Member Artist Marquise Russ proudly holds a notebook featuring his artwork, now for sale at the Morean gift shop featuring his artistic collaboration
Ashton shows off his Portfolio of drawings
Some of the items for sale at First Friday Art Market
Creative Clay Member Artists take a relaxing break after touring The Factory St. Pete
Board Member Shelby Meaders participates in an art activity provided by St. Pete Pride
Member Artist Ivy Jenkins sings on our outdoor stage during First Friday Art Market
Justin Lucci of the Global Love Project making his beautiful chalk art at First Friday Art Market
Culture and Nostalgia Reporter Gabrielle Calise and Photographer Dirk Shadd of the Tampa Bay Times visit for a story on Creative Clay
CREATIVE CLAY’S MISSION IS TO HELP PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ACHIEVE FULL AND INCLUSIVE LIVES BY PROVIDING EXPRESSIVE, EDUCATIONAL, AND VOCATIONAL EXPERIENCES IN THE ARTS.
So, how does Creative Clay go about doing that?
Creative Clay helps guide member artists toward their full potential through art studio mentorships, real-world job experiences, community partnerships, and instruction in submitting artwork to gallery shows.
And none of this would be possible without the time, effort, and skills of valued volunteers and board members, as well as the support of their grantors, sponsors, and donors.
In this 2025 Year in Review, you will find the story of a Creative Clay member artist’s dedicated process and drive to keep creating. You will see how this member artist and a couple of the biggest names in St. Petersburg art made a big difference in Creative Clay’s growing presence and visibility. You will be given a glimpse of our partnerships with St. Petersburg’s vast arts community, see the Good Folk Gallery’s new look, and learn how it prepares member artists for a future in art. Plus, you will recognize that an organization like Creative Clay is made more powerful through the people and organizations that support its mission.
Equality Through Art
MEMBER ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
I don’t keep track of how long I have been a member artist. It's been a couple of years. That's all I know. Someone told me about Creative Clay. I did art a lot when I was a kid. I used to do all kinds of stuff. Sometimes I liked to draw.
I like being at Creative Clay. I like the freedom to do it myself and do my work by myself. I like hanging out with my friends here too.
I like to paint once in a while. I like to make my line drawings. I like to use the black paint the most. It's my favorite color. I like using my lines with Sharpies the most because I get the best work. If you look at all my lines, that's the best. That is my favorite thing. I like to make my own stuff. I listen to my teachers, but I like to make it my own way. I paint too, but I want to do it my way. I like it my way.
I don't like performing arts that much. I like mostly my lined drawings. That is my own stuff. I listen to music while I do my own art. I listen to music at the same time because I can close my eyes and not even think about the drawing. I just draw what I want to draw. That is how I do it. I do what I have to do. I keep my mind on my work mostly.
I like to do my stuff. That is all I have to do. I want to continue making my own stuff. I want to sell more. I sell the best I can. I have even more stuff to finish. When I get done with it, it gets hung in the gallery. I like seeing my own designs on the walls. It's nice. It's good. That makes me proud.
In five years, I still want to be making my lined drawings because I like it most of all.
I do what I have to do. I do faces or portraits a lot. I use them within the lines. It makes up all of my lines. I like to use color. I like different colors because I like different things. I make my own colors. I like coming up with my own stuff. You cannot see all the stuff I put in my drawings. Some of the stuff is hidden in my work. If you look, you can see eyes, but I see extra eyes everywhere. I have different layers that only I can see because I know what is in it.
I have a lot of art. I like all of them in different ways. I have some portraits at my house of my teachers and other students that I like.
My advice to artists is do the best you can do. Make the best of art you can do. If you are doing a painting, don't rush it. The painting I took my time with; a museum bought it. It was a huge Yoda painting with money symbols. I took my time with it. If you rush, you mess up. I can get done fast if I want to, but I don't want to. I take my time, and it turns out good. If you do the best you can and it turns out good, that is good. Just do the best you can. I try to.
