Check out the article on folkfest in Southern Folk Art Magazine!

Jennifer and Nery at the folkfest art auction.

Beer Van

Carolyn and Jill’s tent.

Chris C. painting the bag pipe player from Lucid Druid.

Chris F. painting the band while they perform.

Baby Cora sporting the new Creative Clay “Save Some for Me” t-shirt.

Craftsman House owner Jeff Schorr looks on as member artist Frank A. draws singer Rod McDonald.

Drumming is easy! Folks take part in Giving Tree Music’s drumming circle.

Member artists worked with professional artist Christa Fairbrother to create this beautiful, one-of-a-kind quilt to be auctioned at folkfest!

Congratulations to Chris C. and his partner, Beau Smith on their second place award for their amazing dog house!

Beau and Chris’s Barkman House will be on display around town:

August - Largo Library
September - Clearwater Main Library
October - Countryside Mall (not confirmed)
November - Grand Finale event – TBA

BOWser Abode includes nine must-see artistically designed doghouses that will be exhibited throughout Pinellas County from May to October, ending with the Bark-itecture Bash in November where the doghouses will be auctioned off. Proceeds from the doghouses will benefit the Pinellas Animal Foundation’s humane education Safe House Service Program: Kind Kids - working with children at risk of anti-social behavior due to trauma in their lives.

“I am so proud to be supporting this unique event with the Pinellas Animal Foundation,” said Susie Kupfer, Pet Food Warehouse Owner. “The animal foundation does such amazing work with children; using pets as a catalyst to communication – teaching the common need for kindness, compassion and self sufficient behavior.”

Dolores M. focuses intently on her new series of paintings of old Florida houses. Her work can be viewed and/or purchased at the Creative Clay gallery.

Member artist David S. holds his African mahogany carving titled “Games We Play” which took him four months to create. David has been interested in art since his days in college. He is inspired by the works of the American Regionalists, and encouraged by the words of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: “art can charm even a cold and sunless soul to an exalted and spiritual experience.” David currently focuses on wood carving, sketching, and painting scenes inspired from his surroundings and the works of the great masters.

The work of Kim can be described as vibrant, eye-popping and psychedelic. Using a wide range of materials from markers to wood, to clay, Kim creates compositions that are filled with a joy and happiness that comes from within. Aside from her amazing talents in the fine arts, Kim is well known around the studio for her ability to name any tune on the radio. Her presence is one of sheer calm and peace, which permeates throughout the studio and affects all.

Volunteer Rachael Kratz purchased member artist John V.’s painting, “House of Pancakes” today.

 Throughout the month of July, member artists have been taking turns greeting visitors to Creative Clay’s artlink 2008 exhibit on the third floor of the Pier. While at the Pier, some member artists have been painting bottle vases to sell as well. Other member artists work in their sketchbooks while overlooking the great view of Tampa Bay.

(From left to right) Yalanda S., Thor B., Toni G., and John V. helped to transfer Creative Clay merchandise to and from the gallery to the van.

Chris C. worked all afternoon on this backdrop for a Photoshop project he’s working on. All four volunteers helped him to paint it in after he drew the picture of the girls on a motorcycle.  “They were very nice to me. I love it, ” Chris said. From left to right: Volunteers Tiffany Tran, Laurel Marois, member artist Chris C. , volunteers Kayla Savage, and Jessica Silva. Want to be a Creative Clay volunteer? Click here!

Member artists Robin L. and Sarah S. enjoying the interactive fiber exhibit at the Arts Center.