Shop Penn Welcomes Center for Creative Works Pop-Up to Its Retail District
The Center for Creative Works, a progressive art studio focused on professional development and representation of neurodivergent artists, has joined the Shop Penn community for a pop-up at 3425 Walnut Street beginning this summer. This pop-up brings a fresh perspective to the Shop Penn Retail District, offering a wide range of artwork for sale, artistic mediums, practices, and rigorous engagement for neurodiverse artists.
"We are excited to welcome the Center for Creative Works to the Shop Penn Retail District," said Ed Datz, Penn’s Executive Director of Real Estate. "Their commitment to professional development and representation of neurodiverse artists aligns perfectly with our mission to provide diverse and enriching experiences for our community. We believe that the Center for Creative Works will add a unique dimension to the district and inspire visitors."
Artists at CCW may pursue many areas of artistic practice including building a professional art practice, exhibiting nationally and selling work. The Center’s work to carve inclusivity for artists includes collaborations with neurotypical artists, visibility through professional exhibition opportunities, press and publication, and leadership opportunities. Artists attending CCW can expect to have a focused professional environment to grow and develop their work in. They can expect to work with staff artists who are trained in various artistic fields and understand the needs of participating artists and learn to use artmaking equipment and materials. Many of CCW’s artists have built a prolonged, viable artistic practice and enjoy exhibiting and selling their work through galleries, museums and to collectors.
“CCW is very excited for the opportunity to engage with the Penn campus," says CCW Director Lori Bartol. "We want our “Art Hub” to be a place of art appreciation, inclusivity and engagement where students and others can stop in, talk to our artists, view art, learn about the rich neurodivergent community in Philadelphia and leave with a smile. We’re eager to hear collaboration ideas and offer experiences to the community here. We’re grateful to Penn for the vision they had in including us in this vibrant community!”
CCW will host regular artist workshops within the space as well as other special events. Stop in to meet some of the artists who will be regularly working on their art in the space! There will also be the opportunity to purchase artwork and other products such as textiles, t-shirts, tote bags, and more. For more information about any future workshops or events visit www.centerforcreativeworks.org or follow their Instagram @center4creativeworks.
About The Center for Creative Works
The Center for Creative Works strives not only to provide neurodiverse artists with professional skills and a vocational identity, but also the community with an opportunity to experience the skills and contributions of neurodiverse people. The goal through these shared experiences is to insist on a rightful, respected presence of all neurodiverse people in an inclusive, opportunity-rich society.
About SHOP PENN Retail District
Penn’s retail district offers an inspired, contemporary shopping and dining experience, open to all. Spanning ten city blocks from 30th to 40th Streets and across Spruce, Walnut, and Chestnut Streets, the district features more than 65 curated shopping, dining, and entertainment outlets immersed in the region’s most beautiful and historic university campus. The diverse collection of retail offerings—including national brands and independent shops—provides the highest quality options at every price point for the Penn community, surrounding neighborhoods, and beyond. Visit the SHOP PENN website for a full listing of retailers.