Do you know about The Clay Art Center in Port Chester? It’s been around since 1957, and still feels like a well-kept secret, despite being the largest and most active ceramic facility in the tri-state area.
Maybe you’re interested in a “Cladies Night,” a Friday night clay class with wine. Maybe a 14 week course in wheel throwing techniques. Summer Camp. Or maybe you just want to browse the shop, filled with ceramics created by students and artists in residence.
Three classrooms, an exhibition gallery, the pottery shop, studio spaces and a glaze and kiln room (with Raku, gas and electric kilns) spread throughout two buildings at the edge of a municipal parking lot.
And there’s another important role played by CAC: According to Executive Director Leigh Taylor Mickelson, there have been no full time art teachers or visual arts classes in Port Chester Public Schools since the 1970’s. “We are trying desperately to provide arts to Port Chester students who are very, very underserved.” This is possible through donations and grants.
Children, adults, artists and amateurs can all find something here that speaks to them.
“No matter where you are in your life, you start with nothing and you can create anything. It’s limitless what you can do with clay. Clay is special because it’s so transformational. It can become anything.”
