Celebrating Art and Inclusivity at Creative Clay

Creative Clay, headquartered in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District, has served adults with disabilities through art for nearly 25 years. By opening its doors as a space for creative expression in the community, artists with disabilities are able to apply an array of mediums to share their unique, yet universal experiences. Their art then plays a central role in building bridges among the enabled and disabled among us.

The Community Arts Program: Empowering Folk Artists 

Serving adults 22 and older Monday through Friday, Creative Clay’s core program, the Community Arts Program, offers instruction from teaching artists. Here, artists receive professional assistance in honing their skills, learning new techniques and creating a collection of works. Member artists have the opportunity to then exhibit completed pieces in Creative Clay’s Good Folk Gallery, located on premises. Sold pieces earn a 50 percent commission, instilling in artists a sense of accomplishment and well-being. 

An Artful Partnership

Capitalizing on its vision of arts access for all, Creative Clay has partnered with Pinellas County Schools to provide vocational arts training for 18- to 22-year-olds with learning, developmental and/or emotional disabilities. The Transition program focuses on easing the progression from school environments to post-secondary education, independent living and employment.

Artist Carla L. with her needlepoint art. Photo by Marilyn Malara.
Artist Carla L. with her needlepoint art. Photo by Marilyn Malara.

Lessons in art fundamentals, sales, marketing, customer relations, and the overall business of being an artist are taught. Students visit local galleries and museums to learn about art history and contemporary artwork, enhancing the classroom studio experience. Student artists also have the option to apply for internships to work in the Creative Clay Good Folk Gallery, Creative Thrift, and Community Arts Studio.

Instruction is at the core of each program, and artists of all ages attend Creative Clay’s programs because of an expressed desire to study art and learn how to market themselves. Structure meets congeniality to create an atmosphere that allows for artists’ and students’ creativity to emerge organically. Each member artist is free to choose how, and on what, they work.

“Everyone is equal here,” said Kerry Kriseman, Creative Clay’s public relations specialist. “The more often we can share the ability of our artists over their disabilities, (the better).” Kriseman says much of Creative Clay’s motivation is to celebrate the artistic talents of its members and enable them to share with the surrounding community. 

Artist Shawn holding one of his original paintings. Photo by Marilyn Malara.
Artist Shawn holding one of his original paintings. Photo by Marilyn Malara.

The local nonprofit also serves children ages 6 through 12 through Art Around the World Summer Camp and teens and young adults 13 through 22 with Summer Studio.

An Art Gallery for All 

Visitors from the area, as well as vacationers, art collectors and tour groups are welcome to browse artwork at the Good Folk Gallery located at Creative Clay. 

From depictions of exotic birds to beautifully abstract Sharpie art, the Good Folk Gallery exhibits much of what artists from its programs have to offer. All works all for sale. 

The carefully curated space is updated regularly to showcase the vast collection of member artwork available. From small keychains and pottery to large-scale drawings and paintings, the Good Folk Gallery offers something for every budget. 

Artist J.J. standing next to his popular “sharpie art,” to his right. Photo by Marilyn Malara.
Artist J.J. standing next to his popular “sharpie art,” to his right. Photo by Marilyn Malara.

Also located within Creative Clay’s headquarters is an eclectic secondhand shop. Creative Thrift, offer wares for endless artistic endeavours. From used paints and frames to books and beads, Creative Thrift is a treasure trove for the environmentally savvy artist or enthusiast. Shoppers pay what they wish, and all proceeds benefit Creative Clay’s programs. Creative Thrift also accepts donations of gently used art supplies, books and frames from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Make sure to check out the space on your next art haul or thrift adventure! 

Meet the Artists Behind the Masterpieces

Just steps beyond the Good Folk Gallery lies a collection of studios and workspaces where member artists work throughout the week. A stroll through their main studio during class hours invites a wave of warm smiles and creativity in action.

“Come and see us,” Kriseman said, insisting that experiencing the workspace in person is the best way to understand and support Creative Clay’s mission.  “Once you meet the artists, then you can understand our story and see it in action.”

Other ways to connect with Creative Clay artists are through such events as “Spring For the Arts” every spring and the organization’s “Creative Clay Festival” in the fall. Some Creative Clay artists can also be found selling at Second Saturday ArtWalk every month, as well as in gallery exhibits. 

If your workplace or business is in need of a colorful facelift, consider reaching out to Creative Clay for a curated collection to brighten your space through Art in Offices. 

Artist Stacey with her painting, “Bigfoot”. Photo by Marilyn Malara.
Artist Stacey with her painting, “Bigfoot”. Photo by Marilyn Malara.

Visit Creative Clay at 1846 First Ave. S between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For information, call (727) 825-0515 or email [email protected].  The website is creativeclay.org. Follow Creative Clay, Creative Thrift and Creative Clay Fest on Facebook; follow on Instagram at @creativeclaystpete and on Twitter @creativeclay.

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Marilyn Malara
Marilyn is a world traveler, writer and recent St. Pete transplant. She did most of her growing up on the east coast of Florida, in Coral Springs, before earning her degree in Editing, Writing and Media from Florida State University in Tallahassee. Since then, she has worked as a writer in Florence, Italy, as a reporter for United Press International and as a freelance blogger during her travels. She also recently spent two years teaching children English in lovely South Korea! Today, Marilyn enjoys strolling Central Avenue with her camera, reading books poolside and planning her next overseas adventure. Everyday spent in the St. Pete area has reminded her of the magic of coastal living and the importance of spending much-needed time at home. St. Pete is the perfect place to recoup after years of living abroad, and she is ever-grateful for the opportunity to share her passion for the written word with Green Bench Monthly!