This image captures a vibrant group of people gathered inside an art studio. The studio is spacious and well-lit, featuring a high ceiling supported by metal beams and dotted with skylights. The setting is lively and creative, with art materials, paintings, and sculptures visible around the room. The group consists of diverse individuals, including those with and without disabilities, representing a wide range of ages and backgrounds. They are posed for a group photo, smiling and looking directly at the camera, exuding a sense of community and collaboration.
Creative Growth is a non-profit organization based in Oakland, California that advances the inclusion of artists with developmental disabilities in contemporary art and strengthens community by providing a supportive studio environment and gallery representation.
Founded in 1974, Creative Growth has been a pioneering force in the arts and disabilities sector, establishing a model for creative communities where art is an essential form of communication accessible to all. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, Creative Growth has partnered with SFMOMA to present a landmark exhibition showcasing half a century of artistic achievement and innovation.
From the first day Creative Growth started in the East Bay home of Elias Katz and Florence Ludins-Katz, the vision was clear. Art would be the path forward for people with disabilities to express themselves and a professional gallery would exhibit their work.
The Creative Growth Studio is home to over 140 artists who work in a variety of media. Facilitated by professional artists, the studio provides artistic support, high-quality materials, and space for painting, drawing, ceramics, woodwork, fiber arts, printmaking, and digital media. The studio is an open space, converted 12,000 square foot former auto repair shop.
The Creative Growth Gallery exhibits and promotes Creative Growth artists by placing their work in major collections and institutions worldwide. It presents public exhibitions in the Oakland gallery and represents Creative Growth artists at national and international art fairs every year.
As a non-profit gallery, all artwork sales directly support the artists and Creative Growth, which uses the proceeds to purchase materials and keep the program running. Artwork made at Creative Growth has been acquired by prominent collections worldwide, including MoMA, SFMOMA, the Smithsonian, the Studio Museum of Harlem, Collection de L’Art Brut, American Folk Art Museum, and The Museum of Everything.
Art collectors and donors are a critical part of the Creative Growth community. Art sales and individual giving make up the majority of Creative Growth’s funding, allowing us to to sustain the high quality level of materials and support in the studio and to continue to exhibit the artists’ work locally, nationally, and internationally.