What Does Heart of Chaos Mean?
The name Heart of Chaos comes from discoveries in quantum physics about the nature of chaotic systems. By tracking an open, chaotic system long enough over time, interestingly it does not break down as was once expected, but reveals instead a unique (to that system) image. This hidden image of wholeness resides at the heart or center of chaos and is called a strange chaotic attractor because it has the power to align and propel the whole system toward a higher level of order.

People and particularly those whose creativity dominates their mind and heart struggle to bring forth their vision and often appear to flounder in this process. Despite their outwardly chaotic journey, however, they have a hidden wholeness, an innate image or mark of character that seeks to guide and shape them from within. Heart of Chaos and its parent Catalyst for Youth tends the fire of their creativity in a myriad of ways, never missing a chance to mirror their gifts back to them and articulate their vision as they move toward
personal power, confidence and authentic authority.

Growing Artisan Collective
Our artisan collective is a growing group of dynamic and wildly creative people of all mediums. We have put on many solo, group and community exhibits as well as San Jose's 1st and 2nd Annual Chalk Art Festival.  In addition to group exhibits and events we host monthly solo exhibits at Gardner Community Center, South First Billiards and Riga's European Café and Bakery, check out our upcoming events.  For information about how your company can become a venue for monthly solo exhibits please visit the partners section. If you are an artist and are interested in HOC opportunities click here to view our current calls for artists. Heart of Chaos artists also collaborate on different art projects, check out the latest group mural project titled the Darfur Peace Mural. The next project will take place at the 2008 Let the Children Play Music Festival where we will paint live murals to auction off and benefit Feed the Children.

Heart of Chaos Today & Plans for the Future
Heart of Chaos, is rooted in the bay area and run by volunteers. Our artisan collective spans the world through our Virtual Gallery. We inspire youth through our Community Outreach Task Force and provide mentorship to young artists through our Heart of Kids Youth Artisan Collective.  Plans are underway for an artist run gallery and training center in Downtown San Jose, CA to provide art classes and workshops for the community. A vocational component to our plans includes a youth employment program, graphic design firm (see On the Edge Design) and print shop, a music production company and one stop shop for all emerging artists promotion and marketing needs.

Heart of Chaos relies on donations to fund its exhibits and events. Find out how you can contribute.

Heart of Chaos Free Artisan Membership
Heart of Chaos membership is free and is open to all artists of all mediums throughout the entire planet earth.  To join Heart of Chaos sign up for our free e-bulletin and participate in any of our numerous calls for artists and/or register for our free Virtual Gallery.  HOC artists are also offered the opportunity to exhibit on a solo or duo basis at any of our current monthly exhibit venues.  We encourage our performance artists (i.e. slam poets, musicians, djs and dancers) to perform live at our exhibits and events.  If you are interested in performing please contact jen@heartofchaos.net. Check out testimonials from our members to see how we have helped local artists.

Co-Director, Miguel Machuca, provides art instruction to incarcerated youth at San Jose's Juvenile Hall

Community Outreach Task Force
Heart of Chaos has a Community Outreach Task Force that teaches weekly art classes in Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall.  We provide 2,250 units of service per year to incarcerated youth. We invite guest artists to teach in the program. For more information about the HOC task force and to learn how you can volunteer or contribute click here.