Artists Take Their Work a Step Up

In the very northeast tip of the city, a flurry of creation unfolds on a daily basis. Painters, sculptors, potters and embroidery masters fill the studios of Artful Steps, converting their thoughts, dreams and whims into works of art. 

Now their work is on display in the halls of the . 

"Sometimes you just feel like painting and you never know what you're going to come up with," said Rudy Thomas, 39, as he showed off an acrylic painting depicting a beach at sunrise.

Thomas is one of the nearly 40 Artful Steps participants whose work is on display at the library through June 30. The exhibit includes paintings, prints, embroidery, ceramics and wooden shields inspired by New Guinea art.

Artful Steps is part of the San Leandro-based Stepping Stones Growth Center, which supports children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout the East Bay. 

Thomas gets around with the help of a walker, but that hasn't stopped him from dabbling in a wide-range of arts — from music to mono-prints. He has a penchant for landscapes. 

"I guess I love being outside," he said.

Artful Steps is run by Missy Brooks, herself an artist. The program is in its tenth year, providing classes, materials and studio space for the developmentally disabled, with the goal of fomenting artistic abilities while enhancing self-esteem and independence.

Brooks started the program with eight students, and the numbers continue to multiply. 

"The artists are good promoters of the program," Brooks said. 

The Artful Steps participants show their work publicly five to six times a year, Brooks said, at cafés and galleries from Oakland to Union City, and at an annual live art auction.

Tonight, the public is invited to an opening reception for the library show, where the artists will be on hand. There will also be craft booths and a drawing to win art pieces donated by local artists and Artful Steps teachers.  

The reception will be held from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. in the Karp Room.