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.

 Thank you for naming Creative Clay as the beneficiary of your event!

Creative Clay board member Jean Marks, Qwen Thomas (sister of Creative Clay member artist Toni G.) and Lois Raffel.

Creative Clay Development Coordinator Betsy Pearson and RICH House representative Earl Sims and his wife.

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.”

 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.

The Hooker Tea Company Presents:
Tea Inspired Art

A tea-rific collaboration between The Hooker Tea Company and Creative Clay

Opening Reception May 23, 2008 at the Hooker Tea Company

“The Hooker Tea Company’s Co-Owner Kendra Rodriquez and Creative Clay’s accomplished staff and member artists have joined their love for tea and artistic talents to create very unique tea inspired artwork,” said Alicia Loomis, Creative Clay curator. “Member artists will be displaying both their individual tea inspired artwork and a group mandala that features the essence of the tea experience. This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to see great artwork, enjoy a cup of tea, and witness the unveiling of a new Chari-tea, a special blend of tea that will benefit Creative Clay.”
The public is invited to the opening reception of Tea Inspired Art at The Hooker Tea Company May 23rd, 6-9pm.

Kendra Rodriquez, The Hooker Tea Company’s Co- Owner states, “We offer over 100 varieties of premium loose tea from around the world. Once you visit, you will see that the atmosphere in our store is very relaxing and scenic. Our staff is friendly and our customer service is excellent. Tea is the new coffee and we’ll get you hooked”. The Hooker Tea Company is located at 300 Beach Drive, Suite 124, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701. For more information visit www.hookertea.com or call 727-894-4832.

The Tea Garden by Creative Clay artist Arthur S.

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

May - Tyrone Square Mall (food court)
June - Seminole Mall
July - Great Explorations Children’s Museum/Sunken Gardens
August - Largo Library
September - Clearwater Main Library
October - Countryside Mall (not confirmed)
November - Grand Finale event – TBA

The Hooker Tea Company and Creative Clay Present:
Tea Inspired Art
A tea-rific collaboration
Opening Reception open to the public: May 23, 2008, 6-9 p.m. at the Hooker Tea Company

“The Hooker Tea Company’s Co-Owner Kendra Rodriquez and Creative Clay’s accomplished staff and member artists have joined their love for tea and artistic talents to create very unique tea inspired artwork,” said Alicia Loomis, Creative Clay curator. “Member artists will be displaying both their individual tea inspired artwork and a group mandala that features the essence of the tea experience. This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to see great artwork, enjoy a cup of tea, and witness the unveiling of a new Chari-tea, a special blend of tea that will benefit Creative Clay.”

Kendra Rodriquez, The Hooker Tea Company’s Co- Owner states, “We offer over 100 varieties of premium loose tea from around the world. Once you visit, you will see that the atmosphere in our store is very relaxing and scenic. Our staff is friendly and our customer service is excellent. Tea is the new coffee and we’ll get you hooked”. The Hooker Tea Company is located at 300 Beach Drive, Suite 124, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701. For more information visit www.hookertea.com or call 727-894-4832.

The Tea Garden by Creative Clay artist Arthur S.

Creative Clay member artists made this banner to send to a friend who is serving in Iraq.

Creative Clay’s Beau Smith and member artist Chris C. have spent the past month working on their collaborative piece titled, The Barkman House. The traveling art project is a fund-raiser for the non-profit organization, Pinellas Animal Foundation. 12 doghouses made by local businesses will travel throughout the community beginning at TradeWinds Resort in April 2008. People may bid on their favorite abode as well as vote for their favorite. A percentage of the winning bid for The Barkman House will go to Creative Clay.

“Chris and I had a great time creating The Barkman House. We searched his sketchbook for a winning idea,” Beau said. “Once we found a good idea, we revised the drawing and figured out the final dimensions for the doghouse. Chris was eager to learn building skills.”

“I worked on one design every day for about a week,” said Chris. “I loved doing work on it. I loved working with Beau. He did a great job and he’s a great partner. Beau is a nice man to help me make this dog house.”

When asked what was the most challenging aspect of the work, Chris said it was the sanding. “The sanding was very hard work,” he said. “It took me four days to finish.”

Chris said he dedicates his work to his family. “I did it for my brother Garry who is very sick,” he said. “I did good work. I’m a good worker and I’m proud of myself.”

The Grand Finale event will take place in the fall of 2008 at a venue to be announced.

Representative Rick Kriseman and his wife Kerry Kriseman with
Member Artist Robert Dunlap, who painted throughout the evening.

Congratulations to our member artists who sold artwork at New Year’s in November!

Carolyn R.
Marybeth H.
Bob B.
Jill H.
Linda R.
Arthur S.
Chris C.
Stephanie J.
Dolores M.
Kim S.
Robert D.
JJ H.
Michael R.