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The Art of Belonging: Gee Horton’s Transformative Journey

This season, Kennedy Heights Arts Center is thrilled to launch The Art of Belonging, our annual fund campaign supporting the transformational power of creative spaces. We’re celebrating through stories from artists and participants who’ve found a sense of home and purpose within our walls. One of the voices leading this conversation is artist Gee Horton, whose recent exhibition Chapter 2: A Subtle Farewell to the Inner Child is more than just an artistic achievement; it’s a personal exploration that resonated deeply with visitors.

Holding Space for Belonging

In Chapter 2, Gee Horton delved into the nuanced layers of identity, drawing from his own coming-of-age experiences as a Black man. This exhibit invited visitors to explore themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and belonging in a way that is personal yet universal. “The idea of belonging was the central theme, the anchor of this project,” Gee explains.

Throughout his exhibit, Gee weaves stories and imagery that encourage visitors to reflect on their own lives, their own histories, and the experiences that have shaped them. By centering the experience around belonging, Gee’s work reminds us of a simple truth: “We don’t become who we are alone – how we show up as adults is deeply connected to who we belong to.” He hopes that this realization brings viewers a sense of grace, love, and forgiveness—a pathway to healing.

A Personal Conversation with Every Viewer

One of the most profound aspects of Chapter 2 is the way Gee approached his relationship with the audience. He doesn’t just present his art; he invites each visitor into a dialogue, a conversation that feels deeply intimate. “Every person who views the work belongs to me,” he shares. “I have a responsibility to hold their hand, guide them, and have a personal conversation with them along the way.” This sense of personal connection creates a space where visitors feel seen, understood, and valued.

The response to Chapter 2 has been extraordinary, with guests leaving heartfelt reflections in the gallery’s guest book and sharing stories that affirm the impact of the work. Local students cheered when touring the work, finding resonance in Gee’s exploration of self-discovery. “Reading their words and seeing their reactions reminds me why I do this,” Gee reflects. “It’s the joy of connecting through art, of seeing how it can touch lives and bring people closer to themselves and each other.”

An Invaluable Partner

For Gee, Kennedy Heights Arts Center has been a unique and invaluable partner in bringing Chapter 2 to life. “Kennedy Heights feels like home to me,” he says. “There is no other gallery or organization that would have allowed me to create this work; it couldn’t have happened anywhere else.” This space, he explains, is rare—a place that not only welcomes diverse artistic expression but fosters an environment where everyone feels at home.

The Arts Center’s mission to build community through art has provided Gee and many other artists with the opportunity to share meaningful stories and engage audiences on a deep, personal level. In supporting artists like Gee, Kennedy Heights offers more than just a venue; it offers a space where artists and visitors alike can explore, connect, and heal together.

Join Us in the Art of Belonging

We invite you to support the Art of Belonging by giving to our annual fund campaign. Your contribution ensures that our space remains a haven for artists and a gathering place for community, where art becomes a bridge to understanding, healing, and connection. And every donation ensures that 100% of our programs remain free and accessible to those who need them most.

Consider joining us in this journey, so that artists like Gee Horton—and the thousands of visitors who walk through our doors—can continue to experience the powerful impact of belonging through art.

Donate today.

photo credit: Dylan Firlie