This quarter we are featuring Creative Clay artist, Yalanda Speights, on our local art wall. Creative Clay‘s mission is to help people with disabilities achieve full and inclusive lives by providing expressive, educational and vocational experiences in the arts.
Yalanda Speights was a Creative Clay member artist from 2002 to 2018. Her broad-stroked colorful circles transformed blank canvasses and wood blocks into iconic and easily recognizable art that was desired by collectors throughout Tampa Bay.
Yalanda’s art was featured in many Creative Clay Good Folk Gallery exhibits. Her preferred tools were colored pencils and watercolor, but she also dabbled in acrylics. Yalanda’s work also graced the walls at University of South Florida-St. Pete, Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach, Graphi-Ko Gallery, St. Petersburg City Theater, St. Petersburg Opera Company, and in homes and offices of art collectors.
Her goal was to land a one-person show and sell more of her art, but that dream was lost when Yalanda died in December 2018 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
It is said that the meaning of the circle symbol is universal, sacred and divine. It represents the infinite nature of energy and the inclusivity of the universe. Creative Clay’s vision is one of inclusivity, with a mission of creating arts accessibility for all. Yalanda’s repetitive chosen subject of the circle will forever be a reminder to Creative Clay, the community and her family of our perpetual goal of inclusivity for all. Creative Clay is forever grateful for the gift of Yalanda and her message of inclusivity through her art.