J.J. showing off his collection of large colorful drawings
J.J. poses in the Good Folk Gallery with one of his colorful Sharpie portraits
J.J. working on a painting in the studio
J.J. HITCH & THE VITALE BROTHERS
The well-known Vitale Brothers have been “Transforming blank walls into vibrant murals” since 1992. They have done work on so many local buildings for so many different people and organizations. If you live in St. Pete, you see their work multiple times a day!
With a grant from the South St. Pete Community Redevelopment Area Microfund Program Creative Clay was able to enlist the skills of Chad Mize to beautify the inside of Creative Clay, and The Vitale Brothers to make the outside shine.
Soon after the Vitale Brothers established their new Overspray Art Space in early 2023, a crew from Creative Clay stopped by to learn more about the art of making murals. So when they were looking for someone to make a great mural on the front of their facility at 1846 1st Avenue South, Creative Clay called them first.
Creative Clay met with Johnny Vitale, and the idea was a go! The colorful abstract geometric work of J.J. Hitch was selected as the basis of the mural’s design. The mural went up quickly in early 2025 and it’s mind blowing!
Creative Clay is now more visible to the passersby, and the number of visitors stopping in to see what’s going on inside has been on a steady rise, and that’s what it was all about. Creative Clay is thankful to be part of such a vibrant artistic community.
J.J. in his jacket created from his design used for the mural
J.J.’s untitled piece that was used for the Vitale Brothers mural on the front of Creative Clay
John Vitale on a visit to Creative Clay with his “Support Equality Through Art” t-shirt designed by Chad Mize
The Vitale Brothers painted this eye-catching mural on the front of Creative Clay based on a Design by J.J..
J.J. HITCH & ARMANI WILLIAMS
During the Good Folk Fest, celebrating Creative Clay’s 30th year, guests were able to meet NASCAR driver Armani Williams and see an official NASCAR truck featuring the art of Creative Clay’s member artist J.J. Hitch.
Armani Williams is a professional NASCAR driver known for his speed, precision, and advocacy for inclusion in sports. As one of the first openly autistic drivers to compete in NASCAR, Williams has raced across ARCA and NASCAR platforms, building a reputation for resilience and community leadership alongside his on-track performances. He uses his platform to inspire young people and families, championing neurodiversity and STEM education through school visits, nonprofit partnerships, and speaking engagements. When he’s not at the track, Williams engages with fans, mentors aspiring drivers, and collaborates with partners who share his commitment to accessibility, innovation, and empowering the next generation.
“Meeting fans and engaging with the community is one of my favorite parts of racing,” said Armani Williams. “I’m excited to support Creative Clay’s mission and be part of an event that celebrates inclusion, creativity, and possibility.”
Armani can be found on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
This unique experience was made possible by Willi Rudowsky & Hal Freedman.
This untitled piece by J.J. was used as the design for Armani Williams’ NASCAR truck featured at Creative Clay’s Good Folk Fest at The Coliseum in St. Petersburg
J.J. Hitch, Sponsors Hal Freedman & Willi Rudowsky, and NASCAR driver Armani Williams with his NASCAR truck featuring J.J.’s art
Armani Williams and J.J., Armani holds his portrait drawn by J.J.
Promotional card featuring NASCAR driver Armani Williams and the NASCAR truck with J.J.’s design on it
CREATIVE CLAY IN THE ART WORLD
FLORIDA CRAFTART
MUSE AWARD
In 2025, Creative Clay was honored with the Visual Arts MUSE Award, presented by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the local arts community and celebrates Creative Clay’s longstanding commitment to empowering artists with disabilities through inclusive, professional arts programming.
Creative Clay artists were featured in the Florida CraftArt 2026 Members’ Show, a juried exhibition highlighting exceptional contemporary craft from across the region. Among the selected artists was Chris Coyle, whose fiber artwork “The Studio” was chosen for its technical skill and distinctive artistic voice. The exhibition showcased a diverse range of fine craft media and celebrated the inclusion of Creative Clay artists within the broader professional arts community.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, ST. PETERSBURG
Creative Clay merchandise and artwork is now featured at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg Store, showcasing products inspired by original artwork from Member Artist Ashton T. whose vibrant painting of the museum’s iconic Bombax Tree, a beloved local landmark, has been translated into a range of functional art products, bringing visibility to artists with disabilities while connecting Creative Clay’s work to one of the region’s premier cultural institutions.
