A landmark exhibition of artists from Creativity Explored, Creative Growth, and NIAD
Untitled by Marilyn Wong, 2022, paint on masonite panel, 24 x 36 inches
In collaboration with three progressive studios in the Bay Area, all founded by the legendary Florence and Elias Katz, Into the Brightness: Artists from Creativity Explored, Creative Growth & NIAD celebrates the work of contemporary artists with developmental disabilities. From painting to sculpture to multimedia, these world-renowned artists are producing work of incredible power, exuberance, humor, complexity, and joy.
“The history of Bay Area art is incomplete without recognition of the work and stories of the artists from Creativity Explored, Creative Growth, and NIAD. This exhibition seeks to shine an overdue light on these artists’ contributions and the integral part they play in our communities. We’re thrilled to have collaborated with the artists, and these studios who provide them with essential resources to express themselves and thrive.”
Into the Brightness presents a variety of dynamic perspectives from the artists’ personal experiences of the world. This original, collaborative exhibition is the largest museum exhibition in over a decade featuring artists from the Katz’s studios: Creativity Explored in San Francisco, Creative Growth in Oakland, and NIAD (Nurturing Independence Through Artistic Development) Art Center in Richmond.
Featured artists from CE include Ada Chow, Benji Saechao Cheung, Camille Holvoet, Charlie Barthelet, Daniel Green, Donald Gruneisen, Gerald Wiggins, Guadalupe Ramos, Isaac Haney-Owens, Isaias Gomez, Joseph "JD" Green, Jesus Huezo Cardenas, John Patrick McKenzie, Joseph Omolayole, Kaocrew "Yah" Kakabutra, Lance Rivers, Laron Bickerstaff, Marilyn Wong, Melody Lima, Peter Cordova, Samedi Djeimguero, Tranesha Smith-Kilgore, and Vincent Jackson.
Plan your visit at Oakland Museum of California ▸
Gallery Activation Hour
Wednesday, August 2
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
This special edition of OMCA’s Gallery Activation Hour will be hosted by two Creativity Explored artists, Selene Perez and Lance Rivers, who will be there to chat with visitors, share information about their work, and be on hand to answer any questions.
Vibrations of Awesomeness: Films & Fashion
Sunday, September 17
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Join us at OMCA for this fun and fashion-filled event, showcasing textile arts from the three studios! OMCA will screen three films in the theater, followed by an outdoor fashion show by studio artists wearing their own creations. Participating artists from Creativity Explored: Kevin Roach, Donna Osborn, Camille Holvoet, Samedi Djeimguero, Joseph “JayD” Green, Kathy Finn Gamino, and Joseph Omolayole.
Holiday Edition Marketplace
Sunday, December 17
Stay tuned for more information on a holiday marketplace at OMCA, featuring more CE artists, products for sale, and a hands-on collage activity!
Gallery Activation Hour
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
This special edition of OMCA’s Gallery Activation Hour will be hosted by Creativity Explored artists, who will be there to chat with visitors, share information about their work, and be on hand to answer any questions.