JULY 17 - AUGUST 29 2026
MEMBER PREVIEW: Friday, July 17, 5-6 PM
PUBLIC OPENING: Friday, July 17, 6-8 PM
The Creative Growth Deaf Artist Group makes its exhibition debut this summer with Deaf Stars Shine. Join us on July 17th from 5-8pm for an opening celebration featuring opening remarks, a live DJ, and button-making. Guests will receive balloons that can be held against speakers to feel the vibrations of the music through.
James Davis presents a solo installation in the gallery window box featuring neon-painted artworks illuminated by black light, creating a vibrant and immersive display. Donna Kutz’s window box installation centers on a large ceramic lighthouse that casts rainbow-colored light, serving as a beacon that welcomes visitors into the gallery.
CREATIVE GROWTH DEAF ARTIST GROUP
The Creative Growth Deaf Artist Group is an artist-led affinity group that creates a dedicated space for Deaf and hard of hearing artists, interpreters, facilitators, staff, and allies to connect through shared culture and creative practice. Affinity groups at Creative Growth bring together people with common identities or lived experiences to build foster belonging and provide mutual support.
Members of the Deaf Artist Group cultivate a space where Deaf perspectives are centered and accessibility is prioritized. The group serves as a platform to strengthen connections among artists and the diversity of Deaf culture.
artist led exhibition tour
TOUR DATE: Saturday, TBD
LOCATION: Creative Growth Gallery
For every exhibition, the gallery will host a tactile and descriptive guided experience led by a featured artist. Tour docents provide visual descriptions and support guided art-feeling.
The tours are small, welcoming groups, and are designed to support multiple sensory and learning styles.
Contact emma@creativegrowth.org to RSVP and for questions.
Meet the Artists Featured in Our Window Installations
JAMES DAVIS
Born 1949, California
Practiced at Creative Growth since 2013
James Davis has drawn since childhood, using his art practice as a form of catharsis. His measured and controlled drawings are immaculate in their level of detail and often feature safari animals in situ, landscapes and city skylines. Animals are often used as a proxy for people in Davis’ life, like his daughter, and upon close examination, one can imagine the subtle use of humanistic expressions that give character to his subjects.
DONNA KURTZ
Born 1952, Berkeley California
Creative Growth Art Center, 2020-present
Donna Kurtz started at Creative Growth in 2020. In the midst of a global pandemic Donna joined our remote classes where she created colorful drawings and paintings of flowers, animals and whimsical mermaids. When the studio opened in 2022, Donna jumped into fiber arts with paintings on fabric overlaid with detailed embroidery. She creates wearable art by applying nautical seascapes and mountainous narratives with motifs of camping and rural adventurers onto fabric and clothing.