Cecil shows off his portrait of Michael Jackson

Upon entering the Good Folk Gallery of Creative Clay during program hours, Member Artist Cecil C. is often one of the first people visitors will encounter. Always curious, and usually holding his notebook, Cecil will approach with friendly curiosity, saying, “Hi! What’s your name?”

Cecil will then write the answer in his ever-present notebook, which is filled with names, phrases and thoughts. An ongoing personal project, Cecil has filled countless notebooks, documenting his days with precision in handwriting that would make any classroom teacher proud.

Cecil shares a page from his August journal

A Member Artist since 2015, while he’s never shy, Cecil tends to speak in short bursts of thought; often just a few words at a time, followed by a curious glance to make sure he’s understood. As he speaks, Cecil gestures with his hands and will proudly point at himself and smile when answering positively about an activity he enjoys. He also likes to remind himself that he is doing the right thing with “Good man, right?”

With encouragement, Cecil will talk about his creative process. His favorite art mediums at Creative Clay: “Painting. Making bead jewelry. Coloring masks.” And when asked what he likes to paint most, his answer was profound: “I paint feelings.”

At Creative Clay, Cecil is known as one of the best greeting card makers, and he loves creating birthday, congratulations, and get-well cards for his friends. He then goes from studio to studio, making sure that everyone signs them.

Cecil plays piano with teaching artist Deb Muller

As a Member Artist, he says that he is currently working on “Collage, singing, Friday Bingo out in the community!” As Cecil works on improving his social skills, he spends a day or so a week going out in the community with his friends.

In his free time, Cecil’s favorite activities are “Dances at the city rec center, bowling, and Sunday school with Mom!” After pausing to think for a moment, he adds, “Fish on Clearwater Beach. Read magazines at the library! Play drums! Walk around at the mall.

“Oh! I tell funny jokes! And chicken salad!” (His favorite food.)

But the best description of Cecil, by Cecil, came at the end of our interview, when he was asked what he considered to be his favorite personal attribute.

“I’m a kind person,” Cecil responded.

At Creative Clay, we couldn’t agree more.

Documenting Days: The Art of Cecil C.