July 15 through September 23, 2010--Opening party August 12, 5-8pm

Creative Growth Art Center announces its upcoming exhibition Love is A Stranger, a project conceived by writer and curator Leigh Markopoulos. Love is A Stranger features artwork that explores sublimated desire by an international group of artists including many currently working in the Creative Growth studio.

Love is A Stranger features works by an international group of renowned outsider artists, many of whom are being seen on the West Coast for the first time—Margit Madsen, Johann Korec, Malcolm Mckesson, Karl Vondal, and Anna Zemankova. Including Creative Growth artists: Juan Aguilera, Sherrie Aradanas, Cedric Johnson, Dwight Mackintosh, Charles Nagle, Aurie Ramirez, Kartika Reddy, and Ron Veasey.

The exhibition focuses on graphic and sculptural expressions of sublimated or suppressed desire and the artworks range from the delicately erotic fantasy-blooms of Czech artist Anna Zemankova (1908–1988), to the cool, haunting, bondage-related scenarios of Malcolm McKesson (New York, 1909–1999), and the exuberant mint-green and pink pop-couplings of Creative Growth’s Aurie Ramirez.

More often coded rather than explicit, and suggestive rather than documentary, even overt representations of sexuality, such as in the work of Karl Vondal (b. 1953, Austria), retain a certain wistful naivety. Often ambiguous images are paired with hand-written texts, as in the works of both Johann Korec (Austria, 1937–2008) and Dwight McKintosh (Creative Growth artist, 1906–1999), sometimes the narratives dictate how the images are to be perceived at others they are more poetic or rhythmic, adding dynamism to the compositions. The human body is celebrated and explored in the fairly realistic figures in the work of Danish artist Margit “Gitte” Madsen whose work pays tribute to renowned Danish artist Michael Kvium. Interestingly, the sculptural works included are more abstract in their intentions, deriving their eroticism often from the repetitive, tactile nature of their construction and their forms, as is evident in Charles Nagle’s coil pots.

Guest curator Markopoulos notes, “the subject of eroticism in outsider art has remained largely unexplored, which while not surprising does feel like something of a missed opportunity given the wealth of material and imagery. My thinking about this exhibition began with Malcolm McKesson’s extraordinarily beautiful and melancholy drawings, and quickly expanded to encompass a range of expression and media. Made as expressions of intensely personal fantasies or yearnings, the point is not to shock, but rather to show the diverse forms that love can take.”

Also: The launch of new clothing from the Fall/Winter 2010 line of Creative Growth for Everybody, available on site, in the Creative Growth shop.

WHAT: Love is A Stranger. An exhibition curated by Leigh Markopoulos, Chair, Curatorial Practice MA Program, California College of the Arts, San Francisco.

WHEN: Exhibition and opening event, Thursday, August 12, 2010 from 5:00-8:00pm. Gallery event is free and open to the public. On view from August 12 – September 23, 2010. Also open Saturday, August 15, 11am-4pm.

WHERE: Creative Growth Art Center Gallery, 355 24th St. Oakland, CA 94612 (near 19th St. BART)

PUBLIC INFO: For more information call 510/836-2340 ext.15

PRESS PREVIEW: August 11, by appointment

IMAGES UPON REQUEST: jennifer@creativegrowth.org

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jennifer O’Neal, Curator / Gallery Manager:
jennifer@creativegrowth.org

Tom di Maria, Director:
tom@creativegrowth.org



Régis-R in his studio, Paris
Photo: Justin Westover

June 4 through July 23, 2010--Opening party, June 4, 5:00-8:00pm

Creative Growth Art Center announces its upcoming exhibition: Straight to the Bone, artwork made during a Creative Growth studio workshop with Paris-based visiting artist Régis-R. June 4 through July 23, 2010.

Régis-R, “The Prince of Plastic,” will join Creative Growth as a visiting studio artist for the month of May. During Régis’ time at Creative Growth, he will bring his practice of sculptural “object sampling” to the Bay Area---scavenging recycling bins and dumpsters for discarded colorful “American” plastic (the colors are vastly different from the plastic found in his native France). Past endeavors have transformed found materials into chandeliers as large as those at Versailles—an homage to discarded, everyday objects, one that pays tribute to the pop art of Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg.

