It’s the Season for Love, Art and Celebration

Creative Clay’s Spring for the Arts Returns

April 21 from 6-9 pm
Nova 535, St. Pete
Details here

NEA/Pinellas Recovers Grant Update

Friday, April 21 is the date. 6-9 pm is the time. Come on down to Nova 535 for a party that will touch your heart and revive your faith in the goodness we all possess. Once again, Creative Clay hosts the event of their fundraising year for the benefit of member artists and their families living with disabilities.

Equality and Inclusion through Art is what it’s all about – and Creative Clay works toward that mission every day.

Public Relations Manager and former St. Pete first lady, Kerry Kriseman is excited for the opportunity to show the art of member artists (which will be for sale), enjoy very special live entertainment and have our community come together.

“Nova is the perfect venue for this event,” she says. “The space is beautiful and big enough for all our planned activities. Everyone always has such an amazing time.”

Creative Clay Member Artist Cory B. dancing at Spring for the Arts 2022 in the Sparks performance of Billow – photo by Sheri Kendrick

Executive Director Kim Dohrman talks about how proceeds will benefit member artists. “Funds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, opportunity drawings and auctions will help us to continue our innovative educational programs for our member artists including classes, supplies and the ability to compensate our excellent teachers.

“A portion of the proceeds from art sales will go not only to programming, but directly to the member artists. Of course, there are always improvements to be made and maintenance to be done on the Gallery. Spring for the Arts helps us to do all of those things, as well as giving us a chance to be together and enjoy a truly fun party.”

Spring for the Arts 2022

Here’s what’s in store for you
at Spring for the Arts

• Live music will be provided by The Disston Ridge Band – a very popular local band sure to get the party started and have you shaking your booty on the dance floor.

The Disston Ridge Band

• Gourmet food and desserts, as always, will be provided by Island Flavors & Tings, and it’s sure to be exotic and delicious.

This gorgeous classical guitar hand-painted by Grace Parietti will be in Friday’s silent auction

• Opportunity drawings at the event or online will give you a chance to win some amazing trips. How does Ireland… or Hawaii sound? Plus a silent auction for two trips of a lifetime – an amazing week-long South African Safari or a Mexican vacation for a family of four.

• Also in the silent auction is an electric guitar hand-painted by member artist, Ali Vasquez, a classical guitar hand-painted by Grace Parietti and a drum hand-painted by Cecil C.

Michael Jackson by Cecil C.

• There will be live painting and portrait drawing by member artists, always a lovely souvenir.

A page from When the Tuba Shows Up, It’s a Party illustrated by member artist Aaron F. and teaching artist Jung In Kang

Some unique entertainment is in store for you as well. At 6:45 pm “a short play for painting and parading” by Sheila Cowley [disclaimer – the managing editor of this magazine] – When the Tuba Shows Up, It’s a Party – will be performed by Creative Clay’s member artists, who are a vital part of the Sparks Collaborative Ensemble.

Helen French and Paula Kramer will be dancing alongside Creative Clay’s member artists, actor Stephanie Roberts will narrate and Tuba player Kendrick Wilson from the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association will provide an original live score.

The children’s book and video illustrated by Creative Clay will turn into a live performance at 6:45 pm

Paula and Creative Clay’s dancers came up with spectacular dances for every  moment of the play – a Carrot Dance, a Paperclip Dance, Space Aliens that bring down the house and, of course, a Tuba Party. And when Doo Wop singers come up in the story, a group of Creative Clay singers wrote an original song with Stephanie Roberts that they’re going to sing as part of the performance. It’s sure to fill the Nova space with pure joy.

When the Tuba Shows Up, It’s a Party is also a printed book Creative Clay will be selling to raise funds, and a free video for kids – both spectacularly illustrated by Creative Clay.

So, you see, it’s simply a celebration not to be missed.

creativeclay.org

Friday, April 21 from 6-9 pm
Nova 535
535 Dr. M. L. King Jr. Street North
St. Petersburg FL 33701
You can find ticket information here.

 

Creative Clay is a recipient of the Pinellas Recovers Grant,
provided by Creative Pinellas through a grant from the
National Endowment of the Arts American Rescue Plan.

Mayan Bird by Ali Vasquez

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