Main Library hosts exhibition of 30 Creativity Explored artists. Five artworks will be selected by the public to be featured on new library cards.

Library Card by Creativity Explored on view February 18 – April 30, 2023

SAN FRANCISCO, February 2, 2023 – For 40 years, the San Francisco-based nonprofit Creativity Explored has cultivated the artistic talents of developmentally disabled adults, delighting and inspiring audiences around the country. In honor of its anniversary, the studio-based collective has partnered with San Francisco Public Library to bring a unique exhibition featuring 30 reproductions of artworks inspired by the library to the Main Library’s 4th Floor. The public is invited to vote in person or online for their favorite works from February 18 to March 31, and the winning five will be turned into library cards this Spring. The exhibition will be on view through April 30, 2023.

"The Library is a gathering place for everyone in our community—Creativity Explored's artists included,” says Creativity Explored’s Executive Director Linda Johnson. “Our artists had so much fun developing their ideal library card. Knowing that Library patrons will be checking out with an assist from Creativity Explored is a thrill for all of us."

Featured Creativity Explored artists include: Ada Chow, Alaina Schlier, Albert Duong, Andrew Lee, Andrew Li, Andrew Wong, Anne Slater, Christina Marie Fong, Doris Yen, Emma Reyes, Gerald Wiggins, Guadalupe Ramos, Hanh Chau, Hiro Medina, Isaias Gomez, James Miles, Kevin Roach, Lance Rivers, Laron Bickerstaff, Loren King, Nita Hicks, Nubia Ortega, Pamela Pianchachi, Paul Gee, Peter Cordova, Peter Delira, Selene Perez, Stella Tse and Yolanda Ramirez.

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Library Card by Creativity Explored
Starting February 18, patrons can visit sfpl.org/librarycardcontest to cast their vote or they can vote in person by asking a librarian for a paper ballot at a 4th Floor reference desk. One vote per person per day. Voting closes on March 31, 2023.

LOCATION: San Francisco Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, 4th Floor

DATES: February 18 – April 30, 2023; Voting open from February 18 – March 31, 2023

COST: FREE

INFORMATION: sfpl.org

About San Francisco Public Library 
San Francisco Public Library is dedicated to free and equal access to information, knowledge, independent learning and the joys of reading for our diverse community. The library system is made up of 27 neighborhood branches, the San Francisco Main Library at Civic Center and four bookmobiles. To learn more, please visit sfpl.org and follow on Twitter @SFPublicLibrary and on Instagram @sfpubliclibrary.

About Creativity Explored 
Creativity Explored is a studio-based collective in San Francisco that partners with people with developmental disabilities to celebrate and nurture the creative potential in all of us. Founded in 1983 by a psychologist and an artist, CE has facilitated the careers of hundreds of neurodiverse artists and serves as a model in the field of art and disability worldwide.

The organization now serves 130 artists with developmental disabilities offering art supplies, training, exhibition and sales opportunities in traditional and digital media. CE artists have seen their work exhibited in museums, galleries, and art fairs in over 14 countries and have earned over $2.2 million from their art. Their life-changing programs continue to open doors of inclusion to center the personhood and creative vision of people with developmental disabilities. Most importantly, Creativity Explored is a source of community, empowerment and dignity.