Creativity Explored

I love Creativity Explored. Of the three sister disability arts programs, including Creative Growth and NIAD, Creativity Explored has the best art because its artists are provided the best resources—working artists who teach classes, a library of art books, field trips to galleries, museums, and artist studios, and art school quality art materials. Consequently, the art is of a higher technical and artistic caliber than the work created by artists at the other programs. Many pieces are stunning in their execution and affordable. I highly recommend Creativity Explored!

love love the cause. the artists are very friendly, approachable, and love conversation. the staff are amazing people as well the place is a haven for positivity, creativity, and was very healing to go to

Personally I must say this place is a ray of hope for artists with disabilities. This place holds art gallerys for young artists to sell their master pieces. It has a gift shop when you walk in. In the back is music, artists with their art. It's fun I suggest to look up they do help the community.

This place is one of the most rewarding stops you can make if you are in the Mission District of San Francisco. The gallery showcases inspiring and superbly crafted art from the participants in the workshops and classes they have their throughout the week, and the instructors and staffers are engaging, Kind and superb teaching artists. It’s one of those non-profits that has a pure spirit of compassion, joy and community that it pervades every corner of the building and if you have a chance to visit it and learn about its mission, you will get a sense of the alternative undercurrent of arts/grassroots community-building that defines San Francisco in contrast to the Financial and Tech facade that gets all the media attention.

Unique studio with interesting artworks. Products with a purpose and for a great cause.

This is such a magical and unique place! The studio itself a great institution that really changes the lives of the people that work there. Visitors who come in on weekdays can see all the artists working in the studio right behind the gallery and sometimes have the opportunity to meet them too! The work is very reasonably priced and if you browse for a little while I guarantee you'll find something you love! Staff is friendly and helpful as well...definitely one of San Francisco's underrated gems.

Creativity Explored is a cool center where you can come see some amazing art. This is a center for those with developmental disabilities to express themselves through the use of art. The pieces are unique and there are a lot of items that can be purchased. We walked only around the lobby area where items were displayed on the walls but we were invited to go back into a larger room where work was being completed. A fabulous place to come and an even greater purpose.

On weekends, you can visit the gift shop and studio area. I suggest it. The organization works with adults who have cognitive differences, and art allows them too have a career selling their art and gives them something thoughtful and engaging during the week. To be honest, I feel like there are dozens of items, almost all originals, that I wanted to buy. JP McKenzie's works stood out the most to me. Still, the studio shorts 130+ adults during the year, and it's goal of helping these individuals with income and engagement is fantastic. Definitely a place to visit and buy some artwork.

I was walking past this place & the doors were open! I didn't know anything about this place but while walking through it the space was great!! & I saw that they are open to neurodiversity. I talked to the front desk she was awesome and told me that they house 140 neurodiverse individuals. Coming to yelp to give a review I learned more about the business and I am so happy to come across this hidden gem in this city. I learned that it is free & open to the public on Saturday's from 12-3 pm.

Had the pleasure of stopping by Creativity Explored last weekend as I was biking around the Mission with some friends. My friend told me about this place as he has some art hanging on the walls at his apartment and I've always been super intrigued with this concept. It's an amazing cause and the art is really beautiful. The current exhibition is "Quality of Line" with Charles Cruz & Jay Herndon and is fantastic! You can also head into the actual studio to check out the other pieces and meet the artists (if they are around). I was so moved by the people in the studio that I ended up purchasing a piece (see photo) that is a part of the current exhibition. The artists name is Jay Herndon and he's amazing. Half of the purchase price goes directly to the artist and the other half to fund the studio for these wonderful people to have a creative outlet. Pro tip: Do yourself a favor and swing by on a Friday afternoon because apparently they have "dance party Fridays" where all the artists are in the studio and cutting loose! Support art, the people that make it and this wonderful gallery.

What an amazing place to spend some time! I went to Creativity Explored for the very first time with my dear friend MaryAnne, who has been a donor for over 30 years. We went on the exposition night for artist Marilyn Wong - absolutely beautiful art and she was a sweet old lady. All the art (frames, clothing, drawings, objects) created by the people at CE is moving and it made me really emotional. Support and donate to keep the great work they do at this gallery. And thank you for their amazing staff and founder for the night.

