Clay Expressions: Supporting Community Members Affected by Cancer

With the growth of the Clay Expressions class, more students whose lives are affected by cancer can experience the therapeutic benefits of clay.

Through Community Arts programming, Clay Art Center fulfills its mission to make clay accessible to those who might never otherwise have the opportunity to work with it, and to those who can most benefit from its therapeutic qualities. Because clay requires such patience and focus, it can help students to remain present and build resilience, all while allowing them the opportunity to express themselves creatively. From veterans and active service members, to those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to those in recovery, clay classes can offer space for reflection, connection, and joy. For nearly two decades, Clay Art Center has partnered with Cancer Support Community Greater NY & CT at Gilda's Club to offer Clay Expressions, a free clay class for those affected by cancer, funded in part by the Kathi and Peter Arnow Foundation and through the generous support of our community.

Class rosters for Clay Expressions have included cancer patients undergoing treatment, family members acting as caregivers, and those who have lost loved ones to cancer. Beyond the therapeutic nature of working with clay, members of the class are also surrounded by others with similar experiences, creating an supportive environment that truly understands. The program has grown in popularity over the years, with many repeat students, and Clay Art Center was excited to be able to offer a second class for the first time ever this past term. The completion of the Yellow Studio, our first ADA accessible classroom, increased classroom capacity, and allowed us to double the number of people we could serve through the Clay Expressions class. Students in the classes created a wide variety of projects, including vases, coiled bowls, planters, seasonal ornaments, and more, all decorated with personal motifs.

Today, on the last day of class for this term, we asked members of the class to share about their experiences. Here’s what they had to say:

"If it were not for this class, I wouldn't be able to get through this cancer."

"When I'm in this class, I can reflect, calm down, and focus on what's in front of me!"

"It's good for the soul."     "The instructor is amazing."    "It's like a family."