ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Creative Clay invites the community to its gallery and art space on February 10, 5-9 p.m., during Artwalk. Guests will have the opportunity to participate and enjoy three activities: an art exhibit featuring Native American-themed pieces, a Black History Month exhibit by Transition students, and a live Carmada outdoor painting experience.
Marissa H. will be the featured artist, as she debuts a new exhibit, “Walking Among Indians.” Marissa is from Oregon, where she lived until age15. She later attended the Dixie Hollins Creative Writing Program, and in 2017 she became a studio artist in the Community Arts Program at Creative Clay. An inspired and motivated artist, Marissa sees her creative ideas through the art process to the gallery sale. Marissa’s art expression has focused on writing and design.
Inspired by Mayan printmaking motifs and Native American art, history and culture, Marissa created a series of pencil drawings in earthy colors of traditional Indian symbols and faces that evolved into producing more work of painted feathered headdresses and ceramic plates with glazed markings.
Creative Clay’s Transition students will exhibit artwork created around themes from The Snowy Day, a ground-breaking Caldecott Honor story about a young boy, who happens to be African-American, enjoying a winter day in the snow. What was remarkable about this 50-year-old story is that it was the first time a non-caricatured African-American character was depicted in children’s literature. Visitors of all ages can enjoy readings of the story, and young guests can participate in art activities related to the story. Admission is free.
The Creative Clay Transition Program for ESE students is a partnership with Pinellas County Schools (PCS) to provide vocational arts training for 18–22 year olds with learning, developmental and/or emotional disabilities.
Outdoors that evening, Mitzi Gordon of Carmada will also bring local artist Brooklyn, who will paint characters on one of the Creative Clay vans.
“We love working with local non-profits and are excited for this opportunity to bring more mobile art to St. Pete’s streets,” said Mitzi Gordon, founder and curator of Carmada.
Learn more about Carmada here: http://www.carmadafl.com/
“Each monthly ArtWalk offers the public an opportunity to explore our galleries, discover the talents of our studio artists and learn about Creative Clay, said Jody Bikoff, Creative Clay’s Director of Exhibitions and curator of the Good Folk Gallery. “This month’s event with multiple activities speaks of our organization’s support of the arts and of our dedication to community inclusion and collaboration. Featuring bi-monthly exhibits of emerging artists, honoring Black History Month through the arts, and hosting Carmada artists are a few ways that we can do this.”
All activities are free and open to the public. Beer, wine and refreshments are available for donation. Creative Clay is located at 1846 First Ave. S, in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg.
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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