Yall. Put aside at least an hour or two to really get to see this place. My friend had been telling me about where he got art for his new apartment and kept going on and on about C.E. Of course I was game and I was blown away. We arrived with only about 20 minutes to really look, but somehow ended up staying well past closing. First off, the space is so nice. There is a gallery in the front, with larger work, along with great little things at the cashwrap for folks to get that are lower in price. This includes pins, cards, etc. You are then invited to step in the back. Wow. If you're there during the daytime, you will find the many artists of C.E. working. I mean, as someone who creates for a living, I really commend this place as a space for some amazingly talented folks of all abilities to work and create. We walked all over. There is art everywhere. All the artists have folders and you can peruse through all of the original work. The pricing is crazy fair and half goes to the artist. I fell in love with the work of Antonio Benjamin and purchased a few of his works, along with some incredible drawings by a few other artists. The woman who was so kind to let us stay past closing noticed that I had a lot of Antonio's work and said he also created "boob pins" in different skin tones. When I approached the cash wrap to pay, she told me she already got my pin. I asked, how did she know which color I wanted? Aha, she did, she showed me some lovely brown boobs, so close to my color too! I can't wait to get back to San Francisco to look at even more work and support even more artists!

Creativity Explored is a wondrous warmth filled place that is absolutely perfect for finding exceptional presents for people that you love, treasure, and care a lot about. But more than that - it's a remarkable and well run non-profit organization. Creativity Explored is a nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art. Many of the artists here - as referenced by the the Creativity Explored website - speak different languages - or in some cases - speak very little - if at all - so the importance of visual art and the importance of expression through visual art - takes on that much more significance. I visited this space a little while back and was extremely moved by the wealth of diverse beauty that moved throughout this space. Creativity Explored not only has a gallery - which showcases these artists' works - but it also houses a store - where you can buy printed T-shirts and handmade bookmarks and such. Probably the most moving aspect of this space is that you can walk around and see many of the artists creating the art at the space. The main gallery room in which they work - is large, well lit - and just full of love and inspired art. I can't recommend Creativity Explored enough. If you're looking to donate or get more involved with a non-profit - Creativity Explored is a great place to start. If you're looking for unique gifts and art - Creativity Explored is What's UP. Trust.

Yo painter, I'm really happy for you, I'ma let you finish, But Creativity Explored is Onna the best Studio-galleries uh all taiyme! Uh aaall taaaiyme!

The paintings in the windows, bright colors, large faces, called to us from the busy sidewalk on 16th Street in the MIssion. More paintings in the tiny gallery just inside the door kept us looking, but, oh, the huge workroom, with so many artists busy at their task of creating, drew us further into Creativity Explored. Then, the artists themselves took over, showing off their work, and pointing out wonderful pieces. What salesmen they are! The gallery takes credit cards, therefore I was able to purchase two pieces of art. The proceeds go back to the artist who created the work, whether drawing, painting, ceramics, or even hats! What a delightful place to spend some time.

Touched, inspired... do I really need to say more? This gallery is a special place where beautiful art is made, people are harmonious and giving and lots of creativity is explored. I've never seen such original natural art. I found CE through an itinerary Larry Harvey, the founder of Burning Man, made. http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/arts-culture/arts-culture-itineraries/Bohemian.html It's nested with other art shops around. It'd be a dream to live and work in this area, it's so pleasant. The art is very affordable and they also have some cards, books, and shirts to purchase. Original art starts at around $50. This is a magical place.

Opening receptions are fun, but can be a total meat market on those nights. Browsing can be a bit more difficult, because there is a lot to look at and sift through. It's annoying when some dude is just standing in front of the pile you want to tackle, obliviously sipping his merlot out of a plastic wine glass. Live music at times. Sometimes the music is too overwhelming; interferes with my browsing because my brain needs some noise-free space to ponder about purchase decisions. Act fast if you want to buy something, because the cool artwork go fast. Parking is a royal pain around the Mission.

