Introducing the Latest 6397 x Creative Growth Graphic T-Shirt Collaboration

We’re excited to announce the newest collection of graphic t-shirts from 6397 in collaboration with Creative Growth, celebrating our 50th anniversary. Stella Ishii and 6397 have been longtime supporters and collaborators of Creative Growth and we are immensely grateful for their commitment to supporting our artists and organization. This limited-edition series features Creative Growth artists Alice Wong, Carrie Oyama, and William Scott, each bringing their unique artistic perspectives to the forefront.

Each purchase directly supports Creative Growth, with all proceeds going back to our programs. This collaboration is not just about wearing art—it’s about celebrating the magic of the Creative Growth community and the artists who continue to inspire us.

T-shirts are made from 100% cotton, fit true to size, and are crafted in Peru with printing done in Brooklyn. We hope this piece brings a bit of the Creative Growth magic to you.

Commemorating 50 years of leadership in the arts community, Creative Growth unveils new brand and campaign

Creative Growth Teams Up with John McNeil Studio to Become an Undeniable Voice for Artists with Disabilities

Commemorating 50 years of leadership in the arts community, Creative Growth unveils new brand and campaign

Sept. 26, 2024—BERKELEY & OAKLAND, Calif.— Creative Growth, the first organization dedicated to supporting artists with developmental disabilities, has teamed up with creative marketing company, John McNeil Studio to unveil its new brand. Representing 50 years of elevating the work of artists with disabilities within the arts community, Creative Growth’s new brand campaign includes a new identity and logo, new positioning, brand film and a redefined strategy centering on the ‘undeniable voice of art.’

“For the last 50 years, Creative Growth has been dedicated to providing a supportive space where artists with disabilities can truly shine,” said Ibby Sasso, Director of Marketing and Communications at Creative Growth. “This rebrand isn’t just about celebrating our anniversary; it’s about pushing boundaries and continuing our mission to advocate for these incredible artists. Our new brand reflects our commitment to challenging norms and making a meaningful impact on the art world, which is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.”

An Undeniable Voice

Creative Growth’s evolved brand is at the forefront of a shift towards art that stands for the inherent reveal — the power of artistic expression to bring understanding and connection to us all. The brand’s new expression includes unobtrusive color and design choices that purposely don’t compete with the voice of the artist and instead, serve as a container for the art to have a voice of its own.

Executive Creative Director, Gerald Lewis of John McNeil Studio explains “We needed to create a powerful, distinctive voice for the brand. But, it couldn’t compete with the voice of the artists because in the end, the art has to speak. It had to be simple, honest and genuine, in line with the mission of Creative Growth. Artists will spend 30 years making work, honing their craft and following their voice inside this space. We wanted to celebrate that. So, while the mark, the brand, is simple and honest, it’s also expansive and energetic.”

Kicking off the new brand campaign is a short film capturing voices of artists that were once marginalized, and instead, discover a place to grow, explore and express themselves as they enter Creative Growth’s studio. 

“One of the biggest tasks of this rebrand was to signify the spot Creative Growth has earned within the established art world,” said Lewis. “These artist’s works are in the Venice Biennale, MoMA, Centre Pompidou and made possible by a studio in Oakland, California.”

Earlier this year, Creative Growth celebrated the opening of its exhibition in partnership with SFMOMA, The House that Art Built which runs through Oct. 6, 2024. To learn more, visit here.

About John McNeil Studio

John McNeil Studio is a creative company with capabilities that span the needs of modern marketing communications, from brand strategy to creative to production, motion and image, technology, design and innovations. We help companies make the most of their communications and are founded on the belief that everything is a chance to build a brand.

About Creative Growth Art Center: 

Founded in 1974, Creative Growth Art Center is a pioneering nonprofit based in Oakland, California. For five decades, Creative Growth has nurtured the artistic talents of individuals with developmental disabilities, empowering them to create impactful art recognized worldwide. The organization is committed to advancing the disability arts movement and promoting the idea that art is for everyone.

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Creative Growth and FRĒDA SALVADOR Unveil Collaborative Sneaker Collection Featuring Artists' Reimagined Designs

Image Description (L to R): Creative Growth Supporter Erica Chan Coffman models a pair of FREDA x Creative Growth Sneakers; Creative Growth Artist D’Lisa Fort showcases her recently completed FREDA x Creative Growth sneakers; FREDA x Creative Growth EDA D’Orsay Sneakers by Stephanie Hill

(Oakland, CA, September 19, 2024) — Creative Growth Art Center, the pioneering nonprofit dedicated to supporting artists with disabilities, is proud to announce a unique collaboration with renowned footwear brand Freda Salvador. This partnership brings together art and fashion with the release of Freda Salvador’s iconic EDDY and EDA sneakers, reimagined by Creative Growth artists.

