What an Honor

May 12, 2016

Zahara Bahrami by Tracy Hetzel

During the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Global Drug Policy (April 19-21, 2016) The Museum Of Drug Policy, a pop­up cultural hub that includes an immersive art experience and special live programming, took a look at the impact of current drug policies on populations around the world. The Museum occupied space on Park Avenue for these three days. Through art, conversations and experiential events, the Museum showcased that the moment is now for drug policy reform and that damage caused by the war on drugs is evident across the world.

I had the great honor of being included among the artists that exhibited. My Execution Portrait Series, sponsored by Open Society Foundations, profiled 5 individuals who have been executed because of drug use or distribution. Their stories are heartbreaking and while working on these individuals I couldn’t help but become a bit emotional. My goal was to bring them a voice.

Above is my portrait of Zahara Bahrami.

Andrew Chan and Brian Chambers by Tracy Hetzel

Andrew Chan and Brian Chambers.

Martin Anderson and Myuran Sukumaran by Tracy Hetzel

Martin Anderson and Myuran Sukumaran.

Museum of Drug Policy portraits by Tracy Hetzel

Museum of Drug Policy portraits by Tracy Hetzel

Some pictures from the installation.

Museum of Drug Policy portraits by Tracy Hetzel

My portrait of Zahara Bahrami appeared on the Save the Date for the Event. And was even featured on a Jumbotron in Times Square (can you stand it!).

Portrait by Tracy Hetzel appeared in Times Square

I was even commended by Andrew Cuomo, the Governor of New York.

How he got my married name, I’ll never know…

tracy hetzel certificate of recognition

Don’t Give Up on that Dream

April 28, 2016

wellsville balloon rally poster designs by tracy hetzelChildhood dream realized!

Yeah, baby. Smiling, smiling… I have grown up around hot air balloons. My hometown is famous for them. The Great Wellsville Balloon Rally takes place in my hometown every summer. Seeing them fly overhead hoping they would land in your yard was my inspiration. And when they did, you could help puff out the air from the enormous array of colors right in front of you that you’re actually touching. What could be more glorious for the child in us all?

The Rally has always promoted the event with the most beautiful posters. Year after year, waiting to see what this years would be… For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be THAT ARTIST. I know those posters played a small roll in me wanting to pursue art. Well, my friends, I’m thrilled to announce that this year I was chosen as the Balloon Rally artist! Yay Me!! Above are my poster design options. (I am a graphic artist by day, that’s how I pay the bills, so I threw my talents in for good measure.)

And the winning poster is:

2016 Great Wellsville Balloon Rally poster by Tracy Hetzel

Not the one I would have chosen, but I couldn’t be happier! I can’t wait to be there this summer and see the town a glow with my art! Poster, t-shirts, a trailer wrap! Oh, my… Can’t contain my excitement! Wellsville, here I come!!

Cupcakes are Back!

January 28, 2016

felted cupcakes by tracy hetzel

So cute and unique. A fun and new way to send that special someone a little love. It’s something they won’t expect and not only is is cheaper than sending flowers, it will last forever. So send your special someone a unique gift for their birthday, valentines day or just because.

Felted cupcakes and hearts available in my tworeasons shop.