MY NAME IS GAIL GARCIA. I'm in my forties and have been at the Victory Center for Arts and Communications program for eight years. I am a very good artist and have had exhibits at the Fairfax Library, the KTSF television studios in San Francisco, the Jewish Community Center in San Rafael, and the Falkirk Museum. Practically every day I write poetry and really enjoy it. I have very good goals and am moving forward with my life...

The 2009 featured Cedars artist in Marin Open Studios will be Gail Garcia, whose use of vibrant colors and bold shapes was recognized by the panel of judges.

Gail has become the resident poet of Victory Center Cafe, a monthly expressive arts event showcasing art, movement, dance and drama. She recently co-directed a performance of tunes and dances from the Broadway production of "Annie" and directed a fashion show by and for the women of 2 Kensington Drive. Clients, staff and administrative employees modeled sportswear, eveningwear and swimsuits. Directing from the sidelines, Gail was bedecked in a bridal gown.
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March 2009

ONE OF THE YOUNGEST MEMBERS of The Cedars’ family, Tim Shepp spends his days caring for sheep at the Textile Art Center, weaving at the Weavers’ Barn, and weeding in the organic garden. He’s been attending programs at The Cedars for a few years and one year ago moved into Lamont House, just one mile from his family home in Novato.

Tim’s happy to live with close friends Kevin, Steven, Tony and Jim and, in his free time, enjoys bowling, attending dances, and making puzzles. His mom, Denise Willet, says that from the very first day, Tim loved spending his days at The Cedars. “He’s more social than ever before and because staff members encourage him to make his own decisions, he’s progressed far more than we could have imagined. We couldn’t ask for better people!”
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January 2007

CEDARS RESIDENT Tony Hyde has been a working artist for 15 years and has recently been winning awards in local juried exhibitions. At the 14th annual Marin Open Studios, Tony’s vibrant mixed media artwork was featured and received rave reviews. His unique style has a tribal, atavistic feel with imaginative faces and creatures done in colored pencil, watercolor, and oil pastels.

Tony joined The Cedars family as a child and over nearly fifty years has developed a productive and fulfilling life with the help of loving staff members and friends.

The Cedars’ Victory Center for Arts and Communications has helped Tony and other artists with developmental disabilities find their artistic voice and vision and to share it with the greater community.
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April 2007

BRIDGET JACKSON DONATED her painted chair to the auction for The Cedars at La Vendemmia.

I was born October 16, 1980 in San Diego. I am 26 years old. One piece of art I like is “Get Out Of My Eye Snail” by Paul Klee. I have one sister who is younger than me. I live in Novato with my family. For the past two years I have been at the Victory Center. I do art, drama, expressive arts and music here. I also create poetry and do volunteer work.

I like drawing flowers with colored pencils. I like doing art because it is fun and I feel I have accomplished something. I am surprised and happy when my art is sold. I see myself making more art in the future. I have read all of Jane Austin’s novels.
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November 2006