Erin Hardin was born in Milwaukee, WI, but grew up in Memphis, TN.  She came to Birmingham, AL for school in 1999 and has been here ever since. She received a BA in Sociology from Samford University and an M.Ed. with a concentration in Counseling from the University of Montevallo. She worked with children and teenagers on the autism spectrum at Mitchell's Place in Birmingham until 2009. Currently, in addition to working as an artist, Erin works and volunteers with VSA Arts of Alabama.

            Erin did not discover her passion for painting and creating until 2007. She began experimenting with acrylics and mixed-media, creating large, dreamlike images that have been presented in various shows around town. She now works almost exclusively in oils. Her current interest (ie. obsession) is painting realistic pictures of reflective metal objects on metal and wood supports that she creates herself. Erin is so excited to get to be a part of Heads Up, Alabama and to be able to combine creativity with her interest in and knowledge of mental health.