Brian Barry Awarded the SPARC Community Partnership Award
Brian Barry, Community Arts & Offsite Programs Manager, accepted the Community Partnership Award from SPARC in recognition of his dedication to inclusivity and self-expression.
On October 23rd, Community Arts & Offsite Programs Manager Brian Barry received the Community Partnership Award at the annual SPARC Gala, Born Original. SPARC is a non-profit that works with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create spaces where everyone from adolescents through seniors can connect, grow, and shine. The Community Arts team here at Clay Art Center offers clay classes at the White Plains and Yorktown Heights SPARC locations, providing art enrichment and the opportunity to connect through clay. Below, you can read SPARC Program Manager Kathleen Di Monaco’s speech thanking Brian and Clay Art Center for his ability to help others find their inner artist, and gain the confidence to let it shine through. Congratulations Brian!
It’s such a joy to be here tonight celebrating our SPARC community — the creativity, compassion, and connection that make our programs so special. One of the things that truly defines SPARC is the power of community partnership. When we find people and organizations who share our belief that every person, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to express themselves, to grow, and to be seen for their talents — that’s when something extraordinary happens.
Tonight, we are so proud to honor one of those extraordinary partners — Brian Barry, the Community Arts and Offsite Programs Manager of the Clay Art Center. Brian is not only a gifted artist and educator — he is a champion of inclusion, creativity, and confidence. Under his guidance, our participants have discovered new ways to express themselves, to take pride in their work, and to find joy in the creative process. Through the Clay Arts/Link Up collaboration, Brian has helped transform what might look like a simple art class into something deeply meaningful — a place where everyone belongs, everyone contributes, and everyone is celebrated as an artist.
The pieces our participants create are far from simple “pinch pots.” Each month, they are challenged and encouraged to create works that are intricate, expressive, and truly beautiful. Whether it’s a carefully sculpted vase, a hand-built bowl, or an imaginative sculpture, each piece tells a story — a story of patience, perseverance, and pride. What makes these classes so special isn’t just the art itself, but the spirit behind it. Brian sees the potential in every individual and meets them where they are — never limiting their creativity, never underestimating what they can do. Under his leadership, there is no such thing as “not capable.” Instead, there is a steady, uplifting belief that with support, encouragement, and opportunity, everyone can create something wonderful.
Brian, you’ve given our participants the gift of artistic expression — and more than that, the gift of confidence and self-worth. You’ve shown them, and all of us, that art has no boundaries. You’ve helped them see themselves not as people taking a class, but as artists — accomplished artisans whose work deserves to be seen, admired, and celebrated. On behalf of all of us at SPARC — our participants, families, and staff — thank you for the compassion, respect, and creativity you bring to every class. You’ve built a space where joy and possibility thrive, and where every person can shine.
We are deeply grateful for your partnership, and so proud to honor you tonight as our Community Partnership Award recipient.
