Creative Clay, a St. Petersburg nonprofit serving about 90 artists with disabilities, has doubled attendance at its monthly art markets after federal recovery grants funded new technology and building repairs that transformed the organization's programming.
The nonprofit received two rounds of American Rescue Plan Act funding through the Pinellas Community Foundation's Nonprofit Capital Project Fund, according to a PCF profile published July 20. Grant amounts were not disclosed. The ARPA program, which supported eligible nonprofits across Pinellas County, has concluded.
Creative Clay has operated out of 1846 1st Ave. S in St. Petersburg since 1995, offering professional instruction and hands-on job training. COVID-19 forced the organization to close for 15 months, cancel 31 events and lay off teaching artists. Staff maintained programming through virtual art classes during the closure, but the financial damage left no budget for new equipment.
New technology opens digital career paths
The first ARPA grant funded laptops, iPads with Apple Pencils, a desktop workstation, a professional camera, a sound system, outdoor fans and security cameras. Artists who previously worked only in traditional visual media gained access to digital drawing, animation, music production, video editing, filmmaking, songwriting and stop-motion animation.
The technology also created income. Artwork made on iPads becomes prints and apparel, and member artists earn a 50% commission on every piece they sell at gallery openings, partner exhibits, fundraisers and art festivals.
Second grant fixes flooding, security issues
A second grant addressed the building itself. A drain installed outside the back door stopped water from entering the studio, sparing the organization from replacing flood-damaged art and supplies. A new white vinyl privacy fence replaced a rusted chain-link structure.
Attendance, revenue surpass pre-pandemic levels
Attendance at Creative Clay's First Friday Art Markets has doubled and revenue has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, the organization reported through the PCF profile highlighting the grants' impact. Staff have been rehired, and programming now extends into music, performance, photography and digital media.
"I love trying new things, and I like Creative Clay because there is something always unexpected to do. It challenges me," member artist Ashton said in a December PCF profile about the organization's mission. Ashton joined Creative Clay at 18 through its Transition Program, a partnership with the Pinellas County School System supporting young adults ages 18 to 22.
The organization's Artlink Employment Program has connected artists to jobs at Charlie Parker Pottery, the Dalí Museum store and Great Explorations. Creative Clay reached 2,880 individuals in 2024, according to PCF.
Dunedin partnership continues
Creative Clay artwork and greeting cards are sold at the Dunedin Fine Art Center's museum shop, and several member artists have been selected to exhibit in DFAC shows. The two organizations partnered on "Just Imagine" disability-focused workshops in 2023, though that program has since ended.
Upcoming events
- Aug. 7 — First Friday Art Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1846 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. Live music, karaoke by member artists, food truck.
- Aug. 8 — Second Saturday ArtWalk, 5 to 9 p.m. Exhibit: "Radiant Perspectives."
- Oct. 17 — Good Folk Fest, 6 to 9 p.m., St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. Betty Fox Band, live art auction, food trucks. Tickets on Eventbrite.
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