Congressman George Latimer Receives Mosaic
Just before Thanksgiving, Clay Art Center welcomed Congressman George Latimer to the Gallery, where he was presented with a mosaic of District 16.
Congressman George Latimer visited the Clay Art Center Gallery just before Thanksgiving to receive a mosaic in the shape of his congressional district, District 16, which includes Southern Westchester and Northern Bronx. The mosaic was created over the past year by the high school students in Around the World in Clay, a free afterschool program offered to Port Chester public school students in grades 2-12 as part of Clay Art Center’s Community Arts programming. The imagery of the mosaic celebrates Congressman Latimer’s dedication to Westchester County, and includes symbols of local landmarks like the Westchester County Airport, Hollywood on Hudson, the Armour-Stiner Octagon House, and the Temple of Love at Untermyer Gardens, to name just a few.
After arriving at the Gallery, Congressman Latimer met Around the World In Clay students who had worked on the project, the Community Arts team, and members of the Clay Art Center Board, and was formally presented with the mosaic. Congressman Latimer stated, “The quality of life that comes from the arts is an essential part of why people choose to live in Westchester, and move to Westchester. There’s an economic benefit, and it’s good for the soul!” He went on to say, “I hope you’ll get to know Clay Art Center and become a patron - it’s worth supporting.” The mosaic will soon make its way to Congressman Latimer’s office in Washington, D.C., but you can still view it in the Gallery through the end of the holiday season.
Brian Barry, the Community Arts and Offsite Programs Manager here at Clay Art Center, shared this message during the presentation, “Thank you, Congressman George Latimer, students, and families for coming today. We’re really excited to present you with this ceramic mosaic as a small token of appreciation for all the hard work you do in our community. The mosaic tiles were made in the spring session of Around the World in Clay. The high school group brainstormed ideas for tiles that accurately represent our congressional district and worked throughout the term to make them a reality. If you look closely, you’ll notice different landmarks, symbols of our community, as well as nature-inspired tiles. We hope the mosaic keeps you grounded, inspired, and focused as you work to represent us in Washington, D.C.”
Around the World in Clay is supported in part by the Common Sense Fund. You can support Clay Art Center with a donation to our Annual Appeal, and help us ensure that the ceramic arts continue to be a vital part of the quality of life in Port Chester and Westchester. The Community Arts Program at Clay Art Center was created with the intention of getting clay into the hands of those who need it most and who may not have access to arts enrichment otherwise. Since its inception, the Community Arts Program has grown to encompass arts education programs in Port Chester, Westchester County, and beyond. We are proud to partner with local schools, assisted living facilities, and other community-based organizations to offer high-quality arts education and enrichment.