Art of Nutrition

Thanks to the generosity of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida, in partnership with the Florida Literacy Coalition, Creative Clay has been presenting “The Art of Nutrition” weekly to its member artists. The program is able to happen because of a $5000.00 grant from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida to execute an arts-themed educational initiative, designed to inform Creative Clay member artists about the importance of nutrition, health care, healthy living and self advocacy in the medical environment.

Member artists were surveyed prior to the program kick-off so as to ascertain the knowledge they had about these subjects. Based on survey findings, a curriculum was developed and is supported by attractive and informative textbooks provided by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida.

Topics covered to date include healthy eating (the five food groups), determining what is a true emergency and the importance of knowing “911,” importance of drinking enough water daily, stretching and exercising, sketching still-life pictures of arranged fruit. Member artists have been treated to freshly-made smoothies, water tasting event demonstrating ways to flavor water to provide variety, a stretching demonstration, a Bingo game which reinforced the recognition of various fruits and vegetables, a visit from a Bayfront Medical Center R.N., and distribution and instruction on how to fill out an exercise log.

Periodic review occurs and we’re proud to say that our member artists are retaining much of the information presented to them thus far. But the best benefit, by far, is how excited they are each week to tackle the weekly “Art of Nutrition” topic. Thank you, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida and Florida Literacy Coalition, for allowing Creative Clay to be part of this healthy initiative!

Trip to Tallahassee: Day 2

After finishing our portrait session, we were very fortunate to have a tour of the House Chamber to see the 10 beautiful, historical murals by Tarpon Springs Artist Christopher Still.  

Community Arts Director Charlie Bari Bachmann.

View from the 22nd floor of the Capitol. 

Chris C. with Amanda Baker, co-chair of Florida Self-Advocates of Panama City.

Volunteers Christine Bari Bachmann and Barbara Voglewede (pictured) took turns representing Creative Clay at our table.

At 11 a.m. member artists began to draw portraits of legislators and legislative aides. Big thank you to our board member and Senior Legislative Aide Kevin King and Rep. Rick Kriseman for arranging this special opportunity! From left to right: Dolores, Carolyn, Chris F., and Lawrence.

Chris F. with Democratic Office Manager Judy Mount.

Trip to Tallahassee: Day 1

On Tuesday morning, January 31, two Creative Clay staff, two volunteers and five member artists headed to Tallahassee to be a part of Developmental Disabilities awareness day at the Capitol. 

We arrived at the Able Trust where we were greeted by our friend and Senior Vice President Guenevere Crum, who gave us a tour of their offices. Creative Clay member artists were excited to see their artwork hanging in all of the offices. 

Carolyn R., Chris C., Dolores M., Chris F., and Lawrence J. with the new artwork we installed in the Able Trust lobby. Artwork from left to right by Carolyn R., Yalanda S., Karen C., and Robert D.

Lawrence with Zoola the Cave Witch.

Chris C. and Charlie Bari Bachmann with one of their Artlink 2008 pieces.

Robert D.'s Winter in a Town Called Moon.

Mikey J.'s beautiful abstract.

Carolyn R. posing with a piece from Artlink 2008 with artist Jill Oldenski. 

Thomas Kinkade's Church by Robert D.

Pieces by Artemisa M. hang in Guenevere's office.

Artwork by Robin L.

The Able Trust lobby is filled with new Creative Clay art! Pictured here: Creative Clay volunteer Christine Bari Bachmann, member artist Carolyn R., Able Trust Senior Vice President Guenevere Crum, member artist Dolores M., Creative Clay Executive Director Kim Dohrman, and Creative Clay volunteer Barbara Voglewede. After hanging the artwork in the lobby and saying our goodbyes to our friends at the Able Trust, we headed to our hotel to freshen up for dinner at Carrabba's. Thanks to board member Shawn Forrestal, who provided gift certificates, our member artists had dinner on Carrabba's!