Chris Coyle with his needle point work The Studio at the Florida CraftArt Members’ Show
CEO Kim Dohrman receives the Muse Award on behalf of the artists of Creative Clay from Lenora, mother of Member Artist Marquise
Jody Bikoff and Kim with Billy Summer, of the MFA Museum Store, and Member Artist Ashton T. with the kiosk crafted by Ray Poynor. The kiosk features Ashton’s painting of the MFA’s famous Bombax Tree
Creative Clay Board Members and CEO Kim Dohrman at the MUSE awards
New Creative Clay information and merch featured inside the MFA Museum Store.
MOREAN ARTS CENTER
The Artlink Takamatsu–St. Petersburg Mail Art Show, on view at the Morean Arts Center from October 4–22, 2025, showcased a vibrant international collaboration between Creative Clay artists and Japan’s Heart Art Link. The exhibition featured a dynamic collection of mail art, video exchanges, and original music projects, highlighting crosscultural creativity and connection.
A standout element of the exhibit was the inclusion of collaborative music videos, featuring songs by Shouichi Iwamoto, with contributions from artists in both countries. The project was further recognized with a feature on Fox 13 News on October 22, amplifying its impact in the local community.
RAY POYNOR
Wood craftsman Ray Poynor is known for preserving local history through his work. He reproduced historic chairs for the City of Oldsmar, built display cabinets for Honeymoon Island State Park and Brooker Creek Preserve, created the Creative Clay kiosk at the MFA Store, and installed shelving in Creative Clay’s performing arts studio. He also volunteers with Pinellas County Emergency Management and local natural areas, and has served on the boards of Brooker Creek Preserve and Anclote Island Lighthouse State Park.
Watch the Fox 13 News feature on the exhibit here:
Collaborative art pieces showcased at the Morean Arts Center
Visitors admire work at the opening of Artlink Takamatsu–St. Petersburg Mail Art Show
The shelving is painted and utilized to full capacity for musical instruments, supplies, and workspace
Ashton T. is interviewed on FOX 13
Ray Poynor proudly stands by the shelving he built
One of the great things about Creative Clay is that they have an in-house gallery open to the public, and every second Saturday, they participate in St. Petersburg’s ArtWalk, which allows member artists the opportunity to show their work to a broader audience.
The Good Folk Gallery is one of many galleries in St. Petersburg, but it has Tampa Bay’s largest collection of original folk art for sale. The gallery hosts a new show every couple of months and features the best work of its studio artists. On special occasions, you will find art from some of the best artists in town, as well as work from similar organizations from around the world.
This year, Creative Clay recruited the help of the famous St. Petersburg artist Chad Mize to reinvigorate the gallery’s appeal. Walls were painted, custom signs were designed and installed, and new vinyl window messaging was applied, providing an attractive new look and a more welcoming space.
The goal of the gallery is to provide inclusive opportunities and teach member artists the processes of becoming professionals. Member Artists are taught how to submit work, understand how commissions work, and how to price their art through The Good Folk Gallery. These professional skills enable the artists to contribute to other galleries in the area and build a pathway for submitting art to shows abroad.
CEO Kim Dohrman explains, “We submit the art to shows in the community and to our gallery, and we talk about what it means to have a commission and understand that they’re getting 50% of whatever they mark their art… We can talk about what goes into pricing the art. And then, what do you need to get to feel good about this?”
The Good Folk Gallery is not only a folk-art collector’s paradise; it is the best place for an emerging artist to get the hang of the professional process.
Chad Mize on a visit to Creative Clay
New lettering design on front windows (application By Andrea Pawlisz)
New Good Folk Gallery sign and black wall for dramatic contrast
Painted back wall and new studio signage by Chad Mize Close-up of new signage
WITH BOARD MEMBER NATALIE FISHER
Q: What initially grabbed your attention about Creative Clay?
A: At my first job in St. Pete, a coworker and friend of mine used his portrait done by a Creative Clay member artist as his official headshot at work. I thought it was such a fun and memorable way to add some creativity to the workplace. Later that year, I stumbled across Creative Clay’s annual Folk Fest event on Central Avenue, and by then I was hooked!