Launching on September 19th, 2024, this limited-edition sneaker collection will debut at an exclusive event hosted by Erica Chan Coffman at Freda Salvador’s Fillmore Street store in San Francisco, from 5 PM to 7 PM. Bay Area supporters will have the first opportunity to purchase the custom-designed sneakers before they are made available to a wider audience at Creative Growth’s 50th Anniversary Gala at SFMOMA on September 25th, 2024 and online at www.creativegrowth.org the week following.

The Collection: Art Meets Fashion
The collection features Freda Salvador's EDDY and EDA sneakers, known for their timeless design and comfort, transformed by the unique vision and creativity of Creative Growth artists. Each pair of sneakers is a wearable work of art, showcasing original designs and personal expressions, making this collaboration a true celebration of creativity and inclusivity.

Supporting the Creative Growth Community
All proceeds from the sale of these one-of-a-kind sneakers will directly support Creative Growth’s studio program, which empowers artists with disabilities to express their creativity and achieve personal growth. This collaboration not only provides a platform for these talented individuals but also strengthens Creative Growth’s mission to engage broader audiences through innovative partnerships.

"We are thrilled to partner with Freda Salvador, a brand that values creativity and individuality as much as we do," said Amy Keefer, Creative Growth Artist Facilitator and Beyond Trend Fashion Lead. "This collection beautifully demonstrates how fashion can serve as a canvas for diverse voices. The undeniable voice of art shines through in each design, showcasing the powerful expression of our artists. We’re excited to share this meaningful partnership and celebrate Creative Growth artists with a new audience as part of our 50th Anniversary."

Event Details
The Freda Salvador x Creative Growth sneaker collection will be available for purchase starting at the launch event on September 19th, with all proceeds going directly to support Creative Growth's studio program. Guests will enjoy an evening of art, fashion, and philanthropy while celebrating the incredible talents of Creative Growth’s artists.

About Creative Growth Art Center: 

Founded in 1974, Creative Growth Art Center is a pioneering nonprofit organization based in Oakland, California. For five decades, Creative Growth has been dedicated to nurturing the artistic talents of individuals with developmental disabilities. Through its inclusive and supportive environment, Creative Growth has empowered artists to create meaningful and impactful works of art that have garnered recognition worldwide. The organization is committed to advancing the disability arts movement and promoting the idea that art is for everyone.

About Freda Salvador
Freda Salvador is a footwear company based in San Francisco, known for its commitment to craftsmanship and innovative, versatile designs. With a focus on timeless, high-quality pieces, Freda Salvador creates footwear that empowers women to express their individuality and style.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Ibby Sasso
Marketing + Communications Director, Creative Growth Art Center
ibby@creativegrowth.org

The RealReal and Creative Growth Reimagine Fashion: Celebrating 50 Years of Artistic Innovation

NEW YORK, NY (SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2024) - Yesterday evening, Friday September 6th, at their 301 Canal Street Pop Up, The RealReal, the world’s largest online marketplace for authenticated resale luxury goods, proudly debuted their partnership with Creative Growth Art Center, the oldest and largest organization dedicated to supporting artists with developmental disabilities who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.  

The event - attended by Mel Ottenberg, Brie Welch, Alina Timo, Brianna Lance, Renata Quaglia, Kim Hastreiter, Mickey Boardman, Eniko Mihalik, Tara Thomas, and Woldy Reyes, amongst others - showcased 11 ready-to-wear garments - nine dresses, two jackets, one jumpsuit - Creative Growth artists upcycled, using inventory unfit for sale donated by The RealReal, in addition to a re-imagined vintage Hermes Birkin HAC 50, also donated by The RealReal. Items on display were available for viewing and buying, with 100% of proceeds going to Creative Growth; anything unsold will be auctioned off at Creative Growth’s 50th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco later this month.

While guests explored the collection upstairs, sipping lychee martinis and savoring classic bites from several beloved Chinatown eateries, skilled leather craftsman Tanner Leatherstein captivated the crowd downstairs, deconstructing the counterfeit handbags The RealReal has been featuring in their Pop Up since June (more details here). After dissecting dupes from brands like Hermes, The Row, and Bottega Veneta, The RealReal will donate the deconstructed materials to Creative Growth. In partnership with their artists, these materials will be upcycled and reimagined, turning fakes into fresh, authentic creations available for sale in 2025, with proceeds benefiting the organization. 

