Heather Gentile Collins
Heather Gentile Collins is an artist who works with people all over the world, but whose heart is firmly rooted in Chicago. She is a 1992 graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and lives with her family in Roscoe Village.
Heather’s true passion is creating works of art with deep personal meaning. Whether she is working on fine art commissioned by an individual seeking something enlightening for their home or public murals, Heather’s message comes first. Heather’s public murals include many restaurants, businesses, and even some that embody the spirit of a community, like the the 150-foot double-sided mural on the Welcome to Roscoe Village Bridge, a career highlight.
She and her work have been featured on many times on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Nate Berkus Show as well as Art Beat Chicago and Fox News. Many of these segments interview and follow Heather as does what she does best: creating a custom mural for a client and working through the challenge of bringing the things they love to life through paint.
Retailers have always been drawn to Heather’s work. Her artistry made the Henri Bendel windows on North Michigan Avenue a must-see not only during the holiday season, but all year long.
Heather is devoted to inspiring and encouraging children. She has a wonderful line of children’s canvases sold in retailers and creates dream nurseries, bedrooms and playrooms with her residential children’s murals.
Her philosophy is that having uplifting art visible everyday changes the attitude, moods and welfare of those who see it.
Naturally, schools from coast-to-coast are drawn to this idea and Heather’s murals now inspire students from Los Angeles, California to Rye, New York and many points in-between.
Heather’s prints are best sellers for Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen and Restoration Hardware and she has created collections for Kohl’s. These collaborations have allowed her to bring positive messages to many more people. Those who own a piece of her original artwork enjoy something that is not only beautiful, but that brings positive energy to their lives and environment.
