Heartworks was an idea in 2015 of three members of a local fiber guild: Mary Vogel, Jan Sapp, Jan Sons, and newly retired Susi McClain. They dreamt of a place for local artisans to display and sell their unique creations to others besides their families and friends and offer them to the public on a year round basis. So, they renovated a 1909 downtown building and opened in March of 2016 with over 30 artisans. Knowing that the Big Horn Basin is a fount of so many and so varied talents, they decided to feature work from that area only. Artisans are represented over a broad base: as far north as Billings, MT; as far west as Red Lodge, MT; as far south as Thermopolis and as far east as Ten Sleep, which is the geographical Big Horn Basin.
The ladies came up with the name having a two- fold purpose. Not only is Heart Mountain a feature of their logo, but Heartworks also represents creations made from each artisan’s heart. As customers walk around, many notice the biographies of the artists near their work and often are surprised to see that they are their friends and neighbors.
Heartworks is a store not only for locals, but visitors as well. One can find a unique memento of Wyoming there. It is their hope that Heartworks is a reflection of many of the unique aspects of the Basin and of the community that is Powell.