Hearts Unknown Education (HÚE)
Hearts Unknown Education (HÚE), 184 Franklin Avenue, Bend, NE 97701
About
Hearts Unknown Education (HÚE) is a nonprofit program that focuses on what it calls “creative wellness,” offering art, free expression, meditation, somatic breath work, music, and, in the future, dance and theatre. The program offers free art classes that go beyond the canvas and includes a range of creative activities in a setting that emphasizes freedom of expression, unconditional positive regard, and community.
• Price: All of HÚE's classes are free.
Hearts Unknown Education (HÚE) states that it helps guide and support young people who are struggling emotionally through its creative wellness offerings in a safe and caring environment. The organization describes itself as dedicated to creating a world where every young person has the resources and a safe place to work through their anxiety and thrive, and it states a belief in the transformative power of creative expression as a healthy outlet for processing big emotions. HÚE is described as a space where kids can find peace in community and creativity, grow their confidence, and have a touch point to other mental health resources in Bend.
The leadership team includes Nicola Carpinelli (Co-founder, Executive Director), Bruce Abernethy (Board President), Dr. Maya Heck (Board of Directors), Deb Stone (Advisory Board), Dr. Howard Asher (Cofounder, Advisory Board), Stephanie Sahleen (Advisory Board), and Bonnie Love (Advisory Board). Bruce Abernethy is currently working as the Grant writer for the Bend-La Pine School District and has served on the Bend City Council for 12 years and the COCC Board for 12 years, along with numerous other nonprofit organizations that address youth development, homelessness, and mental health. Dr. Maya Heck is an adult, child and adolescent board certified psychiatrist.
HÚE describes every person involved with the program as kind, compassionate, and accepting, and notes that artists, therapists, and educators volunteer their expertise and compassion. Community members support HÚE through donations of money, art supplies, snacks, and food, and by volunteering. HÚE is open to learning about and offering new potential classes if volunteers step up to lead them.
One young person, Jasper, describes the community at HÚE as accepting, kind, and caring, and says that the people there have helped during very difficult times. A HÚE parent states that HÚE makes a huge difference in the way their son feels about himself and his art, and describes how attending classes at HÚE coincided with changes after he shared feelings of sadness and thoughts of self-harm at age 12. Another HÚE parent notes that their son now seems to have more confidence and is excited about spending time with other kids and going to school. Deb Stone, LCSW, from Deschutes County Behavioral Health, says that kids need to know they are seen, heard, and understood, and describes HÚE as a place where kids have access to creative expression that is not judged or tested, with a canvas, limitless paper, and bottomless paint, and where participation is not based on performance.
Last updated December 27, 2025.
• Price: All of HÚE's classes are free.
Hearts Unknown Education (HÚE) states that it helps guide and support young people who are struggling emotionally through its creative wellness offerings in a safe and caring environment. The organization describes itself as dedicated to creating a world where every young person has the resources and a safe place to work through their anxiety and thrive, and it states a belief in the transformative power of creative expression as a healthy outlet for processing big emotions. HÚE is described as a space where kids can find peace in community and creativity, grow their confidence, and have a touch point to other mental health resources in Bend.
The leadership team includes Nicola Carpinelli (Co-founder, Executive Director), Bruce Abernethy (Board President), Dr. Maya Heck (Board of Directors), Deb Stone (Advisory Board), Dr. Howard Asher (Cofounder, Advisory Board), Stephanie Sahleen (Advisory Board), and Bonnie Love (Advisory Board). Bruce Abernethy is currently working as the Grant writer for the Bend-La Pine School District and has served on the Bend City Council for 12 years and the COCC Board for 12 years, along with numerous other nonprofit organizations that address youth development, homelessness, and mental health. Dr. Maya Heck is an adult, child and adolescent board certified psychiatrist.
HÚE describes every person involved with the program as kind, compassionate, and accepting, and notes that artists, therapists, and educators volunteer their expertise and compassion. Community members support HÚE through donations of money, art supplies, snacks, and food, and by volunteering. HÚE is open to learning about and offering new potential classes if volunteers step up to lead them.
One young person, Jasper, describes the community at HÚE as accepting, kind, and caring, and says that the people there have helped during very difficult times. A HÚE parent states that HÚE makes a huge difference in the way their son feels about himself and his art, and describes how attending classes at HÚE coincided with changes after he shared feelings of sadness and thoughts of self-harm at age 12. Another HÚE parent notes that their son now seems to have more confidence and is excited about spending time with other kids and going to school. Deb Stone, LCSW, from Deschutes County Behavioral Health, says that kids need to know they are seen, heard, and understood, and describes HÚE as a place where kids have access to creative expression that is not judged or tested, with a canvas, limitless paper, and bottomless paint, and where participation is not based on performance.
Last updated December 27, 2025.
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