I was completely blown away by the art at Creativity Explored. A few months ago I read a profile on an interior designer and he was quoted as saying that he purchased much of the art for his clients at Creativity Explored. I thought to myself, sure you do buddy. I mean it sounds good, because you're supporting developmentally disabled artists, but I don't believe you for a second. After attending the opening of the current Day of the Dead exhibit, on now through 11/24/13, I totally believe that interior designer guy. I can't even articulate it further except to say run, don't walk, to Creativity Explored. Don't let a slim wallet stop you either - I bought 2 pieces for $5 each and another 2 for $7 each.

We always enjoy coming here and seeing the latest creations. Yesterday was no exception. The gallery is exhibiting a collection of fabric creations and there are some great pieces of work. I am still contemplating purchasing one of the amazing clocks that were exhibited in the studio. Their annual holiday art sale is coming soon - get ready!

Went to the holiday sale here on Friday, and oh man, did I leave with a fistfull of awesomeness or what? Met up with some of San Francisco's finest ladies but immediatley ventured out on my own, making sure I snatched up some rad pieces before some other motherfucker got to them. See, the crowd at Creativity Explored is competitive! Elbows fly! Scathing glares are shared as one swifter, more agile competitor reaches for the perfect piece first. If you happen to arrive a bit after the gallery opens its doors, like myself, you can rest assured that some of the best stuff is long gone. But who dwells on the bad stuff, right? Not me. Instead, I checked out with some John Patrick McKenzie note cards as well as one of his drawings/commentaries on Little Richard. Lemme give you a taste of his brilliance by quoting from his work on construction workers: "Perspire/they sweat when they work/they like to drink Budwesier beer or nonalcoholic beers/they have big hunks of cakes and pies/they like to gain weight." Clearly, there exists no better characterizartion than this. Additionally, Mel informed me that half of the cost of a piece goes to the artist and the other half funds the gallery. Besides offering incredibly affordable and absolutely brilliant art work for sale, the politics of Creativety Explored deserve massive support. The next show, Naked, opens on January 11. I might see you there but be warned, I fight dirty and unfairly.

Chloe S. sums this place us beautifully--- and the McKenzie quote was superb. I found CE through volunteering, I wanted an arts gig, but due to my horrific work schedule, I could only commit to special events, like opening events. Volunteering twice, I've gotten an eyeful of wonderful work by the artists and have spent many an hour talking to them as they explain their work and will often sign the pieces before you head home for the night. I finally bought my first piece of artwork in their recent Shadowshine, my second event I volunteered for, and it is proudly hanging in my apartment. Staff, volunteers and artists are truly spectacular, making it easily one of the best galleries in San Francisco.

Worth supporting. Take note folks. Checked this out today - Hands on Clay: "A motley crew of ceramics from the studio." Love the concept of this gallery . They "provide artists with developmental disabilities the means to create, exhibit, and sell their art in our studios and gallery, and around the world." Art is an exceptional outlet for these folks - there's messages in the art. Some things appear very adolescent yet they're endearing when you take a little time to learn the stories behind them. One of my favourite pieces I recently purchased was so touching it had to come home with me. Bravo

Creativity Explored is a cool center where you can come see some amazing art. This is a center for those with developmental disabilities to express themselves through the use of art. The pieces are unique and there are a lot of items that can be purchased. We walked only around the lobby area where items were displayed on the walls but we were invited to go back into a larger room where work was being completed. A fabulous place to come and an even greater purpose.

Just attended the nature-themed exhibition last night. There's an art gallery in the first room, and then a huge working studio in the back. What a great space! I was really impressed. Some unique (but very professional-looking) art. These developmentally disabled adults are really professionals. Many attend the event so that you can talk to them about their work. I didn't buy anything, but the prices were reasonable, and the line to purchase long. If you need an incentive, come for the complimentary wine and snacks, but stay to browse the art and be inspired.

