We are thrilled to announce a new addition to our CREATE Arts Center family! After a remarkable 9+ years serving as Deputy Director at Arts on the Block, Clayton Evans has embraced a fresh opportunity as our Executive Director, officially starting on July 24.
Clayton wanted to extend his heartfelt gratitude to the Arts on the Block community for their trust, confidence, support, expertise, and unwavering passion for the arts. The camaraderie and resilience shown during challenging times have truly shaped the journey, and he is grateful to have been a part of it. As Clayton steps into his new role, the future looks incredibly bright for AOB.
At CREATE Arts Center, we have been providing enduring mental health support through the arts for over 37 years. While Clayton’s arrival marks a new era for us, our commitment to the community remains steadfast. Clayton is eager to introduce the region to the wide array of services and partnerships that have been at the core of CREATE’s mission and the exciting prospects that lie ahead.
Having a background in art and youth-work, Clayton has always recognized the profound impact of the arts on social-emotional learning. Over the past 30+ years, he has been dedicated to teaching visual art and helping individuals of all ages harness the power of creativity for self-discovery and growth. Now, as a member of CREATE Arts Center, he is enthusiastic about learning from our staff and the community we serve.
Clayton’s journey began on Staten Island, NYC, and has taken him through inspiring experiences, from studying Industrial Design at Brooklyn Technical High School to receiving a BA in Studio Art with an Education minor from Lafayette College. His passion for art led him to complete an MFA at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in 1994. Throughout his career, Clayton has been deeply involved in empowering creatives of all ages, including being the founding Director of the LeRoy Neiman Art Center in Harlem.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Clayton finds joy in being a practicing studio artist. He currently resides in Silver Spring with his partner, Kristin, their 21-year-old son, Alan, their 10-year-old daughter, Ruby, and their beloved Mini-Pinscher/Dachshund, George.
We encourage you to join us in welcoming Clayton to CREATE Arts Center with open arms! If you have any inquiries or simply want to say “Hello,” you can reach Clayton at clayton@createartscenter.org.
Here’s to an exciting new chapter filled with creativity, growth, and community connections!
With warm regards,
The CREATE Arts Center Team