One of Central Florida’s most loved nonprofit arts organization is about to turn a half century old! The dedicated Board of Directors and staff invite the public to a free open house and celebration on Saturday, April 6 from 1 to 3 pm at its main campus, located at 600 St. Andrews Boulevard, off Aloma Avenue in Winter Park. Attendees will be able to experience and tour the beautifully renovated and expanded studios on the school’s tropical campus.

Sculpture students work in the new sculpture studio on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Photo by Laurie Hasan.

Five of Crealdé’s nine professional teaching studios are brand new, including an expanded sculpture classroom, a second ceramics studio and dedicated teaching studios for the jewelry program and popular Young Artist Program.

Home School students work in the new Young Artist studio on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Photo by Laurie Hasan.

The $425,000 renovation and expansion were made possible with the financial support of 149 dedicated students and members, as well as grants from Dr. Phillips Charities and the State of Florida through the Division of Arts & Culture. Winter Park-based construction company E/2, led by Founder and Owner Rob Smith, contributed considerable in-kind support for the project. The fact that Smith was a Crealdé summer Art Camper as a child in the 1990s inspired him to make the project the company’s “good project” of the year.

Ceramic Program and Studio Manager Jeff Rogers instructs a student during Beginning Wheel Throwing in the new ceramics studio on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Photo by Laurie Hasan.

The Board of Directors and CEO Peter Schreyer fast-tracked the long-planned project two years ago in response to the rapid growth in the post-Covid era. The expansion will help to relieve Crealdé’s waiting list for classes, which jumped from a total of 899 in 2022 to 1,091 by the end of 2023.

A student works on their project during the Sculpture Repoussé class in the new jewelry studio on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Photo by Laurie Hasan.

Currently, the school’s winter session has a record of 865 enrolled students from seven counties, representing individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The project was completed over the last six months, without interruption of any of Crealdé’s visual art classes and workshops in painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, photography and jewelry.

Even with the new expansion, Crealdé has found that it cannot fully meet the increased need for art classes. Fortunately, a great gift has been given – the largest in Crealdé’s history – to the school and the community, which will be formally celebrated at the April 6 event!

Former Board Member and long-time supporter, William (Bill) Platt, PhD, of Chuluota, Florida, is making possible the creation of a new woodworking and metal-smithing studio with a bequest of funds and state-of-the-art equipment. This large facility to be built, which will be located at the back of the campus, will be named after Mr. Platt and will further expand the school’s capacity and prepare the organization for its second half century.

William (Bill) Platt stands next to his sculpture entitled “Agatari” at Epcot in 2008.

Crealde School of Art welcomes the public to a special event at their expanded main campus in Winter Park!

Crealdé Open House and Celebration

Saturday, April 6, 2024 | 1–3pm

Crealdé School of Art
600 Saint Andrews Blvd.
Winter Park, Florida, 32792

Refreshments, light food and live entertainment by noted Jazz guitarist Chris Cortez from the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts.

Please RSVP by Monday, April 1st at 5PM. Click here to RSVP to attend!

About Crealdé School of Art

Crealdé School of Art is committed to an inclusive mission that “Art Is For Everyone”, providing unparalleled opportunities for emerging arts, three no-admission galleries, a large contemporary sculpture garden, scholarships and free outreach programs for members of economically-challenged individuals, families and communities. The tuition-based program offers 150 different classes and workshops taught by a faculty of 41 professional working artists as well as guest artists.

In partnership with the community and the City of Winter Park, Crealdé conceptualized and founded the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in 2007.  Since 2010 Crealdé has also offered a wide range of art classes at the Jesse Brock Community Center in Winter Garden, serving the growing communities of West Orange and Lake counties.

Photos Credit: Crealdé School of Art

Date Posted: February 27, 2024