Régis’ eco-conscious aesthetic and obsession with post-consumer materials will be put to use in creating on-site, sculptural works--artwork with a message about excessive consumerism, ingenuity and “getting to the center” of what creating is all about.

Régis has contributed his sculpture and drawings to public spaces (including a recent noteworthy permanent installation at Mama Shelter hotel, Paris) designed by Philippe Starck, and has been celebrated in Paris with an exhibition at The Pompidou Centre.

Creative Growth Director, Tom di Maria shares, “One major highlight of Creative Growth’s Paris gallery presence has been the opportunity to meet local artists like Régis.”  DiMaria adds, “We are delighted to bring a French artist to the Bay Area. Régis’ enthusiasm for ecology, California culture, and genuine interest in Creative Growth’s mission offers an exciting partnership for our artists and our organization.”

WHAT: Straight to the Bone

WHEN: Exhibition and event, Friday, June 4, 2010 from 5:00-8:00pm. Gallery event is free and open to the public. Also open Saturday, June 5, 11am to 4pm. On view from June 4 through July 23, 2010.

WHERE: Creative Growth Art Center Gallery,
355 24th St., Oakland, CA 94612, (near 19th St. BART)

PUBLIC INFO: For more information call 510/836-2340 ext.15

PRESS PREVIEW: Thursday, June 3, by appointment

IMAGES UPON REQUEST: jennifer@creativegrowth.org

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jennifer O’Neal, Curator / Gallery Manager: jennifer@creativegrowth.org, Tom di Maria, Director: tom@creativegrowth.org

Honoring our annual spring tradition Creative Growth presents, Sprung! The Home Show an exhibition celebrating the official “busting out” of winter hibernation. Sprung features artwork focused on animal themes, along with one-of-a-kind functional art for your very own habitat: Drawings, paintings, textiles, wood, ceramics, furniture, prints, phenomenal paper mache masks, sound sculpture, and more, all made by Creative Growth artists!

WHAT: SPRUNG! The Home Show

WHEN: Exhibition and event, Thursday, April 15, 2:00-5:00pm for members and from 5:00-8:00pm for general public. Gallery event is free and open to the public. Also open Saturday, April 17, 11am to 4pm. On view, from April 15 to May 21, 2010.

WHERE: Creative Growth Art Center Gallery,
355 24th St., Oakland, CA 94612, (near 19th St. BART)

PUBLIC INFO: For more information call 510/836-2340 ext.15

PRESS PREVIEW: Wednesday, April 14, by appointment

IMAGES UPON REQUEST: jennifer@creativegrowth.org

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jennifer O”Neal, Curator / Gallery Manager: jennifer@creativegrowth.org
Tom di Maria, Director: tom@creativegrowth.org

About Creative Growth Art Center

Creative Growth Art Center serves adult artists with developmental, mental and physical disabilities, providing a stimulating environment for artistic instruction, gallery promotion and personal expression. Artwork fostered in this unique environment is included in prominent collections and museums worldwide.

Contacts:
Jennifer O”Neal / Tom diMaria
Creative Growth Art Center
510.836.2340 x15
jennifer@creativegrowth.org
tom@creativegrowth.org


William Scott, Kings, 2010 Watercolor on Paper 

In conjunction with the Alameda Arts Commission and as part of a countywide celebration during national arts education month, Art IS Education brings together Oakland neighbors: Rock Paper Scissors Collective, 21 Grand and Creative Growth Art Center to present a special event during Oakland Art Murmur.  This event explores the power of youth and community-based art as well as the heroes in our lives and our art community. 

Creative Growth Art Center will feature postcard art, text based art and an interactive mail art project—MAIL US YOUR ARTWORK ON A POSTCARD, for inclusion in the exhibition. Mail postcard to: 355 24^th Street, Oakland CA 94612 attn: Gallery

Also in the gallery a night of music performance featuring the solid rhythms and experimental practices of WOOM, and the beautiful, heartfelt rock n' roll of All Smiles, the solo project of Jim Fairchild of Modest Mouse. DJ set by DJ Disco Duck (aka Creative Growth artist Gerone Spruill).

