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Paul Harpin, wood scuplture

"No one ever became poor through giving."

I found this quote in one of my son’s journals. Alongside it was another quote, this one from the poet, Joseph Brodsky,

"One is changed by what one loves."

I like these quotes. I like their simplicity. When considering them, I first thought about my philanthropic involvement with Creative Growth. The more committed and "giving" I have become, the more nourished and enriched I have felt. Is this a paradox? Not really; it’s just that we have been raised to believe that what we acquire is the measure of our value as people. When we pay closer attention to our actual experience, it's the giving that leaves us feeling full, whole, connected, and "wealthy" in the broadest sense of the word.

Then I thought, "But who, really, is doing the giving in this relationship I have with Creative Growth, it's artists and staff?" Art, after all, is a gift. By definition, art making is an offertory act, and each time I visit Creative Growth I am the recipient of those gifts. When I look over the shoulder of an artist at work, attend a Thursday night opening, or consider the tension-filled lines of the Dan Miller lampshade on my desk, I am receiving a gift. This, I believe, is a large part of what is behind the emotional experience that many people have when they visit Creative Growth. They are entering a community of artists who are working outside the commodity aspect of the art world. There are few oases like these existing these days, and those who have the opportunity to enter into them, even as a visitor or guest, are fortunate.

The artist appeals to that part of our being... which is a gift and not an acquisition - and, therefore, more permanently enduring.
--Joseph Conrad

The artists at Creative Growth offer us enduring lessons on what it means to be human. The Creative Growth Art Center offers each of us the opportunity to participate in a gift-based economy of art that enriches us all.

As the in-coming President of the Board of Directors at Creative Growth, I extend to you a personal invitation to become more involved than you already are in Creative Growth. This website will suggest many ways in which you can more actively participate in the Creative Growth community. As you do, you will discover the truth of the second quotation that I found in my son's journal -- you will be changed by what you love.

Stephen Walrod
President of the Board of Directors,
Creative Growth Art Center
Oakland, California

P.S. We hope you'll take a moment to read this note from Creative Growth artist Paul Harpin to get a sense of the real difference your support can make.

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