EVENT DETAILS

WHO: The RealReal’s Kristen Naiman

Guests: Designers Melissa Morris and Presley Oldham, Editors Jalil Johnson, Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, Jenna Igneri, Maisie Prince, Mel Ottenberg, Mickey Boardman, and Tchesmeni Leonard, Influencers Eric Jess, Ginger Lu, Hilliary Latham Salamanca, Jack Edwards, Jazmine Brown, and Jerome Parker, Models Alina Timo, Eniko Mihalik, Lauren Chan, Melinda Doerr, and Renata Quaglia, Stylists Brie Welch, Britt Theodora, and Heather Newberger, Tastemakers Brianna Lance, Destinee Ross Sutton, Gabriel Perez Silva, Julie Gilhart, Pietro Quaglia, Simone Shubuck, Tara Thomas, Woldy Reyes, and Yves Mathieu-East. 

WHEN: Friday, September 6th, 2024

WHERE: 301 Canal Street, New York, NY 10013

SOCIAL: @therealreal, @creativegrowth 

PARTNERS: Installation creative and production in partnership with Mythology, event production by C.O’Neil Productions,  bites  provided by Saigon Social, Wu’s Wonton King, Fong On, Mei Lai Wah, Kopitam

About The RealReal

The RealReal is the world’s largest online marketplace for authenticated, resale luxury goods, with more than 37 million members. With a rigorous authentication process overseen by experts, The RealReal provides a safe and reliable platform for consumers to buy and sell their luxury items. We have hundreds of in-house gemologists, horologists and brand authenticators who inspect thousands of items each day. As a sustainable company, we give new life to pieces by thousands of brands across numerous categories—including women's and men's fashion, fine jewelry and watches, art and home—in support of the circular economy. We make selling effortless with free virtual appointments, in-home pickup, drop-off and direct shipping. We handle all of the work for consignors, including authenticating, using AI and machine learning to determine optimal pricing, photographing and listing their items, as well as shipping and customer service.

About the Installation at 301 Canal Street

At first glance, the installation, which debuted on June 13th, 2024, may have appeared to be a new The RealReal store, but, upon closer inspection, it revealed a ‘store’ whose stock consisted entirely of non-shoppable luxury dupes confiscated during our authentication process; these 35 bags were impossible to decipher as fakes with the naked eye. They were not for sale because this store was never intended to open or sell anything. In fact, in an office above the store, reminiscent of the back rooms of Canal Street where the ‘best’ fakes are sold, we invited our community to turn in counterfeits one day each month for a chance to win the real thing from The RealReal. Our intention was to  provocatively prompt  passersby to ask themselves what’s real, with the goal of starting a conversation about why it matters on a street synonymous with counterfeit culture. 

What started as a summer pop-up has become so much more. Tons of community members stopped by, posted on social, and turned in fake bags — and the conversation is far from over. That’s why we’re extending our installation through the end of the year, creating new opportunities to talk about authenticity and imitation. We’ll also be refreshing our wall of fakes, destroying and repurposing some fake bags and putting new ones on display. 

For more information please visit therealreal.com. 

For more photography of the installation, please see here (photo credit: Olympia Shannon).  

About Creative Growth Art Center

Creative Growth is a non-profit organization based in Oakland, California, dedicated to advancing the inclusion of artists with developmental disabilities in contemporary art. By providing a supportive studio environment and gallery representation, the organization strengthens community ties.

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 in 2024, 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 from a 12,000 square foot former auto repair shop.

About Creative Growth’s Beyond Trend Fashion Program

The Beyond Trend Fashion Program at Creative Growth Art Center celebrates the extraordinary wearable art crafted by artists with developmental disabilities. Curated by textile instructor Amy Keefer, the program showcases a wide range of textile processes, including fabric painting, hand embroidery, weaving, wrapping, and crochet, all created in Creative Growth’s Oakland studio. Highlights include Monica Valentine’s fringed SAORI loom weavings and intricately beaded sequin sculptures, Lulu Sotelo’s handmade El Chavo del Ocho dolls, and Aurie Ramirez’s metal fashion-inspired wooden cutouts. Additionally, the exhibit features Zina Hall’s embroidered portraits, Susan Janow’s geometric grids, Jorge Gomez's collage quilt, Dinah Shapiro’s crocheted "ponchelots," and Stephanie Hill’s emoji and op art fashions.

