Art Is Art - by Ann Kappes (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Who gets to make art, and who gets to define it? For the past 40 years, San Francisco nonprofit Creativity Explored has sought to broaden the answers to these questions by providing artists with developmental disabilities the opportunity to make and share their work with the contemporary art world. Art Is Art is a powerful collection of hundreds of perspectives and pieces created in Creativity Explored's studios by this talented community of neurodiverse artists. Featuring original paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more-as well as quotes from and stories about the artists-this collection invites readers to reexamine their perceptions about disability, justice, and the beauty of art"--

Book Synopsis

Creativity Explored celebrates its 40th anniversary with a collection of powerful artwork and perspectives from its talented neurodiverse artists.

This vibrant book uplifts the voices of the artists of Creativity Explored, a nonprofit that gives people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to express themselves through art and share their work with audiences from their local community and in the contemporary art world.

Featuring hundreds of original paintings, drawings, illustrations, and sculptures--as well as quotes from and stories about the artists--this curated collection invites readers to examine and challenge their perceptions about disability. Some artworks are humorous and blunt, while others are affecting and abstract, speaking to the artistic community's diversity and creativity. This book offers an engaging introduction to person-centered thinking for art lovers or anyone interested in learning about disability justice in a visual way.

DEMYSTIFYING DISABILITY: This significant new anthology showcases an array of developmentally disabled artists and organizes their works into thematic chapters, such as "I Speak Through My Art," "Blackiful," "Yes I Do Think About Sex," and "Fears." These chapters provide interesting stylistic juxtapositions and personal reflections that highlight both individual and shared experiences as diverse disabled artists.

BEAUTIFUL AND CONTENT RICH: This gorgeous hardcover art book features more than one hundred original artworks in full color, from lively portraits and detailed drawings to abstract paintings and captivating illustrations. Quotes, interviews, personal stories, and artist statements also give readers deeper insight into the artists' creative practices, processes, and rituals. This book is a rich visual trove and source of inspiration for any contemporary art lover.

SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE: Creativity Explored was founded in 1983 with the belief that art is essential to life. This book celebrates the organization's mission and its talented artists after forty years of creating impactful arts and career programs with developmentally disabled artists. This collection is a meaningful way to learn more about Creativity Explored and the diverse community it continues to support today.

Perfect for:

• Art lovers and activists
• People who admire the mission and work of Creativity Explored
• The disabled community, allies, and educators
• Gift seekers for family and friends interested in learning more about disability justice
• Fans of self-taught artists, folk arts, and "outsider art"
• Contemporary art anthology and art book collectors
• #OwnVoices readers and anyone interested in diversifying their contemporary art knowledge

Review Quotes

"A collection of triumphant, transcendent artwork. Somehow, despite the hundreds of images included, we are left wanting more." --Raw Vision

"Art Is Art is a spirit lift."

--NPR.org

About the Author

Ann Kappes is Director of Art Partnerships at Creativity Explored, where she has been a staff member since 2008. She is an avid art appreciator whose work includes curating, public program development, marketing, sales, and project management.

Creativity Explored is a nonprofit organization in San Francisco that provides developmentally disabled people access to the human right of creative expression. Creativity Explored artists have developed meaningful arts practices and exhibited their work in museums, galleries, and art fairs in more than fourteen countries and have been recognized for their contributions to the contemporary art world.