News Release

San Francisco – The San Francisco Public Library and Creativity Explored, a San Francisco based art center providing artistic instruction for adults with developmental disabilities proudly present Don’t Call Me Retard, an exhibition of artwork from more than 15 Creativity Explored artists who through paintings, sculpture, installations, writing and animation open a window into their lives and experiences. “The exhibition allows the public to explore the stereotypes, issues and daily realities of living with a disability while also encouraging personal self reflection of ones own perceptions of the subject,” said Todd Herman, curator and instructor for Creativity Explored.

With gentle humor and blunt force, pieces such as Toby Calonico’s “Pills, Cornflakes and Coffee” and Gordon Shepard’s incredible miniature “Sideshow” invite viewers an insider look at the lives of this minority population. In order to make this exhibition truly interactive Creativity Explored curators Todd Herman and Francis Kohler wove in some elements that encourage the audience to record their own thoughts, opinions and notions relating to disability. “We hope the opportunity to share in this thought-provoking art will enable viewers to look at their own attitudes, creativity and expression in new ways,” said Catherine King, Chief Curator for the Library. “After walking through the exhibition it becomes clear that the talented artists clearly defy labeling.”

Don’t Call Me Retard is on view from August 7 to October 17, 2004 in the Jewett Gallery. A reception and gallery viewing with artists and curators will be held on Wednesday, August 11 at the Main Library in the Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room and Jewett Gallery from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The Library will also highlight films produced by Creativity Explored artists during its free Thursday at noon film series in September. On October 13, 2004 the public will have another opportunity to explore the lives, emotions and imaginations of three artists from the exhibition in a documentary screening of Life Itself followed by a discussion with Poet Laureate devorah major and one of the artists highlighted in the film, Michael Bernard Loggins, who is also the author of Fears of Your Life. The screening will take place in the Koret Auditorium of the Main Library from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information about the exhibition and events, please call 415-557-4277 or visit www.sfpl.org. All programs at the Library are free and open to the public.

For more information or to schedule an interview with an artist or curator, please call Gabrielle Jones (415) 557-4282.