Creative Growth Art Center

is dedicated to the idea that people with disabilities can gain strength, enjoyment and fulfillment through the visual arts. Our mission is to provide a safe environment that fosters and nurtures the creative process, and to promote and market the art of people with physical, developmental, and emotional disabilities.

Since 1973, Creative Growth has played a significant role in increasing public interest in the artistic capabilities and achievements of people with disabilities. The Creative Growth Art Center Gallery, the first established gallery for artists with disabilities in the world, was founded in 1980 with support of the National Endowment for the Arts. Creative Growth Art Center has placed the work of its artists in private collections, galleries, and major museums throughout the world including the Collection lÕArt Brut in Lausanne, Switzerland; Collection lÕAracine in Lille, France; the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland; the Ricco/Maresca Gallery and the American Museum of Folk Art in New York City; and the Exploratorium in San Francisco.

 

Day Programs

The Day Program is offered 9:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. This program provides a professional art studio and instruction for over 120 artists in drawing, painting, ceramics, wood, fiber arts, printmaking and photography. There are also personal skills support classes that include communication, health, basic academics, current events, cooking, and movement. The program is further enriched by field trips to museums, galleries, and artistsÕ studios. Artists develop exhibition portfolios and produce marketable art for sale in the Creative Growth Art Center Gallery.

 

Tapestry Workshop

The Tapestry Workshop offers an employment opportunity where clients earn an hourly wage making rugs.

 

Youth Art Program

The Summer Youth Art and Transition Program is offered in July and August to high school students with disabilities who are interested and talented in the visual arts. Structured curriculum for youth includes all media and activities of the Day Program. Classes are small so that each student receives individual attention. Students experience the excitement of discovering their creative potential and the reward of having their artwork exhibited and sold in the Creative Growth Art Center Gallery. This program has been designed to serve as a bridge from school to adult activities.

 

Afternoon Program

The Art and Social Recreation Program is offered from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. This program provides an opportunity to develop art and social skills after attending primary day activities such as school or employment. A small and intimate group allows for and individual instruction and social interaction. Instruction includes all media that are offered in the Day Program with the same Gallery promotional opportunities.

 

Scholarships

Studio Scholarships are available to talented artists with disabilities if they are not eligible for state system funding or have limited financial support.

 

Gallery Exhibition

All artists enrolled in the program have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their art in the Creative Growth Art Center Gallery. The Gallery has an extensive exhibition and sales program, promoting artists and marketing their art locally, nationally and internationally. Artists receive a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of their art.

 

Staff

Creative Growth Art Instructors are professional artists. Additional instructors are provided by Oakland Public Schools/Pleasant Valley Adult School. Artists in Residence are provided through the California Arts Council and other funding sources.