Courtesy Creativity Explored

Many musicians are art collectors, but not all musicians perform for the artists they collect.

For free.

But that’s what happened yesterday when Jonathan Richman swung by Creativity Explored in the Mission.

Creativity Explored is a gallery that supports artists with developmental disabilities, displaying and selling their art, providing instruction, and helping them to develop bodies of work. Richman has been a longtime supporter of the gallery, appearing at benefits and purchasing artwork. His most recent concert was not his first; he has stopped in several times over the years to play for the artists. Richman came to Creativity Explored by way of Bread and Roses, a group that organizes free musical entertainment to promote healing and wellness for those who may be isolated from society.

“He loves to play for the artists, and the artists love to see him perform,” said Ann Kappes, marketing and business development director for the gallery.

Kappes said they had never really promoted the events before, but had the idea of posting a photo snapped at the event to their Facebook feed. Within two hours of posting, the picture had 14 shares, 53 likes, and gushing commentery. “One of my favorite musical artists serenades many of my favorite artists!," wrote one fan.

Richman, a quirky singer/songwriter and guitarist with a cultish fanbase, is kicking off an international tour in February, making his Creativty Explored concert perhaps one of his last local gigs before heading overseas.