About Us
Mission Statement:
At This Artists Dream, our mission is to transform visionary art into everyday expression — empowering artists and inspiring individuals through unique, high-quality apparel, accessories, and home décor. We believe that art should be lived in, not just looked at. By merging creativity with craftsmanship, we bring bold, meaningful design to those who dare to wear their dreams.
Vision Statement:
To become a global platform where art and life intersect—celebrating original creators, inspiring personal expression, and reimagining how the world experiences art through fashion, function, and everyday design.
This Artist’s Dream is an artist-led brand founded by David F. Heatwole, a seasoned fine artist, curator, and arts publisher. Rooted in a deep belief in the power of imagination and material craft, the brand reinvests its profits into supporting fellow creatives through grants, collaborations, and products that celebrate the artistic journey.
🎨 Who Is David F. Heatwole?
David F. Heatwole is an 11th-generation artisan living and working in Berea, Ohio. Originally from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and West Virginia, Heatwole has spent his life immersed in art, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of meaningful cultural expression. He is a husband, father of five, and a devout Eastern Orthodox Christian, whose faith and family are foundational to his worldview.
His personal mission is:
"To share the sense of wonder I have as an artist and to inspire others to look, experience, and be wonderful."
Descended from artisans on all sides of his family tree, Heatwole grew up at the elbow of his father, the noted wood sculptor John L. Heatwole, attending art festivals, exhibitions, and gallery events across the region — including his father’s solo shows at places like Neiman Marcus. While his roots are in painting, he considers himself first and foremost a storyteller, using visual art to spark dialogue around the mysteries, beauty, and meaning of life.
Rather than focusing on imperfection, Heatwole speaks often of witnessing moments of perfection that defy comprehension, and uses his work to explore these moments and invite others to share their own experiences of awe.
Driven by the belief that art can be a transformative societal force, Heatwole founded the Transcendental Arts Council (TAC) — later known as The Arts Collaborative — a nonprofit arts initiative dedicated to "Art for Charity." Though the organization is no longer active, it reflected his enduring commitment to using art as a tool for elevation, healing, and collective growth.
