ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – As Creative Clay enters its 22nd year of serving the Tampa Bay area through programs that make the arts accessible to all, the non-profit is looking to the future with an impending move, enhancement and expansion of programming.
“The 2017 Project: Securing Our Future,” kicks off as Creative Clay prepares to move its headquarters this June from St. Petersburg’s EDGE District, to 1846 First Ave. S in the Grand Central District. This new space boasts an additional 1000 square feet than their current location, allowing them to expand their Community Arts Program to serve more individuals, who are currently on a waiting list to attend.
With a goal to raise $120,000.00, the capital campaign seeks to challenge individuals and businesses to invest in their community by investing in Creative Clay, whose mission is to help people with disabilities achieve full and inclusive lives through access to the arts by providing expressive, educational and vocational experiences.
Donations to Creative Clay’s capital campaign will allow for increased quality programming, improved execution of services and an enhanced creative space that meets the needs of its artists meet. Goals for “The 2017 Project” include:
- Achieve a 100% matching challenge to an anonymous $25,000.00 donation.
- Increase the amount of individuals the non-profit can serve as a result of gaining more physical space.
- Allow for more programming to occur under one roof vs. renting space at an off-site location to accommodate classes of artists.
- Allow for its “Around the World” Summer Camp to be held on-site vs. an alternative location, and in an area specially designed for campers, with dedicated lunch space and restroom facilities.
- Additional ADA-approved restrooms.
Creative Clay’s core program is its Community Arts Program, which serves 150 artists of varying abilities weekly. Through the implementation of additional offerings, such as the inclusive “Art Around the World” summer camp, Summer Studio for older teens and young adults, Artlink mentorship program, Creative Care Arts in Healthcare Program and its Pinellas County Schools’ partnership Transition program, individuals of all ages are mentored, taught and empowered to become working artists who actively create, market and sell their work. The end result is that a formerly stigmatized population, through the art it creates and sells, demystifies stereotypes surrounding those with disabilities and creates a culture of acceptance throughout the community.
“To date, we’ve raised $42,365 toward our $120,000.00 goal,” said Dohrman. Donors may easily donate via Facebook by going to their page: facebook.com/creativeclaystpete/
There are various levels of giving, all of which can be personally shaped to a specific interest, to honor an individual, or support an area of our programming that speaks to them. Donation options are included, but not limited to:
- Artist studio naming rights.
- Outdoor kiln shed naming rights.
- Outdoor garden area with picnic tables and pergola.
- Artist/staff kitchen
- Art supply storage room.
If you’d like to learn more about Creative Clay, meet our artists or craft a donation plan, please contact CEO Kim Dohrman at 727.825.0515 or via e-mail at kim@creativeclay.org. Learn more about Creative Clay at www.creativeclay.org. Like their page on Facebook; follow on Instagram @creativeclaystpete and on Twitter @creativeclay.
Creative Clay’s mission is to help people with disabilities achieve full and inclusive lives through access to the arts by providing expressive, educational and vocational experiences. We serve people with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, as well as people in healthcare settings, children, veterans, and provide outreach art experiences in our community. Visit www.creativeclay.org.
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