Nov 23, 2010

Sophie’s Gallery students ‘marketable in art world’By Nathan MaxSignOnSanDiego.com

El Cajon — When St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center started an art program in the 1970s, it is unlikely that anyone associated with the El Cajon-based facility envisioned its students, adults with developmental disabilities, would one day earn critical acclaim.

More than three decades later, the artists are stocking three stores that have cumulative annual sales of $100,000.

“We’re very marketable in the art world,” said Debra Turner, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center executive director. “It’s a surprise to people that our students can do the quality of art that they do and that it does have value and that it does sell.”

Sophie’s Gallery and Gift Shop has two locations, in El Cajon at 109 Rea Avenue and in San Diego at 2960 Historic Decatur Road. The public can also purchase art at the main complex, 2119 East Madison Ave.

Students produce a wide range of artwork, from mosaics to self-portraits, jewelry and paintings. They have also sold clothing, ornaments, bird feeders and Christmas cards, among other things.

Read complete article.