Q: What made you want to join the board and stay involved with Creative Clay all these years?
A: I started as a volunteer on the event committee and gradually increased my involvement with Creative Clay, eventually joining the board in 2019. The joy of the member artists, the passion from staff and teaching artists—it’s all palpable when you walk into the room at Creative Clay. I’ve met member artists who started out very reserved and unsure of their place in the world or the art studio. I’ve seen those same artists blossom into confident creators, excitedly greeting me at the door to show off their latest work and recently sold pieces. After 7 years, those feelings still light me up from the inside out.
Q: How have you seen Creative Clay grow over the years?
Q: What are some of the most amazing artist-focused projects you’ve seen happen during your tenure at Creative Clay?
A: The ArtLink collaborations over the years have always been my favorite. In 2022, Creative Clay member artists performed a New Year dragon dance as part of their longstanding collaboration with Heart Art Link in Takamatsu, Japan. The dance performance was accompanied by the painted fans and lanterns co-created with our artists in St. Pete and the artists in Takamatsu. The resulting exhibit was a beautiful cultural exchange and learning experience for everyone. I’m continually inspired by what comes to fruition when artists with different styles, mediums, and visions come together to create a shared piece of work.
Q: What does Creative Clay mean to you and what do you think it means to the community?
A: I’ve witnessed the impact that Creative Clay has made on the lives of our member artists. The pride and confidence they develop as they explore different media and expressions of their artistic vision. Many people think that we only work with clay, but over the years, Creative Clay has continued to offer experiences in fiber arts, music and performance art, fine art, craft making, and more. Our community arts program continues to grow to meet the needs and artistic aspirations of our member artists.
A: I’ve always believed in my core that every single human is inherently creative, whether you view yourself as “an artist” or not. To me, Creative Clay is a reminder that art is a universal language that we all speak, understand, and connect with in different ways. St. Petersburg is often referred to as a community of the arts, and for over 30 years, Creative Clay has ensured that the entire community is celebrated and reflected in that vision.
Natalie had her portrait made by Member Artist Theresa
THANK YOU
HAL FREEDMAN & WILLI RUDOWSKY– CREATIVE CLAY SUPPORTERS SINCE 2013
Hal says: My spouse, Willi Rudowsky, and I have no children. We made the decision some time ago to create an endowment fund to carry on our giving patterns after we are gone. The organizations we targeted with our Legacy gifts had some or all of several characteristics:
· They are involved in the arts, education, and/or inclusion of marginalized populations.
· They are local, with a few exceptions.
· They have longevity…they have a history that is likely to continue into the future.
· They are involved with social, political, and/or existential issues that resonate with us.
Creative Clay checks off many of these boxes. In addition, as a longtime supporter and Board Member, I’ve had a chance to interact with the artists Creative Clay serves and inspires. The work the artists do, and the happiness it brings them, is one of the main reasons for our continuing support.
THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING WONDERFUL DONORS
Cindy Broyles
Janet Carmody & Chris Bennett
Jennifer & Scott Callison on behalf of Code Wiz St Pete
Jen & Jim Massa
Joellen Wooten
Jung In Kang & Thomas Harrington
If you would like to leave a legacy gift to Creative Clay through our Visionary Society, scan the QR code to the right.
Mary & John Sweeny
Paula Kramer St. Petersburg Woman’s Club
THANKS TO THE MONTHLY GIVERS IN OUR GOOD FOLK SOCIETY
Alise Stricklett
Amanda Maloney
Ann Ryan
Anne Q Pollack
Anthony Ateek
Audrey McConnell
Barbara Voglewede
Carrie Boucher
Charles Potter
Cindy Peacock
Connie Callison
Constance Zimmer
Dawn Laine
Deb Heiss
Diohn Brancaleoni & Steven
Kenny
Eleanor Finehout
Emanuel “Manny” Rosario
Erin O’Neill
Florence Search
Harry Chippas
Hassan Moussa
Helen French
Irene Parietti
James Hoffman
Jane Fontaine
Janet Carmody
Jillian McBride
Joellen Wooten
John Vitale
Jose Lugaro
Julia Crawford
Julie Kessel
Karen Helsinger
Scan to Join the Good Folk Society Today.
