Grateful for You: A Message from Executive Director Emily Peck
This holiday season, and always, Clay Art Center is so grateful for our amazing community.
As the weather cools, Clay Art Center is kept toasty by kilns running overtime and the warmth of our community. Students and artists alike rush to get one more set finished, one more piece glazed, and then finally wrapped or carefully packed for shipping. As we all reflect on the people and places that are special to us, we at Clay Art Center are so thankful for all of you, and all the ways that you make this place one-of-a-kind. Below, Executive Director Emily Peck shares her heartfelt gratitude in a holiday message.
During a time of giving thanks, I want to give my gratitude to all of you for your support and passion for Clay Art Center! It is because of all of you that we are able to be a place where creativity thrives! In the past year, your support helped us increase our free after-school programming for Port Chester students by 20%, and next year, we will open our first fully ADA-accessible classroom, allowing us to increase our class offerings, expand our partnership with groups like the Cancer Support Network and our Veterans arts classes, and reach even more young people through after-school programs.
As a locally born resident, I’m proud to help cultivate the love for the arts in our community that took root in me back in elementary school. When I see the inspiring projects our teachers guide the students to create at the programs at Clay Art Center, across the street at Don Bosco, or at one of the local schools, I know that we can be igniting that same passion for the arts in the next generation.
To share more about our vision for 2026 and the larger expansion ahead, I hope you’ll join me and Board President Sally Ng Briggs for either an in-person or virtual teatime in December. Sign-up for one of the upcoming gatherings. And as you consider your end-of-year giving, I invite you to invest in this work by making a gift to our annual appeal.
Clay Shapes Community
Every year, Clay Art Center works diligently to expand its impact, and get clay into the hands of those who need it most. We would not be able to do this work without your support.
As you think about year-end giving, we hope you’ll consider donating to Clay Art Center. Your help will ensure that Clay Art Center can support the vital operations, scholarships, residency program, exhibitions, and outreach programs that support our vibrant community. Gifts of any size will help us continue to build our impact in 2026.