I have been waiting to come to this place for almost a year now. I went yesterday. it was AWESOME. i fell in love with this place and everything it stands for. this gallery/studio is seriously so inspiring and creative. my friend and i went in and spent maybe 1 1/2 hours just looking at the art at the holiday art sales and i kind of peered into the studio and observed what they were doing. (first timer, here). the artists were doing christmas carols; it was so fun watching them dance and sing. TOO fun! my friend fell in love with a piece of art on the wall. all the art is very very reasonably priced; the framed pieces are definitely more expensive, but there is just so much in there. i didn't want to leave! i ended up picking up a couple books about fears, one for me and a friend, and we also picked up a couple of temporary tattoos. too fun! i thoroughly enjoyed visiting; i am definitely coming back again in the very near future.

CE is one of my favorite places, period. They're on my end-of-year donations list, and they're one of the places I always hit first when I arrive in SF. I adore strolling around the studio and talking to the artists. It's an incredible experience to see people's process and work in progress. It's also so enjoyable to peruse the art available for purchase throughout the studio. There are a few CE artists whose work I've been collecting for several years now. This place enriches the lives of its artist-members, and it certainly enriches mine.

Visit this place and you will smile! The art is always great/original/surprising and very affordable! The shows in the gallery are well thought out and they have cool stuff for sale too ( postcards, tshirts, etc., and art yes!) Take a look in the back and see the artists working away in the studio.

Wow this is such a neat place. So much creativity being shared. All the students were friendly and eager to share their creations. So happy there is a place like this for those who have challenges. I wish I had an ounce of their artistic talent, but alas I am only an observer. Purchase unique T-shirts and art created here along with custom wrapping paper and cards. Please support this great shop during the holidays! Macy's does not need your $$$.

After reading some of the reviews, I like this place even more. I walked in today, not aware of the reasons behind the art, and it makes it all the greater. They have a well-kept gallery in the front, as well as some goodies you can purchase. The awe-inspiring part is the artist space that takes up most of the area -- it's just an amazing assortment of art and goodness.

A great place to buy art and a great addition to the neighborhood. I like to support the artists and the staff too - most of whom are great artists with strong careers. The window displays are always entertaining.

I love this place. I love the art - it's very refreshing and creative! And the colors are often bright, perfect for spicing up your home. The money also goes to very good cause, benefiting the artists (with developmental disabilities) and hopefully will inspire growth of similar galleries. Come during the opening of the exhibition or during the annual holiday art sale. When you do go in on a regular day, stop by inside where the artists themselves are creating their art, some of them are more than happy to talk to you. It could be an interesting experience! One time i came in and talked to an artist about a band that she is drawing, it was exciting to see how she pieced everything together and the details that she went into in creating her piece. Come in around 11am to 3pm and you'll find someone in the studio (or better yet, call!)

Wow. I wanted some art for the bare apartment walls, and found more than I bargained for here. Got a John Patrick McKenzie piece, of course, and also found an amazing painting on plexiglass with mixed media by an artist named Hector. I've also been thinking about this one wood cutout/painting of a cat basically since I left, so I might go back to get that one, too. There is so much art to see, their mission is really great, and I like that half of the proceeds of each sale go to the artist, the other half to CE. Definitely worth stopping into periodically to check out new stuff and to support this very cool organization. **UPDATE 4/28** I got the cat. (It was still there, albeit hiding behind another painting, when I went today, so I figured it was meant to be.) Also, a new show is opening Thursday May 3rd. They were setting up for it today and there was some awesome stuff waiting to go up on the walls. I highly suggest you check it out.

I went to an art auction a few months ago here, I was floor'd by all the wonderful art pieces displayed and actually bought a few for myself. The paintings show us just how amazing the human brain is, where one area may be "challenged" another area will do double time. This is a great place to find beautiful art pieces/

Yesterday we spent four hours at Creativity Explored! So many interesting artists and paintings! Every piece of art has a special story and every artist is so different that you can find something for every taste. I'm really impressed with the quality of the work. And the atmosphere in the Gallery is really good. So, in summary we ended up buying several amazing paintings and the nice staff of the Gallery are going to organise the shipping to France for a reasonable price.

