RUTH STAFFORD

Born 1936, Berkeley, California

Has Practiced at Creative Growth since 2006

I make it! The pieces are mine. Drawings, paintings and prints. Bowls in ceramics. Thread to make the clothes. I like the color blue, circle shapes. 

SHER-RON FREEMAN

Born 1966, Oakland, California

Has Practiced at Creative Growth since 1988

I started drawing flowers at home before I came to Creative Growth. I was inspired by the flowers I saw while walking outside. Art makes me happy—it’s something I’ve always loved to do.

I like to use colorful Posca and Sharpie markers to draw and paint. I enjoy working on different surfaces like textiles, wood, and ceramics. I also like to sew and add things like buttons, beads, and puff balls to clothing.

One of my favorite things is making jewelry with my friend Ruthie. We have fun creating pieces together.

In my artwork, I use layers of dark and bright colors because they make me feel good. I like drawing and painting people, animals, trees, and shapes like dots.

I want to keep making big paintings, and in the future, I want to create another mural. When people look at my art, I hope it makes them feel happy—just like I feel when I make it.