Creative Clay to host the Good Folk Follies and Silent Auction

By KERRY KRISEMAN
Public Relations Manager

A lineup of duets and dancing, and magical moments and poetry will headline the Good Folk Follies, presented by Creative Clay on Facebook Live.
The evening kicks off Creative Clay’s Silent Auction, opens Saturday, May 1 with the Good Folk Follies, a variety show, from 7-8 p.m. on Facebook Live, and concludes Friday, May 7.

Follies have historically helped our country deal with seemingly insurmountable challenges. In the early 20th Century, Ziegfeld’s Follies provided light, inexpensive entertainment for the masses at a time when the country was at war, battling the Spanish Flu pandemic, and then the 1929 Stock Market Crash. More than a century later, Creative Clay wants to provide accessible, inclusive entertainment during this challenging time. The Good Folk Follies plans to do just that.

“We wanted to create a fun and quirky event for our Spring fundraiser, and this really fits the bill,” said Creative Clay CEO Kim Dohrman. “It’s also a fully inclusive event, highlighting the talents of our artists as well as those from the community.”

The entertainment lineup will include Creative Clay Member Artists, who will share their talents, as well as local performers, such as a balloon artist, magician, poet, and Irish step dancers.

Community Arts Program Manager Emily Turnage and Pinellas County Schools’ Transition student Cory B. will perform “Just Give Me A Reason” by Pink and Nate Ruess.

“I am so excited to work with Cory, as he has one of the most creative, imaginative, and musically inclined minds I’ve ever encountered,” said Turnage. “He is the definition of an entertainer, and he effortlessly expresses himself in the spotlight. This project was so much fun, and I can’t wait to work with him again.”

Cory agrees. He has enjoyed performing with Turnage at Creative Clay’s Friday Art Markets. The Follies is another opportunity for the duo to enjoy entertaining together.

“It’s really cool for me,” said Cory. “I like to perform. It makes me feel great. It’s a lot of good times.”

Cory will join his peers in the Transition program and perform a dance choreographed by Paula Kramer, a longtime friend, supporter, and former Creative Care Arts in Wellness instructor.

“I love being at Creative Clay,” said Kramer. “The artists are crucial to Creative Clay, and their involvement makes it truly creative. It’s twice the fun and half the work.”

The Good Folk Follies will blend local talent, such as balloon artist Mark Byrne, Magic by Zubrick Magical Theatre, and Irish step dancers, with performances by its artists and students.

Creative Clay Member Artist Mikey J. will sing “Fly Me to the Moon,” by Frank Sinatra, a favorite of his. Mikey enjoys performing, and the Follies is a chance for him to do something he loves.

“Performing makes me feel happy, especially if it makes other people joyous,” Mikey said. “When I sing or listen to music (which I do all the time), it makes my who heart feel glorious. Sometimes I even see colors when I sing.”

Mikey is looking forward to performing in the Follies because it will help raise money for Creative Clay’s programs, which create equality through art through accessibility.

“Anything to do with Creative Clay is exhilarating to me,” he said.” Everyone who works with us at Creative Clay is amazing. I have attended Creative Clay for many years, and I am 27 now!! We have always volunteered at Creative Clay Fest, so this event will be so much fun, and I am honored to be a part of it.”

During the weeklong virtual silent auction, the public is invited to bid on original art by Creative Clay Member Artists, gift cards from local business, gift baskets, experiences and more.

Businesses that want to support Creative Clay are invited to donate a gift card/certificate to the Good Folk Follies Silent Auction. The silent auction will highlight businesses with the primary focus on bringing them new customers.

“With a gift card there’s an exact value and not a guessing game,” said Development Coordinator Shane Hoffman. “They are easy to distribute and can even be mailed. Gift cards offer opportunities to get great deals on favorite local hot spots. When you bid on a gift card you help Creative Clay, the business and help yourself to a unique experience.”

Businesses can also participate as a 2021 Creative Clay Sponsor. Attractive packages can be designed to provide market visibility and to create a beneficial partnership with Creative Clay. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Development Coordinator Shane Hoffman at shane@creativeclay.org or at 727-825.0515.
Creative Clay’s vision is to make the arts accessible to all. Its mission is to help people with disabilities achieve full and inclusive lives through access to the arts by providing expressive, educational, and vocational experiences.