DOWAGIAC, Mich. — Jeff and Theresa Heaton share several passions. Both enjoy creating art. They like to evoke humor and share their comedy, and they like to recycle whenever possible.

The result of these interests can be found in galleries all over the Midwest, and beginning later this month, Dowagiac will be added to the list.

Jeff Heaton is a retired art educator who taught a variety of art subjects including photography, drawing and painting, in Ohio public schools for 31 years.

The art exhibit and sale, “Regenerated Whimsy,” will open Wednesday, Nov. 18.  This show encompasses a collection of collaborative works, from fabric and paper to found objects, and many things in between.

Jeff and Theresa moved to Lawrence, Michigan in 2009 and now operate their home-based “Cheeky Chic-y Studio,” creating fiber and paper upcycled art.

Since arriving in the Great Lakes state, Jeff gradually became more involved in the arts in southwest Michigan.  He was invited to teach as a guest artist at the Box Factory in St. Joseph.  Now he teaches groups of homeschooled students at the St. Joseph studio.

Jeff currently enjoys teaching area classes and workshops, and together with his wife Theresa, have displayed and sold artwork in local galleries, art fairs and exhibits.

“I try to create a safe, fun learning environment, where students are free to be creative,” Jeff said. “I give them an opportunity to explore.”

The Heatons’ passion is collecting and reusing everyday materials in their art.   Jeff gleans a great deal of satisfaction from making something beautiful and functional out of materials that would normally have been thrown away.

Contrastingly, the couple asserts that junk inspires them.  Found items, materials and textures provide inspiration.  Jeff’s work is spontaneous, otherwise “I would lose the fun of it,” Heaton says.  The Heatons’ art is for sale in shops in Three Oaks, Detroit and Dundee, and in Port Clinton in Ohio.

Two main aspects that drive the Heaton’s works are repurposing materials and incorporating elements of humor. Bright, sometimes festive, colors punctuate pieces and generate a fun, playful spirit that they hope viewers will find stimulating.

Jeff’s first entry into the Dogwood “Up Front” Art Walk competition was entitled “Vasa rely Ecology” and was on display at Caruso’s Candy Kitchen in May.   This piece was awarded “Best of Show.”  Cash and a retrospective gallery exhibit were part of the winning purse.  Jeff is excited to share the show with his artistic partner Theresa, whose talents he says add another creative aspect to the materials and vision of their work.

Visitors can meet the artists at a reception in their honor from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 18, at the Dogwood Gallery.

The festival headquarters and gallery are in the Huntington Bank Building at 207 Commercial St.  Works from the show will be on display and available for purchase through Dec. 22.