ing a monument to him and those like him. I rescue Joe from
the oppressive institutions of the 1960s, the stereotypes of
society here today. Through my work, I challenge the cul-
tural system that finds it easier to turn their heads — their
hearts — away. I urge the viewer to consider the beauty, on a
grand level, of that which may appear ugly at first.’”
Soldano believes our fascination with this type of art-
work not only comes from a recognition of what marginal-
ized minds might be going through, but also of a “primal,
uninf luenced mindset” that reminds us of our youth, a time
“when you didn’t have to please a teacher for fear of pass-
ing a course. For me, this art brings me back to a time of no
rules, freedom and color without color theory.”
Ultimately, experts agree the foundational component
of outsider art is a lack of outside inf luence — making art
without an eye toward salability, without considering if
it will get the creator into a gallery or sold for high prices.
Making art for the sake of making art.
“Outsider artists aren’t making the work to be pretty or
to make sure you’ll buy it,” Neath says. “They’re making it
because they have to — because it brings them joy.”
where to see
OUTSIDER
ART
These three programs, all part of the Develop-
mental Disabilities Service Organization, feature
outsider art from clients. The program directors
suggest calling to schedule a tour.
WHO MAKES OUTSIDER ART?
The joy of creating is the crux of the program at SCN, which
was created in 1978 under the aegis of the locally based De-
velopmental Disabilities Service Organization to give clients
access to programs taught by professional working artists.
Short Center South, which offers similar programs, was cre-
ated in 1993 when the fast-growing Short Center Sacramento
was divided into two programs to provide more services to
more clients.
During its 41 years, SCN’s clients have had their artwork
exhibited all over the Central Valley, including at the Crocker
Art Museum, the California State Fair, the State Capitol and as
part of public mural installations. Beyond Sacramento, client
artwork has been shown at the Ames Gallery in Berkeley, the
Outsider Art Fair in New York and the American Visionary Art
Museum in Baltimore.
“I look at art as the great equalizer,” says SCN director
Berger. “It’s all-encompassing — all socioeconomic groups, all
abilities. If you spend any time at our center with these artists,
you get the sense that it’s a real, true, pure form of art they’re
doing. These people aren’t getting caught up in the scene, it’s
just what comes out — it’s a creativity you don’t see anywhere
else.”
SCN clients participate in weekday art classes, and im-
ages of their work are posted to the center’s Instagram page
with the artist’s name and a description of the subject as a way
to share their talent with SCN’s broader network. Berger says
while outsider artwork was considered fairly niche at first, it’s
enjoyed a steady growth in popularity over the years thanks to
Short Center North
2331 St. Marks Way #E1
Sacramento
(916) 973-1951
Short Center South
5051 47th Ave.
Sacramento
(916) 737-2397
Alan Short Center
928 E. Rose St.
Stockton
(209) 462-8208
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