Rad place. I'm interested in learning more about their art school. There's a large room in the back that looks to be well used. The current exhibition is on repetition. Coincidentally it's what I'm currently interested in. The exhibition space isn't that big but it does what it does fairly well. There are prints, t-shirts, and other stuff for sale. Nice casual atmosphere.

What a great and inspiring place!!! I felt energized just visiting. The art and people were all gorgeous. Moving into a new place in a month and can't wait to go back for ways to adorn my wall space. Check it out!!!!

creativity explored is one of my favorite places in the whole bay area! i love their mission, but moreso, i love the art! it's unique, wonderful and amazingly well-priced. a great place to find pieces for your home or someone else's! check http://www.creativityexplored.org for more information!

When I show out of towners around, I always bring them here! They're a model of sustainable art education! There's an incredible amount of joy, creativity and affordable art coming out of this place. I love being able to talk with the artists and watch them work. Check this place out if you're ever in the area!

CE is a great spot to pick up affordable original art for you or your friends. It's a art studio/gallery for developmentally disabled adults. They have paintings, sculpture, ceramic masks, note cards, etc. If you walk through the small gallery, you can head toward the back where the artists are working. They are open and will talk to you about what they're making.

We were the first in line last night, always excited about a CE opening but this one felt even more special... I saw the piece, it was hanging behind the counter, I had a price in my mind that I was willing to pay, sadly a spot more than I could afford... My birthday is close, Mom chipped in - lucky me! I can't wait to hang it in my bedroom along with the 3 other fabulous, happy, colorful, thought provoking, brilliant pieces I have from the Creative Minds at Creativity! The artwork was particularly good this time, bright happy pieces, wonderful wire sculptures and simply gorgeous metal poundings (sorry I know not proper terminology) done by Kevin. If I had a bigger house I would have my very own CE Gallery - simply can't get enough! I had a chance to speak with a mother who's son is an artist with CE and she said things that give me chills as I write this, my son is happier, he is more outgoing, he is doing so much better socially since joining CE. And then to my delight I got to meet her son - and indeed he was social, animated and quite pleased with himself. Watching his mother's chest puff with pride was the highlight of my evening! If you haven't been to a CE opening cancel everything and get yourself to the next one. And if you can't do that then be sure to stop by the gallery during business hours, I promise you personally you will not be disappointed! Keep up the GREAT work!

This is was probably the coolest and most inspiring art event I have ever attended. The work was absolutely amazing and I definitely need to buy some pieces next time around. I'm still harping on these two tapestries that were huge and bright and just stunning.

I stumbled upon this Art Gallery "in progress" as the artists are working on their stuff ----so you can roam around and observe and buy art...I felt like I had discovered a new world of Art that is void of ego ---fearless and unpretentious---it comes from the heart.....and is natural in the way that is not "trying" to impress.....I aspire to creating art like this. And all I can say is go see it or you will not know what I 'm talking about....I bought a large painting of a cow , I met the artst who was thrilled tomeet me and show more of his work....I also bought a large papier - mache castle that has a hot air balloon at it's side that I have in my kids bedroom.....it's magical and lends a warm feeling to my apt. I could decorate my whole place with this work----as there are also tiles that are affordable( if you can't spend more than a few dollars....) All art should be affordable .... please let me know what you think of this wonderful place...I come away from there with new inspiration every time....there's just such a nice feeling of love....

I got five affordable wonderful colorful art pieces at home. Yeah!

This place is amazing! I go crazy for the different T-shirts--drawings of an assortment of cakes, pink motorcycles, Frankenstein. Every November, I start looking here for people's Christmas presents. The fact that this place exists and brings disabled artists out into the community makes me proud to live in San Francisco. These folks are real artists-- they work at it and develop new stuff with each shows theme. I just wish I could have afforded some of the framed pieces from the recent "Naked" exhibit. Look for cool creepy stuff around October, they have done monsters and aliens in the past.

i have the most amazing painting of wonder woman hanging up in my room. she is wearing all dark blue with some red accents and she has two left feet. her hair is black scribble. if i can sway just one person to go into this fine gallery/studio and buy a ( very affordable) one of a kind piece of artwork, then i have payed it forward.