The program has also fostered partnerships with renowned brands such as Levi's, Marc Jacobs, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Vans, and Everlane, extending the reach and impact of Creative Growth's artists. This initiative highlights diverse creative practices, blurring the line between fine art and fashion.

Creative Growth Partners with Alltimers Skateboards to Launch 50th Anniversary Capsule Collection →

In honor of an amazing milestone, we’ve partnered with our friends at Alltimers on a limited collection of T-shirts and boards to celebrate 50 years of Creative Growth.

The project includes T-shirts and boards with artwork by Creative Growth artists William Scott, Dwight Mackintosh, Aurie Ramirez, John Martin, Ron Veasey, and Joe Spears. 

The partnership aims to celebrate and raise awareness of Creative Growth’s mission to promote inclusivity and representation in the arts. It will be available online Tuesday, April 16th on creativegrowth.org, Alltimers.com, the SFMOMA gift shop, and skate shops nationwide. 


For further information, or if you’d like to donate or purchase some of the artists’ work click here.

Lincoln Center's Big Umbrella Festival 2024 Limited-Edition Benefit Print and Commemorative Poster Features Maureen Clay

To celebrate this year’s Big Umbrella Festival, we are pleased to present Maureen Clay’s image, Untitled (MC260) as a limited-edition benefit print and commemorative poster published by Lincoln Center Editions. Proceeds support Lincoln Center’s nonprofit mission and programming. Complimentary posters will be gifted to a limited number of attendees of the Big Umbrella Festival 2024.

Build your own festival experience by booking the individual events below! View the full schedule here. 

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LINCOLN CENTER’S BIG UMBRELLA FESTIVAL 2024

Big Umbrella Festival returns this April as we welcome kids, teens, and young adults for a weekend of programming, designed with and for neurodiverse audiences. Launched in 2018, the Big Umbrella Festival centers our audiences by sharing unique approaches to multi-sensory, interactive, and engaging artistic experiences. This year's events include a collaboration with ReelAbilities Film Festival, the largest festival in the world dedicated to showcasing ground-breaking films by and about people with disabilities; a thrilling interactive dance piece with music, Playful Tiger; Motus' TREE, A World in Itself, a multi-sensory, interactive universe enveloped in soft light, music, and silence; a piano concert by award-winning artist Lachi; and Architects of Air’s Daedalum, an experiential labyrinth for guests to explore with winding tunnels and colorful domes.

ABOUT CREATIVE GROWTH ARTIST MAUREEN CLAY

Clay paints with a thickly brushed impasto technique, layering colors repeatedly until the entire composition has been covered several times. She has an intricate sense of color and design, and while her work appears abstract, Clay describes her images as distorted versions of fish, birds, and food. Her work holds multitudes, appearing as a deep seascape, starry night sky, or a view through a microscope. Also a proficient textile artist, Clay, similarly to her painting practice, covers the surface of her clothing with pompoms, sequins, or dense layers of thread. Clay has practiced at Creative Growth Art Center since 1991.

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Art in Embassies Announces Creative Growth Collection

As the United States approaches its 250th year, the State Department’s Art in Embassies program is working with cultural institutions, artists, families, and galleries to curate art collections that promote U.S. diplomacy. 

Art in Embassies announces the establishment of the Creative Growth Collection, comprised of 89 artworks created by artists from the Creative Growth Art Center, all of whom have developmental disabilities.  

The Creative Growth Art Center is a nonprofit based in Oakland, California, that promotes inclusivity in the contemporary art community by providing a platform for artists with disabilities. The selected works from the new collection span various mediums, including watercolor, ink, textiles, clay, mixed media, pastels, acrylics, linocuts, and digital prints. They will immediately become available for exhibit in U.S. embassies and Ambassadors’ residences under long-term loan agreements.

The Creative Growth Art Center not only represents the diversity of our democratic society but also has received the highest critical acclaim. Its artworks have been showcased in exhibitions at renowned institutions such as MoMA, the Smithsonian, and the Studio Museum of Harlem. With the guidance of professional artists, the Creative Growth Studio provides artistic support, high-quality materials, and a workspace for over 140 artists.  

Art in Embassies Director Megan Beyer and Chief Curator Camille Benton announced the Collection during Art in Embassies’ 60th anniversary dinner with ambassadors and cultural leaders at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. 

The Office of Art in Embassies, established in 1963, plays a crucial role in U.S. public diplomacy, connecting nations through curated exhibitions. It showcases the innovation and cultural prowess of the United States and fosters cross-cultural connections.

For more information about Art in Embassies, visit art.state.gov.

Press inquiries can be sent to Megan Beyer at BeyerMC@state.gov.