporations such as Cisco Systems where all 27 pieces of artwork by artists from Abilities United sold to Cisco employees and LinkedIn’s corporate headquarters where the art was sold as a part of LinkedIn’s 10th anniversary party and their “dress your office space” campaign.

Hellen’s contributions as an Art Curator are most definitely appreciated by everyone at Abilities United, especially the artists themselves whose self-confidence and passion for art increases with each exhibit and sale. She has “drawn” the attention and admiration of many community members and friends of Abilities United.

Based on a 2012 interview with Hellen Hsieh. Written and edited by Wendy Kuehnl and Hellen Hsieh.