Art for all
San Francisco’s history is filled with progressive struggles and protests, for example, the 25-day occupation of a federal building in 1977 in support of disabled rights legislation that helped lay the groundwork for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act thirteen years later. It’s all part of a growing sensitivity, which you also find occurring in the arts.
In recent years, the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability at San Francisco State University, along with the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind, has sponsored Superfest, the longest running disability festival in the world.
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Address 3245 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103, www.creativityexplored.org, +1 415.863.2108 | Public Transport Bus: 22 (16th St & Guerrero St stop) | Hours Daily 10am–7pm| Tip It’s a short walk to the always-bustling Pizzeria Delfina (3611 18th Street) for chef/owner Craig Stoll’s delicious super-thin and crispy pizza.
And then there is Creativity Explored, “where art changes life.” With a small gallery in front and a large studio facility in the back, Creativity Explored is a nonprofit designed to support artists with developmental disabilities in the creation, exhibition, and sale of their work. Located in the Mission District, it is one of the city’s many off-the-beaten-track treasures.
Creativity Explored was founded by Florence Ludins-Katz and Elias Katz in 1983, and provides various resources, including classes taught by professional artists, which afford attendees an opportunity to experiment with a variety of media and learn new techniques. Workshops offer instruction in figure drawing and painting, but also in wearable art, as well as printing techniques, papier-mâché, mapmaking, and “found-object sculpture.” Those participating in the center’s programs need not have any prior art-making experience, merely an interest in trying.
The works produced are often extraordinary. The exhibition openings at Creativity Explored are usually crowded and the gallery has become a vital part of the San Francisco art scene. Some of the artists’ works have been included in international group shows, as well as museum exhibitions. The gallery is well worth a visit.
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