The Creative Center Mission Statement 

The Creative Center is a nonprofit community arts center for developmentally disabled adults with the mission of fostering self-expression through:

• The Arts
• Community Integration
• Providing cultural resources to the community
• Recognizing the individual's value and contribution 

The Creative Center, located on the historic site of American Civil War Union Army Camp Babbitt in Visalia, California, provides a unique arts program as an adult day program serving developmentally disabled adults.  Established in 1977, our facility is relatively unique in the State as we offer a complete fine arts academy-type program involving performing arts, visual arts, and life skills. We now serve over 90 students from fourteen communities in Tulare and Kings Counties every weekday throughout the year.

Our program is designed to provide consumers with opportunities to achieve personal growth and increasing independence. The three components of which it consists serve the whole person. Students are instructed by professional artists and experienced teachers during the ten weekly class periods. 

We have made a concerted effort to publicize the amazing accomplishments of our clients through the media and we have been involved in scripting and producing several professional videos that are often used as training films to further self-advocacy in this special population.

Our own Jon Ginsburg Gallery was the first public art gallery in Visalia and has served to give a new dimension of credibility to the work that is done here.  Numerous businesses in Visalia and surrounding communities have chosen to decorate their offices and places of business with the work of The Creative Center artists.  Our Arts Marketing Director, who also serves as The Creative Center's art framer, can accommodate practically any special orders.  The Creative Center receives wonderful support throughout our service area and The Creative Center Foundation has little problem securing hard working volunteers for fundraising events designed to fund capital ventures for The Creative Center as well as the establishment of an endowment designed to maintain the operation and integrity of this program should State funding ever cease or diminish significantly.  The program is vendorized by Central Valley Regional Center, Inc. with funding from the State of California Department of Developmental Services.

The Creative Center visual artists are the owners of the works they produce, and by arrangement, leave all their works at The Creative Center to be adjudicated.  Upon passing a jury of the Visual Arts Instructors and Arts Marketing Director, a work is deemed "gallery quality" and moves to the flat file for eventual framing, marketing and sale.  The Creative Center "fronts" the cost of matting and framing that is recovered on sale, and the student receives a check representing the large majority of the raw art price.  Ceramists receive a large percentage of the sale price of their works.  "Pay Day" is a wonderful day at The Creative Center.  Any excess funds are placed back into the program to help insure the continuity of these great opportunities.  Though some of our artists are highly successful in sales, much more important than monetary rewards is the building of their self-worth and sense of public appreciation for their creative talents.

 The Creative Center performing artists have the opportunity to prepare and present two major shows annually plus performances throughout the year at civic organizations, service clubs, schools and businesses.  The performers are directed by our professional instructors in live stage roles, dance, music and lip sync while other students work with the technical director on sets, lighting, sound and videography.  The music classes have produced two CD's of all original songs written and performed by The Creative Center students and staff.  "The Creative Center Players" are paid for each of their performances as compensation for their "art" production.

Our students also have opportunities for community integration which are rather unique. The artists often meet their buying public in our gallery and are encouraged to discuss their work.  Our life skills classes provide our students with normalizing experiences out in the community each week. Of course, the performing artists share their talents on our stage as well as stages throughout the county.  They accept bookings to make presentations at service clubs, hospitals and various organizations. 

Our philosophy promotes the belief that the developmentally disabled, like all other persons, are entitled to choices.  The Creative Center provides a viable and unique alternative to work-related programming.  We offer a balance of socialization and meaningful work in a healthy, positive environment, always looking for the abilities in persons often shrouded with disabilities.

The Creative Center is an excellent example of the growth and development of marvelous talents that are possible in this population.  The Creative Center philosophy is based upon first hand experience in working daily with our clients who represent a broad range of disabilities. They are making a positive impact in this community that elevates public awareness and leaves a beneficial impression on behalf of all developmentally disabled persons.