Contact:                                                                                            
Geoff Geiger
Frank Bette Public Relations Volunteer
(510) 521-1498(510) 521-1498                                                          
GeoffreySGeiger@gmail.com

January 28, 2014   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

ALAMEDA, CALIF.—Frank Bette Center for the Arts Hosts Gallery Show for Developmentally Disabled Artists

On Friday, February 7, the Frank Bette Center for the Arts in Alameda will begin showing acrylic and water color paintings by developmentally disabled adult artists who attend the Clausen House art program in Oakland.  A total of eight artists will be displaying their work, with some artists expected to attend the offical opening reception on February 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.  The exhibit will close on March 2.

Founded in 1967, Clausen House is a charitable 501(c)(3) institution that provides housing, wellness programs and advocacy for developmentally disabled adults in Oakland and the surrounding East Bay area. Its clients are adults challenged by autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other intellectually disabling conditions. The paintings in the show were created under the guidance of the Clausen House Adult Education Program.

“The main focus of our art program is the life skills the artists learn,” explains Linsey Mayhew, assistant director at Clausen House.  “We consider our artists to be professionals, and they are taught how to price their work and market it.  Half the proceeds for sales go to the artist, with the other half returning to our program for art supplies.”  Mayhew adds that the art program also conducts open studios at Clausen House so artists can practice interacting with the public and selling their work.

“Along with a focus on life skills,” says Michelle Champlin, the art instructor, “we emphasize choosing subject matter and colors, and what it means to create a finished work of art.  We stress to our artists that they can create great work.”

The Frank Bette Center is held in a yellow Victorian building in the center of Alameda. Bette, a local artist and craftsman, bequeathed it to the community for meetings, readings, showings and other artistic endeavors. Its mission is to fulfill and build upon Frank’s dream of providing a place to nurture creativity in fine arts, crafts, literary, and musical arts. 

If you’d like to write a story about this exhibit, please contact Geoff Geiger, who will assist you in arranging interviews ifyou wish.  His contact information is above.  You can also visit www.FrankBetteCenter.org, or ClausenHouse.org.

Media Contact:
Susan Jeffries  
Email: nemesia21@sbcglobal.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALAMEDA, CA—Frank Bette Center for the Arts Introduces New Series of ART TALKS

First Presentation: How Photography Influenced Early Modern Art

On February 12 Eric Kos will explain how the early photography shaped the work of modern art pioneers.

Kos’ presentation is the first in a series of six art history presentations, called ART TALKS, at Alameda’s Frank Bette Center, 1601 Paru, the second Wednesday of each month from February 12 until June11. All of the talks start at 7 p.m. FBCA volunteers organized ART TALKS for people who love art and want to know more about it.

A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Kos is the publisher of the Alameda Sun. His study of art history and his interest in photography lead him to research how advances in photography created a host of new art forms.

Kos worked for various independent publications in the East Bay before forming in 2001 Stellar Media Group, Incto publish the Alameda Sun . He is the co-author of five local history books and the publisher of three others.

Kos also hand-painted four 10-foot by 10-foot murals for the Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda. Fascinated with painting as an art form, Eric’s presentation will focus on the intersection of technology and art, specifically the invention of the camera and its impact on pictorial artists.

The March 12 ART TALKS will bring College of Alameda art instructor and artist Drew Burgess to demonstrate how artists show emotion in paintings.

Future ART TALKS will provide insight into Early California art, contemporary Pinball art, framing art and selection tips, and appraising and valuing art. Admission is $10 for guests, $5 for members.

Advance reservations are recommended. For more information about Frank Bette, visit www.FrankBetteCenter.org, or call the gallery at 510-523-6957.