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Programs

Artlink

Through our Artlink program, teams create museum quality artwork and unique retail merchandise. The Artlink mentorship program has been in existence for ten consecutive years, however, 2009 marked the first year that the project was designed specifically as an arts focused Supported Employment initiative in which both partners were compensated for their efforts.

During this year-long program, teams collaborate to explore and share ideas, experiment with and master artistic skills, and develop ongoing projects. Artist mentors also endeavor to teach important business skills necessary for a successful career as a professional artist. Mentors help their Artlink partners create artist statements and resumes, budget for art supplies, and relay the importance of networking and community involvement.

Artlink Japan

Artlink Japan is a multicultural exhibit that features an exchange of artwork between St. Petersburg and similar programs in Japan.  “This is a very exciting project for Creative Clay and our entire art community,’ said Grace-Anne Alfiero, Creative Clay Executive Director.  “Our teams of professional and member artists have created insightful works that brilliantly showcase the talents of our community’s artists.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the world to see the great work that we do here at Creative Clay.”

Artlink was conceived by Grace-Anne Alfiero, with the first project in 1999.   Artwork from Japan will be collected by Ms. Alfiero from seven Japanese cities and eight programs that implement the Artlink project.  The cities will be: Osaka, Nara, Fukoaka, Takamatsu, Kyoto, Okyama, and Tokyo. The exhibit will be at the Creative Clay Gallery, 1124 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg from May 15 to June 30, 2009.  Creative Clay’s Artlink project features 10 Artlink teams that will exhibit work alongside artwork collected from the agencies in Japan.