Kimberly Dohrman
Kyle Hickey
Lauren Hanley
Lenora Robinson-Mitchell
Leslie Hanley
Mary and Terry Mooney
Melanie Jackson
Michael Sedita
Nancy Corlis
Natalie Fisher
Nicole Guincho
Page Garrison
Patti LaVoy
Paul Williams
Richard Cortese
Robyn Rusignuolo
Sally Cash
For more information on Legacy Gifts, Donations, Good Folk Society, or Sponsorships, please contact Shane Hoffman at shane@creativeclay.org
Sarah Ateek
Scott Callison
Sean Kennedy
Shelby Meaders
Sidney Wilson
Stuart Hyatt
Susan Jones Steele
Tammy & Dan Boldt
Therese Johnson
Tim & Kim Church
Tina Stafford
Tom Plummer
Willi Rudowsky & Hal Freedman
Yoko Nogami
THANK YOU
THANKS TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS, AND GRANTORS
THANKS TO ALL OF OUR PARTNERS
ARTicles Gallery & Fine Art Services, Arts Axis Florida, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, Black Crow Coffee Roasters, Dunedin Fine Art Center, Edge District, Firstnight St. Petersburg, Florida CraftArt, Florida Unique Abilities, Glass of Life Studio, Golden Dinosaurs, Heart Art Link (Takamatsu Japan), Imagine Museum, Impossible Dream, James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, Make Studio (Baltimore, MD), Morean Arts Center, Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, Pinellas County Schools, Raymond James Marketing, Sabal Palms Health & Rehabilitation, Sparks Creative Stories, St. Pete Beach Public Library, St. Pete Opera, St. Petersburg Museum of History, Sunken Gardens, Sunshine Senior Center, Tampa Museum of Art, The Dali, The Off-Central, Tyrone Square, Valhalla Bakery, and Vertical Ventures
Scan to learn more about our partnerships
RAYMOND JAMES
Each year, our friends at Raymond James Financial commission these adorable ceramic finger puppets. Lucky staffers receive these cute creatures as part of the company’s employee appreciation program. Raymond James was also a major sponsor of Good Folk Fest 2025, celebrating 30 years of Creative Clay!
PRIORITY ONE FINANCIAL SERVICES
The folks from Priority One Financial Services decided to lend Creative Clay a hand one Friday in November as part of their community outreach. The group of 14 volunteers was fantastic, so easy to work with, and made simple work of helping us do so many things we haven’t had time for. The building is shiny and bright; everything is nicely organized; our supply cabinets are now all in one place; our thrift shop and storage shed are shipshape; and our dream of an art inventory and framing space has now come true. You couldn’t ask for a better group of people. Thank you so much, Priority One!
IMPACT
REVENUE
CONTRIBUTIONS
EXPENSES
Call for artists 2026!
Seeking professional teaching artists for one-on-one 3-month apprenticeships for artists with disabilities.
Scan the QR code to find out more.
REVENUE:
Program $414,983
Grants $128,514
Contributions $169,125
Total $712,622
EXPENSES:
Program $559,319
Fundraising $136,507
Operations $124,580
Total $820,406
JOIN CREATIVE CLAY AT THE GOOD FOLK FEST
Celebrate Equality Through Art!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
6PM– 9PM
Good Folk Fest will be held at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club with live music by the Betty Fox Band
The event will feature local and regional artists, a silent auction of Iconic Landmarks of Tampa Bay paintings by Creative Clay Member Artists, shuffleboard, food trucks, and libations.
Learn more about Good Folk Fest
Scan here to become a sponsor today!
ARTWALK ART MARKET
Join Creative Clay for Second Saturday ArtWalk each month from 5-9 p.m. See our current exhibit, enjoy live music, participate in partner arts activities, and have your portrait made by one of our talented Member Artists.
Visit Creative Clay every month for our First Friday Art Market from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and see our mission in action. Enjoy live music, Tampa Bay Food Trucks, and activities by community partners.