March 5 - April 5, 2010

_____________________________________________ 

EVERYONE!
Artwork by every artist currently working at Creative Growth
Selected by Matthew Higgs and the Creative Growth gallery
January 28 - February 24, 2010 

WHEN: Exhibition and opening event , Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 5:00-8:00pm. Gallery event is free and open to the public. Also open Saturday, January 30,11am to 4 pm. On view from January 28 – February 24, 2010

WHERE: Creative Growth Art Center Gallery, 355 24^th St., Oakland, CA 94612, (near 19^th St. BART)

Creative Growth is honored to be working with Matthew Higgs, Director/Chief Curator, White Columns, New York and long-time supporter of Creative Growth artists. Everyone! features over 130 works made by Creative Growth artists and will include each and every artist currently enrolled in the 35 year-old studio program, the oldest and largest art studio for adults with disabilities in the world.

Creative Growth director, Tom di Maria points out, “Matthew Higgs’ proposal of choosing one work of art from each artist in the Creative Growth studio has introduced a new challenge to the process of choosing artwork for exhibition, and is reflective of his unrivaled support for working artists.” As this exhibition will include only one piece of each artists’ work, the challenge is to represent the individual artist and the totality of the Creative Growth program, simultaneously.

“Matthew’s simple exhibition concept becomes profoundly more complex,” said di Maria. “In a studio program for 130 artists his concept pushes our collective thinking about artistic excellence, inclusion and community.”

Guest curator and collaborator Higgs shares, "Working with Creative Growth, its artists and staff, over the past seven years has fundamentally changed the way I approach both art and exhibition making. Creative Growth is perhaps the most visionary arts organization I have ever encountered: it's grass-roots approach to encouraging and supporting the creative process forcefully reminds us of the real potential for art, at a local, national, and international level. Everyone! is an exhibition that includes work by every artist currently working at Creative Growth, it is a celebration of the ongoing collective spirit and enterprise that unfolds every day in Creative Growth's open studio spaces."

WHEN: Exhibition and opening event , Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 5:00-8:00pm. Gallery event is free and open to the public. Also open Saturday, January 30,11am to 4 pm. On view from January 28 – February 24, 2010

WHERE: Creative Growth Art Center Gallery, 355 24^th St., Oakland, CA 94612, (near 19^th St. BART)

HOLIDAY PROJECT
Friday, December 4, 5:00-8pm (become a member for early entry!)

Celebrate local, community made artwork and shop for the holidays--Creative Growth style! Premier of the Creative Growth for Marc Jacobs Pop-Up Shop, and music by the legendary Tommy Guerrero!

November 4, 2009 — OAKLAND, CA — Creative Growth Art Center today announces its upcoming exhibition and studio sale: Holiday Project, December 4, 2009 – January 14, 2010.

Creative Growth’s holiday exhibition and studio sale has become a much-anticipated Bay Area tradition, one held in high regard by art collectors and holiday shoppers alike. This year’s exhibition highlights the work made during Creative Growth artist collaborations with guest contemporary artists: Kathleen Henderson, Meagan Donegan, Ed Musante, Jessica Dasher, Livia Stein, Sas Colby, Paper Magazine and more.

Holiday Project includes artwork for sale made in drawing, ceramics, rugs, woodwork, prints, cigar box art, sculpture and textiles. With one of a kind holiday cards, art books, t-shirts, watches AND the premier of the Creative Growth for Marc Jacobs Pop-Up-Shop, with limited edition bags direct from the 2009 fundraiser and collaboration with the internationally acclaimed Marc Jacobs design house.

Also included as part of this evening-long event: don’t miss the chance to catch a rare, East Bay performance by (skateboarding legend!) blues musician Tommy Guerrero. Seasonal, locally sourced food and drinks provided by B Restaurant, Oakland.

The line around the block on December 4^th is made up of Creative Growth members ensuring themselves early, 5:00pm entry and first dibs at the artwork and deals inside. Become a member (at creativegrowth.org) to secure your own early entry to the event, as well as a 10% discount, and support the good work being done by this 35-year-old non-profit and celebrated local treasure. Doors open to the general public at 5:30pm.

