A collage of black and white filmstrip photos from approximately 1976, depicting various scenes of artists at work in a studio. The images show individuals and groups engaged in creative activities such as drawing, painting, and sculpting.

CREATIVE GROWTH TURNS 50!

Welcome to the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Creative Growth Art Center, a milestone that marks half a century of fostering artistic expression, inclusivity and community. Since our inception, we've been at the forefront of empowering artists with disabilities, providing a nurturing and joy-filled space for creativity to flourish. This year, we're commemorating our journey with special events, an unprecedented exhibition in partnership with SFMOMA, and stories of inspiration that have defined our legacy. Stay tuned as we share updates and highlights throughout the year, celebrating the spirit of creativity that has been the cornerstone of our mission for five decades.

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FEATURED CREATIVE GROWTH GALLERY EXHIBITION

A piece of artwork featuring a stylized, line-drawn male face with exaggerated facial features. The subject wears a collared shirt and a hat. In place of the nose, there is a large, red and black bee with detailed wings and antennae. The mou

JOHN MARTIN: A SELF-PORTRAIT

Join us for a solo retrospective of John Martin’s 38-year career at Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland. The show opens on February 1st, 2024 and will run through April 6th, 2024.

Born in 1963 in Marks, Mississippi, John Martin now resides in Oakland and works at the Creative Growth Art Center. His diverse art, spanning drawings, ceramics, and woodwork, seamlessly weaves together memories from his family farm in Mississippi and his present urban life in Oakland.

Martin's artistic journey, which began in 1987 at Creative Growth, prominently features images such as trucks, snakes, pocket knives, cell phones and various found objects. These items, integral to his work, have evolved over the years. His art not only captures the essence of these objects but also explores their practicality in imaginative ways, creating extraordinary animal combinations, oversized Leatherman tools, and mysterious text.

FEBRUARY 1ST, 2024 - APRIL 6TH, 2024

GALLERY HOURS: WED - SAT, 10-4PM

CAN’T MAKE THE SHOW IN-PERSON? SHOP A CURATED SELECTION OF JOHN MARTIN WORKS HERE.

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Dive into a captivating Spotify playlist curated by our very own John Martin. John's unique selection bridges the soulful melodies of his Southern heritage with the dynamic rhythms of his present life in Oakland, California. As a distinguished artist at Creative Growth, John's work is as vibrant and evocative as the melodies that fill his ears while he works. This is not just a playlist; it's a window into the rhythm of John's creative process.

UPCOMING MUSEUM EXHIBITION

A map by William Scott with various points of interest and landmarks in downtown San Francisco. It includes street names, hotel names, and other locations. The map also features some hand-drawn sketches and text.

SFMOMA AND CREATIVE GROWTH ART CENTER ANNOUNCE UNPRECEDENTED PARTNERSHIP IN CELEBRATION OF CREATIVE GROWTH’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

SFMOMA Additionally Acquires Vibrant Range of Artworks from Locally Based Organizations Creativity Explored and NIAD

image description: William Scott, 2005, ink on paper

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Footage of Creative Growth, Creativity Explored and NIAD artists at work in their respective studios courtesy of OMCA

“beyond i wanna go” film release

Lulu Sotelo, Elizabeth Rengell, and William Scott in BEYOND i wanna go