1983—2023

From our humble origins in a Mission District garage in 1983, Creativity Explored celebrates 40 years of supporting artists with developmental disabilities in San Francisco.

Portraits of Michael Bernard Loggins, Cam Quach and Tony Gomez from the CE archives

Creativity Explored was founded by Florence and Elias Katz, an artist and a psychologist duo who believed that art is essential to life. Throughout our history, we've facilitated the art careers of hundreds of disabled artists — and changed the art world along the way. Our 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. Our San Francisco studios are the center of a thriving creative community where all are welcome.

Join us this year at one of our many events and exhibitions to celebrate our legacy of community, empowerment and dignity.

Creativity Explored is our artists

Creativity Explored is our artists ✨

Meet Maribel Guzman, December’s featured artist

Introducing Maribel Guzman, a quietly impactful artist and a pillar of CE's four-decade journey. Born in 1966 in El Salvador and currently residing in San Francisco's Mission District, Maribel has been an enduring presence in the Creativity Explored community since 2001.

Learn more about Maribel Guzman ▸

Into the Brightness

Check out Oakland Museum of California’s Into the Brightness: Artists from Creativity Explored, Creative Growth & NIAD, a landmark exhibition of artists from the three progressive studios in the Bay Area founded by the legendary Florence and Elias Katz. The exhibition celebrates the work of contemporary artists with developmental disabilities and is on view through January 2024.

Calendar of Events

november/DECEMBER

November 3: Holiday Art Drop launches to the public

NOvember 7

Our new book Art is Art is finally out! Pick up a copy at your local bookstore and enjoy a curated selection of hundreds of original paintings, drawings, illustrations, and sculptures — as well as quotes from and stories about CE artists!

November 18 – December 23: CE’s Ferry Building Holiday Pop-up, Saturdays from 8 AM to 3 PM

November 18–19: West Coast Craft at Fort Mason

NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 16

Browse hundreds of one-of-a-kind works, unique products, and our new book Art is Art. We’ll be kicking it off with two special nights of festivities, with drinks, music, and community!

VIP Soirée: November 30, 5 to 8 PM
Public Opening: December 1, 5 to 8 PM

Check back throughout the year for more about our featured artists.

Peter Cordova

Nita Hicks

Ethel Revita

Allura Fong

Ricardo Estella

Loren King

Hung Kei Shiu

“It’s all of us together, us artists and the public. We all like art, and we’re learning new things, and we keep growing.”

— Gerald Wiggins, CE artist since 2008

 See what we’ve been up to:

Support our artists

Your contributions help us provide high-quality art materials, exhibition opportunities, and dedicated staff who support artists in all of their creative pursuits.

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