Creativity Explored is excited to co-present the exhibition Feeling Language curated by Kate Laster and Julio Rodriguez, with NIAD Art Center and the Kala Institute. This show features new works by over 30 artists, the majority from NIAD Art Center, with additional artists from Hospitality House’s Community Arts Program and Creative Growth.
May 17th - August 9, 2025
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 17, 1 - 4 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, August 9, 12 - 4 pm.
Feeling Language examines comfort and power in text, writing, reading, sharing and communications. In the words by the curators, “this show is all about comfort text: resilience in everyday words, writing, and reading. Expression can also be wordless, the use of line and color as new vocabulary, pushing a thought out onto a surface, making marks and continuously trying to communicate with the world. We tell stories to sustain ourselves and find each other. These messages embedded in art become an emotional telegram – a signal flare with a flame of memory trailing behind it. Feeling Language encompasses books, lists, slogans, language, gesture, touch and the trust given in sharing.”
All of these artists’ practices embody yearning, text, and transmission of ideas.
Featured Creativity Explored Artists: John Patrick McKenzie and Dorris Yen
NIAD Artists: Heather Copus, Luis Estrada, Shantae Robinson, Shana Harper, Rebecca Jantzen, Deatra Colbert Karen May, Halisi Noel-Johnson, Michael Nuñez, Dorian Reid, Peter Harris, Shawn Sanders, Jason Powell-Smith, Ann Meade, Nathan Lam
Community Arts Program Artists: Gigot, Anthony Morrison
Creative Growth Artists: Karen Ridge, Alex Schaffer
Posthumously Included: Louie Spagnola (NIAD Artist), Mireya Betances (NIAD Artist), Sara Malpass (NIAD Artist), Cameron Kim (CAP Artist), Ronnie Goodman (CAP Artist)
Guest Artists: Abby Gregg, Alex Lukas, Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo, Negash Asegde, Steph Kudisch, Mitsuko Brooks, Ocean Escalanti, Jer Garver
Installation photos by Ben Johnson.Related Events
Community Workshop// SONG NEST: collaborative visual songwriting with Abby Gregg.
Saturday, May 17th at 1 pm.
During the opening reception, interdisciplinary musician and artist Abby Gregg will perform original music, talk about the connection between image-making and songwriting, and facilitate the creation of a collective song. Participants are encouraged to draw while listening. Through the improvised discovery of words, textures, and sounds, participants will combine sonic ideas and listen deeply with one another. Open to all ages. There will be a recorded mix of the collaborative song.
About Kala
Kala Art Institute is a nonprofit arts organization and community hub in West Berkeley supporting artistic experimentation through residencies, exhibitions, public programs, and over 100 workshops annually. Serving 175 artists-in-residence and 2,500 youth each year, Kala offers access to professional studios, digital labs, and hands-on education for all ages. Now in its 51st year, Kala continues its mission to foster creativity and community in a 15,200 sq. ft. facility in the historic Heinz building. Learn more at kala.org.