Fall hits differently when cooler temperatures are only enjoyed in the comfort of your air-conditioned home. A few tell-tale signs signal a new season: school buses on the roads, football games, and stores with early holiday decorations.
Still, we appreciate the subtle changes. At Creative Clay, September brings new exhibits, events, and collaborations. The Member Artists in Creative Clay’s Community Arts Program live the non-profit’s mantra, equality through art, through exhibits and events that extend beyond its studios in the Grand Central District in St. Pete.
Creative Clay’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space for people with disabilities to create, market, and sell their work continues with multiple offerings to attract visitors, collectors, and new friends.
The popular Friday Art Market returned Sept. 1. Produced by Member Artists and Teaching Artists, the markets feature live music, Member Artist karaoke, a community singalong, and a food truck. The first market of the season features a performance by percussionist Ashton Sanchez, who will play the marimba. The September food truck with be Pamz Pizza Conez. The markets are held outdoors in Creative Clay’s courtyard on the first Friday of each month from September through May.
Collaborations with other organizations are opportunities for Creative Clay artists to explore new venues, disciplines, and expand their offerings. Creative Clay partnered with PARC Center for Disabilities and St. Thomas Art Project at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg for The Good Earth, an exhibit themed around animals, gardening, oceans, and subjects that honor the planet. The exhibit continues through Sept. 30.
“It’s a very dynamic fall season for us, with many exhibitions, both in our Good Folk Gallery, and in locations throughout the city,” said Jody Bikoff, Creative Clay Director of Exhibitions. “Included are group exhibits with themes, collaborative exhibits, exhibits of work from our collection, and juried shows in which our artists submit work in a call-to artist. The Creative Clay artists are energized in their creative process while learning about being professional artists.”
Sustaining community partnerships is beneficial as a catalyst for sharing Member Artists’ work to a wider audience. True to its name, The Big Art Show with its large-scale colorful pieces, continues through Sept. 30, at Lewis House on the campus of Eckerd College. See it Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Each 2nd Saturday is ArtWalk in St. Petersburg, and Creative Clay is open 5-9 p.m. Sept. 9 when The Good Folk Show opens. Featuring select pieces from Creative Clay’s vast collection of original folk art, visitors to its Good Folk Gallery can meet Creative Clay artists, browse art, enjoy a glass of wine while listening to 1970s-present music by DJ Kampingout. Details at www.creativeclay.org/upcoming-events.
Art can also be a fantastic accessory at any celebration, and Creative Clay Member Artist Ashton T. will contribute a 16”x16” piece of original art to FUN SET, A Sunshine City Art Show, which celebrates Green Bench Brewing Company’s 10th anniversary. The show opens Sept. 28 at Green Bench Brewing in St. Pete, then moves to SPACE St. Pete, Sept. 29- Oct. 1. Ashton joins 50 local and regional artists who will exhibit and sell art themed around “a mix of vintage vibes or futuristic twists.”
“This fall we have so many exhibits to look forward to, which highlight Creative Clay’s talented Member Artists,” said Kim Dohrman, Creative Clay Chief Executive Officer. We’re proud of Ashton, who graduated from Creative Clay’s Transition Program in 2021. His work is incredible, and it’s wonderful to see his continued success.”
Visit www.creativeclay.org/upcoming-events for details on all events. Visitors are welcome at Creative Clay’s Good Folk Gallery, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and every 2nd Saturday during ArtWalk, 5-9 p.m. Visitors to Creative Clay’s Virtual Gallery on its website can shop any time, and easily purchase art. Member Artists earn 50% on all works sold. Follow Creative Clay on Facebook, Instagram @creativeclaystpete, LinkedIn, and Twitter @creativeclay.