I work with a lot of people who have disabilities, and I love to see other organizations who help improve the quality of lives in others. As many of you know, art is theraputic not only to the artist but the admirer of the art. I have yet to visit the gallery when it is open, but everytime I pass by the window and look at the artwork there, it puts a smile on my face. I have friends who collect work from some of the artists here and the pieces are not only incredible, but priced really well. Even Micheal Stipe from REM has collected a few pieces from the autistic artist John Patrick McKenzie here. A great organization, a great mission with great end products for everyone to enjoy.

I went on a Saturday and the artists were not there. I got to see their art laid out on tables and on the walls of the studio and they were real good! I loved this one of bridges and small details surrounding it, amazing! I would of never thought of doing that. You can get inspired in this place. I want to paint now!

Absolutely phenomenal. Great atmosphere, great art, makes me happy to go there.

wow - what a special place. i attended CE's benefit auction last week for the 2nd year in a row. it's clear that every dollar raised goes directly to support the artists. and the artists and art themselves are spectacular. a few of the artists talked to me and my friends about how they make the art and what their inspiration is. CE's network of volunteers is another testament to what a special place this is. keep it up!

it takes a while to see all there is to see here. the studio space is amazing. how they keep it as organized as it is, i'll never know. i buy art. i buy a lot of art. and i've bought a lot of art here. other than the great deal that this place is, it's providing an unbelievable service to the community. the amount of love in the room when you walk in is great. no pretention, nothing fake, and it's okay to talk in the gallery space. art shopping, the way art shopping should be. i should add that i go in quite often just to look around......and so should you.

this is a wonderful place. i am so happy that it exist and is close by too. they have really afordable art witch is all made by adults with disabilities. everyone who works there is super nice. the artist get half of the money so its a great place to support. good for gifts! they have openings about once every 2 months witch are super fun and sometimes have great themes like dessert or monsters. during the day you can also check out the back room where the artist are working. its also nice to be on their mailing list because they only inform you of opening - i hate when people email you all the time.

Good have better merchandising 'cause there is a lot of material. Wonderful stop either way and a very cool concept.

This gallery/open artists' workshop is a must stop for art lovers visiting the Mish. What a beautiful thing! CE works with developmentally disabled adults. Their incredible talents simply explode in a profusion of truly inspired (and inspirational) art. The warmth and love at CE are indescribable. If it is at all possible, attend one of their openings. What a treat! The enthusiasm and wonder of it all radiate a bright and honest sense of hope for all mankind. See it!

Creativity explored is full of unique art. The artists have various disabilities and they are given a opportunity to express themselves. Such a brilliant concept and so worthy of support. I was amazed by the talent of these artists!

Our home is decorated abundantly with pieces from Creativity Explored, including a huge full wall piece created collaboratively by 13 artists (it was a piece later featured on one of CE's notecard sets sold in the gallery). I look at that work every day and see something new in it each time, even though we've owned it for probably 7 or 8 years (and paid less than $100!!). Each of the other pieces bring whimsy, joy, humor, form and color to our walls in many different subtle and not so subtle ways. I love this place - love the art, love the spirit, love the fun openings and sales, love the people, the space, the neighborhood it's in. If you've never explored the kind of creativity that Creativity Explored presents, don't wait another season. Get there for the next show. And don't miss the Holiday Sale, when the entire huge space is opened up with paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures, textiles, and the developmentally delayed adult artists and the art teachers/facilitators all there enjoying the fun. And buy something!

there is a reason this establishment, if you will, has a solid 5-Star rating. just go and see for yourself...its amazing how one can share so much beauty with others by simple brush-strokes or writing a few sentences -art has no prejudice!

a great place to buy art and support an amazing organization that supports artists with developmental disabilities. we bought two ceramic masks from artist gerald wiggins. definitely worth checking out!