MTC ART GALLERY

TRANSFORMATIONS

New Works By The Artists of the Artful Steps Program at Stepping Stones

"Serene Seabird," mosaic, by Jamil Taylor

The Artists of the Artful Steps Program at Stepping Stones

"Going in Circles," mosaic, by Jackie Riley

"Highway Cruising," pencil, by Nick Falls

"Magnificent Bird," color pencil, by Curtis Simmons Jr.

August 14 – October 31, 2012

About the Show

Transforming materials…
In our stunning mosaic series, the artists began with a simple drawing that they used as a blueprint. Then they were taught how to sculpt ceramic components for the work’s primary focus. They also learned to break tile and incorporate found natural and recycled objects for the background.

Our visiting artist, Mike Camp, showed Artful Steps his “slumped glass” technique. The process involves heating glass to a red heat, the plastic state, and letting gravity do the rest. The artists took their own glass creations and wove wire and beads to make planters for air plants.

Transforming subject matter…
The artists were taught to transform both materials and subjects through learning about the technique of reduction block printing. The process starts with a sketch, which is then transferred to the linoleum block. The artists then start carving. The process of “reduction” refers to a multilayer print, in which after each layer, more linoleum is carved out. The end result is a one of a kind, multilayer block print. The series of prints depicts how a subject evolves.

The artists also research subject matter of interest through library books and the Internet. They use these photographic images as launching pads for their work in a variety of media.

Transforming famous works…
Our personal, Artful Steps library is used to teach art history to our students. They are inspired by the work of famous artists and transform signature work by depicting them in their favorite medium and personal flair.

About the Program

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

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.

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, The Bill Graham 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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