News

A Promising Year

Director’s Corner

This year produced remarkable results for Creativity Explored studio artists. The range of individual artwork broadened significantly, projects and exhibitions were outstanding, and we were able to reach new audiences, both locally and nationally. Importantly, our audience has responded not only to the quality and breadth of the artwork by purchasing work by studio artists, but to our advocacy efforts on behalf of artists with disabilities. The number of people believing in our work and donating to the organization increased significantly, enabling us to plan some exciting projects for 2004. We sincerely thank our donors for their support.

In December, Michael Bernard Loggin’s “Fears of Your Life” was published in hardback edition by Manic D Press. We appreciate Jennifer Josephs, publisher, for recognizing the importance and relevancy of Loggins’ words, and for taking the risk to publish and nationally distribute this quirky, albeit absolutely delightful, book.

As you may be aware, public appreciation of art by artists without formal training, sometimes referred to as outsider art, has increased sharply in the last decade. Three Creativity Explored artists, John McKenzie, James Miles and Douglas Sheran, were represented at the New York 2004 Outsider Art Fair in late January by Lorri Berenberg, Berenberg Gallery in Boston. Outsider art collectors and lovers attending this exhibition in 2003 learned firsthand about several artists working in our studios. This year’s repeat participation reinforced the growing recognition of the talents of artists with disabilities working in our studios. Creativity Explored continues to assist some member artists to realize art as a viable career path and to market their work nationally and internationally.

2004 project plans include relocating our second studio space, lighting the 16th Street storefront, building a “documentation room”, and purchasing equipment to efficiently develop digital portfolios of artists’ work. We will also produce a catalogue to share the work of Creativity Explored artists with the rest of the world. Additionally, the Creativity Explored Steele Art Collection, made possible by donors to the Charles Sean Steele Exhibition Fund, is in the final stages of completion. A digital version of this “semi-permanent” travelling collection will be mounted on our website in early 2004.

About 70% of the funding to operate Creativity Explored comes from the state of California through our contract with Golden Gate Regional Center. As you are undoubtedly aware, significant cuts in services to people with developmental disabilities have been, and will continue to be, discussed as the governor and legislature attempt to bring state spending in line with state income. We’ll keep you informed as plans to reduce spending unfold, and let you know how you can help us to advocate to minimize harm to people needing state-funded community support services. We appreciate advocacy efforts on the behalf of people with disabilities, and invite you to speak out! If you are interested in learning ways you can get involved, please do not hesitate to call.

A promising year lies ahead! Thank you!

Amy Taub
Executive Director

# Posted on February 27, 2004