WHAT: Holiday Project: Creative Growth Annual Exhibition and Studio Sale

WHEN: Exhibition and event, Friday, December 4, 2009 from 5:00-8:00pm. Gallery event is free and open to the public. Also open Saturday, December 5, 12 and 9^th, 11am to 4pm. On view from December 4, 2009 – January 14, 2010

WHERE: Creative Growth Art Center Gallery,
355 24^th St., Oakland, CA 94612, (near 19^th St. BART)
Regular Gallery Hours: 11:00 am – 4:30 pm, M-F

CONTACT: jennifer@creativegrowth.org / tom@creativegrowth.org

PAST EXHIBITIONS:

AROUND THE CORNER, AROUND THE WORLD:
CREATIVE GROWTH AT THIRTY-FIVE

For more than three decades, Creative Growth Art Center has worked to support artists with disabilities, and introduce visionary artwork to the world.

STREET PARTY AND EXHIBITION:
Friday, October 2, 5:00-8:00pm
Live music by The Crooked Jades and The Bilenky that Bumps (a cargo bike sound system)
Food and drink provided by Oakland’s “B” Restaurant and Bar.

Also open Saturday, October 3, 11am to 4pm

On view from October 2 – November 20, 2009.

Creative Growth Art Center Gallery,
355 24th St., Oakland, CA 94612, (near 19th St. BART)
For more information call 510/836-2340 ext.15


September 1, 2009 — OAKLAND, CA — Creative Growth Art Center announces its upcoming exhibition, Around the Corner, Around the World: Creative Growth at Thirty-five, October 2 – November 20, 2009.

Widely celebrated by the international art world, Creative Growth’s upcoming exhibition and event commemorates thirty-five years of supporting artists with disabilities, as well as the phenomenal artwork that has been made in Creative Growth’s Oakland studio.

Around the Corner, Around the World will acknowledge Creative Growth’s early years of art making, including work by Dwight Mackintosh, Judith Scott, Nelson Tygart, Lolita Triplette, William Tyler, Dan Hamilton, Kerry Damianakes, John Martin, Charles Nagle, Terri Bowden, and Regina Broussard. Also included, is the work of the next generation: William Scott, Dan Miller, David Albersten, Aurie Ramirez, Gerone Spruill, Donald Mitchell, George Wilson, Olga Bielma, David Albertsen and Merritt Wallace each of whom has been recognized by the contemporary art world via international exhibitions and inclusion in museum collections such as MoMA, New York and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

"The past thirty-five years has seen Creative Growth’s artists move from the margins of the art world to front and center, while maintaining a thriving artist community here in Oakland,” said Tom di Maria, Director, Creative Growth. “All the while Creative Growth has set the standard for what is known to be the oldest and largest center and gallery supporting artists with disabilities in the world,” added di Maria.

In addition to the month-long exhibition, Creative Growth will host a free, opening night event, which will close off the street in front of the gallery for a musical performance by The Crooked Jades, The Bilenky that Bumps, (a cargo bike sound system) and food and drink provided by Oakland’s “B” Restaurant and Bar.

PRESS PREVIEW: Thursday, October 1st by appointment

IMAGES UPON REQUEST: jennifer@creativegrowth.org

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jennifer O”Neal, Curatorial Manager: jennifer@creativegrowth.org
Tom di Maria, Director: tom@creativegrowth.org 

Books and Prints & Summer Youth Art 8/20 - 9/24/09

Join us for a look at artist manipulated books and an entirely new body of print editions, including work in dry point, pronto plate, monotype and linocut styles. Many of the prints have been finished with the addition of the artists' hand touch, making them one-of-a-kind. Creative Growth artist manipulated books, are a series of three-dimensional works employing vintage, hard-bound book covers, combined with collage, stitching and drawing. This new work is nothing short of boundless beauty!

Plus: Our Summer Youth Art exhibition, collect visionary work made by high school aged artists with disabilities. Thank you to the Banks Family Foundation for making this program possible.

EXHIBITION OPENING:
Thursday, August 20
11am - 2pm Members Opening
5 - 8pm Evening Public Opening
Music by Sandi Poindexter

Also open: Saturday, August 22, 11am - 4pm