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Why Become a Studio Artist at Creativity Explored?
If you are an adult with a developmental disability who is interested in making art, Creativity Explored may be a great place for you. We are a visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art.
In our two studios, we can teach you how to use a variety of artmaking materials and show you techniques that will allow you to experiment and create original art. We also help you exhibit and sell your artwork in our gallery, and sometimes at other venues around the world. We believe that art can be a great way to express yourself and to communicate with people in ways that are impossible using words. We know you have a lot to say, and we’ve created a space to help you do it!
Traditionally, artists make art alone in their studios and do not spend a lot of time working side-by-side with other artists. We believe that people can learn from each other in numerous ways, and that it is important to interact with other artists throughout all phases of the artmaking process. We have built a strong community of artists working, learning, laughing, and growing together. We would love for you to join us!
If making art at Creativity Explored sounds interesting, please explore the frequently asked questions below. When you’re ready, you can learn how to apply →
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kinds of programs does Creativity Explored offer?
- Why do you have two studios?
- What kind of art could I make at Creativity Explored?
- Could I make art part-time, or do I have to come five days per week?
- Would I always work with the same teacher?
- As a studio artist, would I be able to talk to visitors?
- Who can exhibit art in your San Francisco Gallery?
- If Creativity Explored sold my artwork, would I make money?
- How many artists do you have working in your studios?
- How many staff members do you have?
- How long has Creativity Explored been around?
- If I’m interested in Creativity Explored, can I come visit?
- Where are you located?
- How do I get there?
What kinds of programs does Creativity Explored offer?
Our Creative Art Program provides artists with instruction in the media of their choice. We provide a space to work and artmaking materials. As part of our Community Art Program, staff accompany small groups of studio artists on trips to museums, galleries, and local artists’ studios. We also invite local community artists into our studios to conduct workshops — this gives studio artists the chance to work with different artists throughout the year. Our Gallery Program professionally exhibits, promotes, and sells artwork created by Creativity Explored studio artists.
Why do you have two studios?
To meet people’s varying needs. At our 3245 16th Street studio, we provide a 1:8 staff to studio artist ratio. Artists participating in our Creative Art Program at this site are capable of working with this level of supervision and guidance. Artists working at this site are able to perform daily grooming and hygiene tasks independently, without the assistance of our staff. For our Community Art Program, we have a 1:4 staff to studio artist ratio that allows us to accompany small groups of artists to art-related places in the Bay Area. In our second studio at One Arkansas Street, we provide a 1:4 staff to studio artist ratio. This site is accessible for people using wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment, and we provide some assistance with daily living skills as needed.
What kind of art could I make at Creativity Explored?
Creativity Explored studio artists explore printmaking, painting with acrylics or watercolors, drawing, working with pastels, sculpture, ceramics, fabric art, and more.
Could I make art part-time, or do I have to come five days per week?
Whatever works best for you. Some of our artists work part-time, while some work full-time creating art. You must be willing and able to commit to at least two studio days per week, though — we take artmaking seriously, and have found that it works best for artists to work a minimum of two days each week.
Would I always work with the same teacher?
All studio artists have a primary teacher, but our teaching staff rotates and artists get a chance to work with more than one teacher. If you are interested in participating in a studio project that is not happening in your work area, you can ask to participate in the project; for example, many artists are interested in working with clay. Since we can only accommodate a small number of people at a time in the ceramics area, studio artists rotate in and out of the area on a scheduled basis.
As a studio artist, would I be able to talk to visitors?
Yes! We have a lot of visitors from around the world, and we encourage studio artists to talk with them about their art and the artmaking process. Art is a great way to share your personal story, and we try to create opportunities for that to happen.
Who can exhibit art in your San Francisco Gallery?
Our San Francisco Gallery exhibits original art made by artists working in our studios. On rare occasions, our gallery may feature an exhibition that includes collaborations between our studio artists and artists from other communities.
If Creativity Explored sold my artwork, would I make money?
Yes! When we sell original art that you created, you earn 50% of the proceeds. This is a standard gallery/artist split in the Bay Area. You can also earn money at Creativity Explored when your art is reproduced. If we use your artwork on a t-shirt or notecards that we sell in our gallery or online, we will pay you a design fee. If we work out a licensing agreement to grant permission to a manufacturer to reproduce your art, you will receive a portion of the royalty fees.
How many artists do you have working in your studios?
About 125 artists create art in our two studios, some full-time, and some part-time. On most days, about 65 people work in our 3245 16th Street studio, and about 20 work in our One Arkansas Street studio. Learn about the artists who work at CE →
How many staff members do you have?
Creativity Explored employs about 15 professional artists to work with studio artists. Three staff members work in the gallery and provide administrative and program support. City College of San Francisco provides two professional artists as teaching staff to help us meet our goals. Volunteers and interns also help out in numerous ways. Learn more about our staff and teaching artists →
How long has Creativity Explored been around?
We opened the doors of our first studio in 1983 — almost 25 years ago. Our second studio opened in 1995. In the beginning, not too many people knew about Creativity Explored, and had no idea how talented Creativity Explored artists are. We opened our Gallery in 2001 and now a LOT of people know about us! We keep spreading the word and artists working in our studios are getting a lot of attention.
If I’m interested in Creativity Explored, can I come visit?
Absolutely! No appointment is necessary and visitors are always welcome. Our studio hours are from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Gallery hours are from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on Thursday, and 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday.
Where are you located?
Our main studio and gallery is located in the Mission District at 3245 16th Street, between Dolores and Guerrero Streets (Map). Our second studio is located in Potrero Hill at One Arkansas Street, Studio E (Map).
How do I get there?
3245 16th Street: Parking at our 16th Street location can be difficult, so many people find it easier to use public transportation. Take BART to the 16th Street Station, then walk two and a half blocks west on 16th Street. Alternatively, take the 22 Fillmore bus and get off at the corner of 16th Street and Guerrero, then walk a half block west on 16th Street. We are in the light green and cream-colored building on the south side of the street.
One Arkansas Street, Studio E: Take BART to the 16th Street Station, then take the 22 Fillmore bus east to Potrero Hill and get off at the corner of 17th Street and Wisconsin. Walk one block east on 17th Street, turn left, then walk one block north on Arkansas. We are in the mango-colored building on the east side of the street in Studio E.
Ready to Apply?
Read more about our eligibility requirements and application process →
Tobert “Toby” Calonico, studio artist
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