MTC ART GALLERY

Diversity³

Diverse Artists Capture Their
Diverse Community in
Diverse Media

A group show by the artists of the Artful Steps Program

Through November 2008

About the Show

The participants and staff in Artful Steps represent the harmonious diversity of the Bay Area. We range in our abilities and disabilities, our ages (from 22 to in the 70s), our ethnic backgrounds and cultures. This show depicts how our differences are to be embraced and treasured. The work also ranges from representational work to the completely abstract. Each artist also has a diverse passion which can be seen in the varying mediums…acrylic painting, printmaking, ceramics andembroidery.

About the Program

The Artful Steps Program in San Leandro teaches development-ally disabled adults methods for self-expression through the visual arts. The goal of Artful Steps is to enhance individuals’ self-esteem and independence, as well as artistic ability.

Classes are designed to allow the artists opportunities to explore and experiment with various media. Instruction in painting ranges from traditional stretching and painting on canvas to modern spray-painting techniques. A popular medium of late has been embroidery. The artists have found embroidery to be both a meditative and fulfilling process, as they watch their designs come to life with colorful string.

The Artful Steps teachers are accomplished artists themselves and have brought fresh and exciting art techniques to our program. Currently, students are learning printmaking methods. Artful Steps has started a ceramics department and acquired a kiln, which will allow students to explore a variety of sculpting techniques.

We appreciate the opportunity to showcase our clients talents and the support of The Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

More Information

Artful Steps is a nonprofit program that is funded by the Regional Center of the East Bay and supported by the San Francisco Foundation and individual donors. We operate within Stepping Stones Growth Center, which has been serving persons with disabilities in the East Bay since 1975.

For more information, contact Missy Brooks, Artful Steps director, at (510) 567-2621.

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