Executive Director Amy Taub on stage at Art Changes Lives 2017. Photo: Frank Revi

Art Changes Lives 2017: a rousing success!

On April 13, 370 of Creativity Explored's community members joined us at the Four Seasons Hotel for a celebration of our accomplishments and a toast to our future at Art Changes Lives 2017.

Our generous supporters helped us raise $260,000!

The evening was particularly special as it marked Amy Taub’s final gala as Executive Director as she is retiring at the end of June after 18 years at Creativity Explored. Board member Ruth Berson, Studio Director Paul Moshammer, and Visual Arts Instructor and Services Coordinator Pilar Olabarria all made heartfelt speeches honoring Taub's leadership. Larry Rinder, Director of the Berkeley Art Museum spoke, too, thanking Taub, who ”has given her heart to this work and built Creativity Explored into a radically new model for a transformative, inclusive, and sustainable artistic community. Amy’s clear understanding, deep soul, and sensitivity anchors the subtle yet tremendously powerful work of the Creativity Explored studios,” Rinder said.

The festivities were also enlivened by the presence of several Creativity Explored artists, made possible by five generous individuals who sponsored tickets and tables for artists, caregivers, and teachers to join the party, too!

Artist Gerald Wiggins shared:
"I liked the event, it was really cool. It was fun looking at all the artwork and looking at all the people. I was a star for the day!"

Artist Loren King reflected:
“They looked at my art, and I told them that I am the artist. It felt good!”

Artist Vincent Jackson expounded:
"The event was wonderful and I'm glad there were a lot of people there. I am glad we had donors to sponsor some of the artists so we could join the dinner. It was an amazing experience for me and for my uncle to be there with me. It was very important to be there and people really liked my art. I was telling people, don't be afraid to bid!"

And artist Lance Rivers concluded:
"I enjoyed it, it was fun, good food. People were nice. My favorite part was the view outside and the building. Thank you!"

We are deeply grateful for the support of our generous community that enables us to keep innovating in the field of arts and disability. Because of our donors, Creativity Explored artists transform their lives through art each and every day.

Join our donor community here. Art changes lives! YOU can, too!

See additional photos from the event on SF Magazine.

Art Changes lives 2017 was made possible by our many generous sponsors:

Lead Sponsors
Gail McCabe
Webcor Builders

Business Sponsors
Cahill Contractors
CRI
Forest City Realty
gb | architecture + design
Larry & Sergio Nibbi

Artist Sponsors
Ruth Berson
Teri Hauswirth
Hannah Kahn
Gregory Price & Wayne Osborne
Jasen Bohlander

Individual Table Sponsors
Edward Baba & George Bradley
Lynne Blair
Emily Dubin & Chris Russell
Bari & Frank Havlik
Bari Havlik / Mary Coughlin
Craig Hazenfield & Ralph Scala
John Jordan & Jessa Chin
Hannah Kahn
Tancredi Mauro & Jeannette Revel-Mauro
Michael Moore
Chris Ospital / Kris Twining
David Prowler & Simone Perez
Dave & Jean Rozzi
Jeff Spicer & Eric Mann / Jeannine Merritt-Elzey
Meg Spriggs
Gargi Talukder
Sam Tripodi & Matt Rolandson
Charles & Cheryl Ward

Beverage Sponsors
Sierra Nevada
Sonoma Cutrer wines and Korbel champagne provided by Laurie Ochs

In-Kind Sponsors
Cala Restaurant
de Young Museum
The Progress
Trick Dog

Artist Loren King and his sister Alice Bull encouraging bidding at the silent auction. Photo: Frank Revi

Board Secretary Hannah Kahn and Rue Mapp. Photo: Frank Revi

Kenny Caldwell eyes a piece by Thomas Pringle. Photo: Frank Revi

Guests enjoying the silent auction and cocktail hour, including popular artwork Animals I Love by Zachary Adams, mixed media on paper, 22 x 33 inches. © 2016 Creativity Explored Licensing, LLC. Photo: Frank Revi

David Nakabayashi and Tara Kanutson. Photo: Frank Revi

Gallery Manager Amy Auerbach and Artist Lance Rivers during the silent auction. Photo: Frank Revi

Artists Gerald Wiggins and Vincent Jackson sharing dinner with other ACL guests. Photo: Frank Revi

Board Vice-President Edward Baba and husband George Bradley

Board member Jeannine Merritt-Elzey. Photo: Frank Revi

Board member Clair Bright and Pat Patricelli. Photo: Frank Revi

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