Gallery Show for Developmentally Disabled Artists

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.