bringing joy and color through art and design
Artist Bio
HEATHER HARRINGTON | ARTIST AND DESIGNER
Heather Harrington is an artist, designer, and creative entrepreneur living in Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, and three daughters. After leading her own design agency for over 20 years as Creative Director and working with top national brands, Heather transitioned her focus to the fine arts. As the founder of Life and Whim, she now channels her creative energy into painting expressive, vibrant works that bring joy and connection to others.
Heather’s paintings span landscapes, florals, abstracts, and pet portraits, with a style characterized by bold color, intricate patterns, and rich textures. Often inspired by the natural beauty of northern Michigan, she incorporates the region's landscapes and seasonal palettes into her work, using vivid acrylics and mixed media to bring depth and emotion to each piece.
At her studio, Heather offers monthly creative workshops, curating unique experiences for participants to explore their creativity in a welcoming, fun environment. She has also led community projects like the Traverse City Fairy Trails and Traverse City Street Pianos, all aimed at fostering connection and happiness through art.
In addition to her fine art practice, Heather continues to bring her design expertise to custom fabrics, apparel, stationery, and accessories, blending her passion for both art and design.
Artist Statement
My art is a reflection of the beauty and joy I find in the natural world, particularly the landscapes and colors of northern Michigan. Through vibrant palettes and mixed media, I aim to capture the happiness in life’s small, everyday moments. With over 20 years of experience as a Creative Director and designer, I bring an intentional, expressive approach to my paintings, balancing color, texture, and emotion. Whether designing fabrics, apparel, goods, and workshops or painting art, my goal is to inspire creativity and connection—and bring a little whim and a lot of happiness into people's lives.
CV
2024
Creative Thursday Interview, January, online
https://creativethursday.com/blogs/creative-thursday/artist-success-stories-from-courage-to-consistency-with-heather-harrington-joanna-smith-and-marissa-parsons
Record Eagle, June 28, 2024, Traverse City, Michigan
Old Art Building Exhibit, Summer, Leland, Michigan
ArtPrize Artist 2024, September, The Morton Gallery, 55 Ionia Avenue, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Shoutout Michigan, October 2, 2024
https://shoutoutmichigan.com/meet-heather-harrington-artist-and-designer/
Collaboration with Dig Design 1968, Fall
Old Art Building Member Exhibition, October 26, 2024, Leland, Michigan
Canvas Rebel Publication / Interview, December, online
2023
Grand Traverse Women Magazine, Traverse City, Michigan
The Northern Express, The Lost Art of Valentines, Traverse City, Michigan
2022
ArtPrize Artist 2022, Roeda Studio, 1615 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Sunshine & Rainbows Collection, Traverse City, Michigan
Leland Gal, Guest Artist, Leland, Michigan
Opening of Life and Whim Studio on 525 S. Union in Traverse City, Michigan
2021
A Wild Heart Solo Show, Art Shanty, Leland, Michigan
Old Art Building Summer Art Show, Leland, Michigan
2020
Art Shanty, Leland, Michigan
2017
National Writers Series Blog
Illustrated Children’s Book: The Magical Tale of the Fairy Trails, Traverse City, Michigan
2016
Record Eagle, Keys to the city: TC gets first “street piano”, Traverse City, Michigan
Keys to the city: TC gets first 'street piano
