Press

CE Overview

CE Fact Sheet

Creativity Explored (CE) is a nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art. CE was founded in 1983 by Florence and Elias Katz, on the principle that all people have the ability to create, and that visual artistic expression is a viable means to self-growth. Since that date, people with disabilities working at CE have established themselves as talented artists making significant contributions to the Bay Area arts community.

Studio Artists

• About 125 artists make art in our two studios each year.
• All artists working in our two studios have a developmental disability. Some artists also experience additional disabilities, such as psychiatric and/or physical disabilities.
• Artist ages range from 21 to 80.
• Most artists working in our studios are referred to us by the Golden Gate Regional Center.
• Artists come from around the world and speak a wide variety of languages including Cantonese, Vietnamese, Thai, Farsi, Spanish, Arabic, and American Sign Language. Some do not speak at all and communicate with others using art.

Programs

• Our Creative Arts Program provides artists with developmental disabilities studio space, instruction, materials, and the opportunity to work individually or collaboratively.
• Our Gallery Program assists studio artists to market and exhibit their work in our on-site gallery and in venues throughout the world.
• Our Community Arts Enrichment Program provides visits to Bay Area art galleries, museums, and artists’ studios.
• Our Visiting Artists Program provides studio artists opportunities to work with visiting artists.

Artwork & Art Sales

Original art sale proceeds are split 50/50 between the artists and CE. Artists work in a variety of media and techniques. Figurative and abstract works created by studio artists are diverse, unique and affordable. A wide variety of art, including drawings and paintings, prints, quilts and other fabric arts, ceramics, and assemblage sculpture may be purchased. Artwork ranging from miniature drawings to large scale paintings, and everything in between, is collected by people around the world.

Best Art Gallery

CE’s San Francisco Gallery was voted “Best Art Gallery” by readers of the SF Weekly in 2005 and 2006, and by readers of the San Francisco Bay Guardian in 2006.

Staff & Governance

• CE employs 14 professional working artists, known nationally and internationally, to teach art in our two studios. Additionally, three people work in our gallery and/or provide administrative and studio support.
• CE is a private, nonprofit entity incorporated by the State of California, governed by a 12 member volunteer Board of Directors.
• Our Board of Directors employs an Executive Director who is responsible for carrying out the policies of the Board of Directors, administering agency programs, and managing agency personnel.

Hours

• Visitors are welcome to visit our studios and gallery to meet the artists and experience our unique creative process.
• Studio Hours:
  • Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
• Gallery Hours:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Thursday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Saturday, 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Tours

• We are glad to arrange a tour of our facilities, or interviews with individuals to discuss an exhibition or our programs. It is always best to call ahead to make sure someone will be able to spend time with you. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Facilities

Main Studio, Gallery, & Administrative Offices

• 3245 16th Street, San Francisco CA 94103 (Map)
• (415) 863-2108 Phone
• (415) 863-1655 Fax

• 5200 square feet, accessible
• Multi-media open studio
• Drawing, painting, collage, textiles, assemblage, ceramics, printmaking, fabric art
• Gallery and store front display
• Kiln

Second Studio

• One Arkansas Street, Studio E, San Francisco CA 94107 (Map)
• (415) 863-2946 Phone
• (415) 621-4941 Fax

• 3200 square feet, accessible
• Multi-media open studio
• Drawing, painting, collage, textiles, assemblage, ceramics, animation

# Posted on February 1, 2007