Rooted in History, Building the Future
Exciting Expansion News from Clay Art Center
Clay Art Center awarded $400,000 by the New York State Council on the Arts for an Expanded Clay Art Center.
Port Chester, NY– Clay Art Center announced today a grant award totaling $400,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the organization’s New Building for an Expanded Clay Art Center. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $86 million to 134 capital projects across New York State.
Clay Art Center Executive Director Emily Peck stated, “In order to meet demand for programs, increase accessibility, and reach new audiences, Clay Art Center is planning an expansion of our facilities. This grant will support design costs, and provides the financial support needed for us to move our expansion project to the next stage. In the coming months, we will be working with an architect to begin making our vision a reality.
An expanded Clay Art Center will build on our strengths and create a fully accessible facility to reach people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The new space will reduce long waitlists, provide dedicated space for schools and community groups, provide more resources to artists, and enhance our gallery and shop.
From the moment Clay Art Center opened in 1957, we have evolved strategically to provide access to clay and creativity to as many people as possible. This grant is an exciting milestone in our expansion plans and helps us continue this journey.”
“Our arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, inspiring the world with innovation and creativity,” Governor Hochulsaid. “By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”
NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “These transformative projects improve communities, drive tourism and foster innovation in the field. Thanks to the Governor and the Legislature’s dedication to arts and culture, we are building a thriving future for our world-renowned creative sector. Congratulations to Clay Art Center, NYSCA is a proud supporter of your contributions to New York’s arts and culture.”
If you would like to hear more about our expansion plans or get involved, please reach out at Emily@clayartcenter.org.
About Clay Art Center
Clay Art Center is dedicated to education, creativity, and community engagement through clay by providing an inclusive space for learning, studio practice, exhibitions, personal growth, and professional development in ceramic arts. It is located in the heart of Port Chester at 40 Beech Street, Port Chester, NY 10573. Connect with Clay Art Center for classes, workshops, studio tours, gallery events, shopping, and more! Learn more, shop online, and register for classes at www.clayartcenter.org.
About the New York State Council on the Arts
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving hundreds of arts organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.
Our Mission: Clay Art Center is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to education, creativity, and community engagement through clay by providing an inclusive space for learning, studio practice, exhibitions, personal growth, and professional development in ceramic arts.