Where Art and Heart Meet: The Hudgens Center’s Role in Good2Give

“Giving is kind of an art form. When you create a piece of art, you’re investing in it. You’re putting part of yourself into the piece to make something beautiful. There’s no more rewarding or gratifying thing in the world than to give of yourself.”

This sentiment, expressed by Laura Balance, Executive Director of The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning, perfectly encapsulates both her personal philosophy and the mission of The Hudgens Center. A longstanding partner of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia (CFNEG), The Hudgens Center for Art and Learning is dedicated to enriching the lives of Gwinnett residents through art, education and outreach.

For over 40 years, The Hudgens Center has been a cornerstone of the Gwinnett arts community, serving through a three-pronged approach: exhibitions, outreach and education. Its galleries feature notable local and regional artists, providing a space for the community to engage with art in meaningful ways. 

Each year, over 1,500 students enroll in their affordable arts education courses and workshops, which include classes in drawing, painting and sculpture. These programs are accessible to all, with scholarships available for low to moderate-income individuals and families. They even offer summer camps in multiple languages, including English, Spanish and Korean, reflecting Gwinnett’s diverse community.

But The Hudgens Center’s impact goes far beyond the classroom. 

Its outreach initiatives bring the healing power of art to some of those who need it most — cancer patients, caregivers, children and adults from low-income families. 

“The arts transcend cultural and linguistic barriers,” Laura said. “Imagine a community without the arts — it would be six lanes of highway and strip malls. The arts are an invaluable resource, offering something for everyone, regardless of background.”

This commitment to community is exemplified in the organization’s partnership with CFNEG, which has been instrumental in expanding The Hudgens Center’s reach. For instance, a CFNEG fundholder provided a $5,000 grant that was creatively transformed into art supplies for families receiving food boxes at area co-ops.

 These “creativity kits” — filled with adult coloring books, watercolor kits and other art supplies — offered a much-needed outlet for families during the pandemic, addressing both food insecurity and the mental health challenges that arose from isolation. Such initiatives highlight how the relationships fostered by CFNEG allow The Hudgens Center to serve the community in innovative and meaningful ways.

One of the most exciting collaborations between The Hudgens Center and CFNEG was this year’s Good2Give Celebration, where the theme “The Art of Giving” came to life in a truly unique way. When CFNEG approached Laura with the idea, she was immediately on board.

 “Lynn, Maria and DePriest mentioned that the theme this year would be ‘The Art of Giving’ and asked if I’d be interested in helping with that. Of course, I jumped at it,” Laura recalls. 

The Hudgens Center’s contribution goes beyond mere attendance. 

Working with organizations like Rainbow Village, Spectrum Autism, Mosaic Georgia and Partnership Against Domestic Violence, The Hudgens Center facilitated the creation of one-of-a-kind art pieces that reflect the creativity and diversity of our community. The centerpieces included paper-cut flowers and clay critters fashioned onto large paper lanterns. 

“It’s all ages and abilities represented; they were very cute, festive and fun,” Laura says. Additionally, the event showcased stunning midscale portraits of children from Rainbow Village, taken as part of a photography project where the kids dressed up as who they wanted to be when they grew up.

Good2Give is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of how the arts can bring people together, inspire giving and promote partnerships that make a difference in the community. 

Laura emphasized, “It’s about the partnerships and the relationships we’ve built through CFNEG. These connections have made all the difference in our ability to serve the community and continue our mission.”

Through art, education, and outreach, The Hudgens Center, with the support of CFNEG, is not just enriching lives — they’re also transforming them.

See the recap of Good2Give 2024 at cfneg.org/good2givecelebration.