Just west of downtown St. Petersburg, nestled in the middle of the city’s arts districts, is a gallery full of original folk art created by Creative Clay’s member artists.
It’s the first space visitors see when they walk through the doors of Creative Clay’s studios in the Grand Central District. Bursting with colorful art to hang, wear and give, it’s a folk-art collector’s paradise. It is the only gallery in the bay area dedicated to showing work by what many describe as outsider artists.
The website, www.art.org, explains this term as “the work of artists who demonstrate little influence from the mainstream art world and who are, instead, motivated by their unique personal visions.
“The member artists of Creative Clay are empowered to become active, working artists who create, exhibit, and sell their artwork in the Good Folk Gallery and at venues throughout Tampa Bay,” said Jody Bikoff, Director of Exhibitions.
New bi-monthly exhibits are opportunities to highlight as many artists as possible, and to honor, celebrate and acknowledge the events of our world that have an impact on society. Past exhibits have focused on Pride Month and LGBTQ+ equality, women artists, accessibility, and currently, Hispanic Heritage Month.
Inclusivity: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage features the art of three of Creative Clay’s Hispanic artists: Carla L., Marcus S., and Ali V. This exhibit is also available for view in Creative Clay’s virtual exhibit online. Shoppers can purchase the pieces they like from the website and easily coordinate pickup at Creative Clay. Creative Clay’s member artists receive 50% commission on all works sold, whether from the physical Good Folk Gallery or the virtual gallery.
Shoppers who visit the gallery in person often delight in the chance to have a photo taken with the artist whose work they purchased, a bonus of the Good Folk Gallery being just steps from Creative Clay’s Community Arts Program studios.
Creative Clay’s Good Folk Gallery, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but on the first Friday of each month Creative Clay hosts art markets, a chance to see the nonprofit’s mission in action. Produced and staffed by Creative Clay’s Transition Student Artists and Community Arts Member Artists, this outdoor market features art, portrait drawing, live music by local musicians and a food truck. The remaining Friday Art Markets for this school year will be Nov. 4, Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, March 3, April 7 and May 5. All markets are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visit www.creativeclay.org for information about Creative Clay, our programs and our events. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram @creativeclaystpete, and on Twitter @creativeclay.
About Creative Clay:
Creative Clay offers several multi-disciplinary arts programs that provide opportunities for people with disabilities through the arts:
Community Arts Program – Serving adults, Monday through Friday
Transition – Serving 18–22-year-old Pinellas County School students, Monday through Friday throughout the school year.
Artlink – Offering apprenticeship opportunities for artists 18+ to partner with local professional artists and businesses
Creative Care – expressive arts workshops for people with obstacles to arts access, including but not limited to, people living in shelters and/or assisted living facilities.
Open Studio – Scholarship program for independent artists