Children's Book Release To Be Celebrated At Creative Clay Fundraiser

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The release of a new children's book will be celebrated Friday evening at Creative Clay's Spring for the Arts fundraiser, 6 to 9 p.m., at Nova 535.

The book, "When the Tuba Shows Up, It's a Party," is a collaboration between St. Petersburg playwright Sheila Cowley and the non-profit organization's member artists.

Creative Clay makes the arts accessible to people with disabilities, providing expressive, educational and vocational arts experiences.

The book is "illustrated with spectacular paintings" by Creative Clay artists in partnership with the organization's teaching artists, Cowley told Patch.

The title is being printed by Creative Clay and will be sold at Friday's fundraiser. The paintings will also be on display and available to purchase.

The event will also feature a dance-theater performance featuring the organization's member artists, who are working with choreographer Paula Kramer, dancer Helen Hansen French, actor Stephanie Roberts and Tuba player Kendrick Wilson from the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association.

The fundraiser will also showcase live music by the Disston Ridge Band, food from Island Flavors and Tings, live painting, a silent auction and an opportunity drawing.

Cowley will continue her collaboration with Creative Clay beyond the Spring for the Arts event.

"I'm also creating a series of free illustrated audiobooks for kids. The first was 'Splish Splash,' a story I wrote that Creative Clay member artists illustrated from home during lockdown, working together via Zoom," she said. "Several more will be released soon, including 'When the Tuba Shows Up, It's a Party,' with Creative Clay's illustrations and voiced by Jan Neuberger."