MTC ART GALLERY

Reclaiming Utopia:
A multi-media show with recycled material and environmentally conscious themes

A Group Show By The Artists of the Artful Steps Program at Stepping Stones

About the Program

The Artful Steps Program at Stepping Stones Growth Center in San Leandro teaches developmentally 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.

Community Awareness

Through our community-based art exhibits, Artful Steps can enlighten the public of the artistic abilities of our clients. We appreciate the opportunity to showcase their talents and the support of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

About the Show

“Reclaiming Utopia” encompasses various environmental issues through the visual arts including recycling, urban gardening and endangered species. The artists were inspired by learning about famous, progressive artists who used recycled material in their work. Each of the mixed-media pieces has unique subject matter but incorporates material collected from The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse and found objects.
The exhibit in the opposite corridor showcases the individuality of the artists in our program. The four artists who are highlighted represent the diversity of interests and mediums making Artful Steps so special. Also represented are samples of other students' work as well as those of the Artful Steps staff.

For 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, the City of San Leandro, The Thomas J. Long 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, please contact Missy Brooks, Artful Steps Director, at (510) 567-2621

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