Life & Work with Love Hartfield of Grand Rapids

Today we’d like to introduce you to Love Hartfield.

Hi Love, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
“My body is art” a phrase often used by Love Hartfield, also known as Lux Love, sets the tone for her vibrant, unapologetic approach to creativity. Originally from Detroit and now rooted in Grand Rapids, Lux is a bold abstract artist, curator, and community builder whose work merges personal empowerment with collective healing.

She is the founder of the Grand Rapids Fine Arts Club, a creative haven where local artists gather to collaborate, express, and grow. The club meets once a month, offering artists the opportunity to showcase and sell their work in a supportive environment. If a piece is sold, the artist keeps 100% of the profit ensuring full creative and financial freedom.

Lux is also the visionary behind Drink & Draw LLC, a traveling nude figure drawing experience that champions body positivity, self-love, and awareness around PCOS. More than just a drawing session, Drink & Draw incorporates other creative layers such as live poetry and music creating a fully immersive and expressive environment where art, vulnerability, and celebration intersect.

Whether she’s hosting art events, leading creative gatherings, or encouraging others to own their brilliance, Lux Love continues to leave her mark one bold brushstroke at a time.

Ig: theartist_luxlove
Ig: grandrapidsfineartsclub
Facebook: Drink and Draw Presented By Lux Love

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a creative community in a city like Grand Rapids, which is still overall conservative, has certainly not been easy. I’ve faced a lot of rejection and criticism along the way, particularly when trying to start both Drink & Draw LLC and the Grand Rapids Fine Arts Club. These platforms don’t fit into the traditional mold of what people expect from the art scene here. I’ve been told “no” more times than I can count. I’ve experienced shady remarks, judgmental looks that stem from me being an African American woman. All some people see is my brown face before they even take a moment to experience my vision.

Sometimes, I truly believe I’m overlooked not because of the quality of my work, but because I challenge the idea of what art should be. My art doesn’t always play it safe it makes people think, feel, and step outside of their comfort zones. And unfortunately, that can make some uncomfortable. But that’s the beauty of art it’s supposed to disrupt, provoke, and expand your view. That’s what I stand for, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.

This has never stopped me. My roots go back to the heart of Detroit I’m built to withstand anything. The resilience, grit, and soul of where I come from live in everything I create. I’m here to shift culture, not fit into it.

Another major challenge sometimes has been finding consistent support. While not everyone will see or understand your vision, those who do are gold. However, I’ve been fortunate to find support from amazing local businesses and creative spaces like The Comedy Project, 106 Gallery, Free Alchemy Studio, and MuseGR, and my partner Shi’ Anna Ayala. Their belief in my work has helped me continue pushing forward even when things felt uncertain.

Despite the obstacles, every “no” and moment of doubt has only made me more committed to creating space for underrepresented voices. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been powerful. I’m proud of the movement I’m building, one brushstroke, one event, and one connection at a time.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
With a background in child behavior management and cognitive development, I naturally bring a deep sense of emotional awareness, patience, and people-centered care into everything I do.

Artistically, I specialize in abstract art bold, colorful, and full of texture and emotion. My work is expressive, fluid, and intuitive, often reflecting themes of identity, self-love, and resilience.

I also specialize in curating immersive creative experiences that activate all the senses and leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s through figure drawing, community showcases, or live art sessions, I create space for people to reconnect with art, with themselves, and with each other.

I’m most proud of the Grand Rapids Fine Arts Club, a growing community of artists, and Drink & Draw, a space for people who appreciate the power of self-love and the beauty of all bodies. Both platforms were built to center authenticity, creativity, and connection.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend artistic vision with heart-led leadership. I’m not just here to make art I’m here to make change. My work doesn’t ask for permission; it exists boldly, just like me.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like least is the lack of resources and support from major art platforms and businesses. It would be nice to see them authentically support what I’m doing not just when it’s trendy, but because they genuinely believe in the value of diverse, bold, community-rooted work. I’ve been overlooked, told “no,” and made to feel like I don’t fit into the mold of what art is “supposed” to be. But instead of letting that stop me, I continue to focus on the local businesses and people who are truly committed to building with me. Their support is real and that’s what keeps me going.

What I like the most about Grand Rapids is the hidden creative magic that exists here. There’s a real sense of possibility. Once you find your people, there’s a beautiful sense of community and collaboration. I’ve met some incredibly talented, passionate artists, and there’s a quiet power in the way we support each other and build together. When people believe in you here, they really believe in you and that kind of support means everything.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartist_luxlove/profilecard/?igsh=cXNmbDMwMGJzeTZm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1QnPffDGrH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/grandrapidsfineartsclub?igsh=MWFiOHZzMHU5eTljOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr