A special 70th Anniversary exhibition featuring archival materials, historic works by Katherine Choy and Henry Okamoto, and stories of the artists who built our legacy.
In the Gallery, and Online, April 24 - May 31, 2027
Please join us for an Opening Reception: Saturday, April 24, 5:00-7:00 PM
Clay Art Center proudly announces its 70th Anniversary, marking seven decades of creativity, education, and community impact in the ceramic arts!
In our 70th anniversary year, Clay Art Center is honored to share our remarkable story with audiences across the United States. Founded in 1957 by Chinese immigrant Katherine Choy and first-generation Japanese American Henry Okamoto, Clay Art Center was born from a bold and generous vision: to create a place “to promote the art of clay—ceramics and sculpture—as culture on an advanced level… to encourage clay artists—potters and sculptors—in advanced research in the art of clay, and to provide promising young clay artists a period of time to study independently in order to cultivate themselves into more mature artists.” Through archival materials, behind-the-scenes insights, and our historic ceramics collection, we aim to bring their legacy to life.
This exhibition will feature Choy’s ground-breaking ceramic vessels, which straddled the line between craft and sculpture, and mingei functional pottery by Okamoto. Rarely-seen archival materials, including photographs, correspondence, organizational records, and other ephemera will illustrate their extended networks within the ceramics world, and how their impacts still resonate today.
Together, the ceramics and archives tell an incredible story of overcoming adversity, of passion and purpose, and speak to how the earliest days of Clay Art Center continue to reverberate throughout our communities today. The many stories that have unfolded within our walls serve to inspire us every day, and are a testament to the legacy forged by visionary artists who dared to dream. Despite Midcentury socio-economic norms like the suburban-family lifestyle, Katherine and Henry inspired a generation of artists to follow their hearts, choosing rebellion over conformity, and ultimately shaping an entire community which continues to thrive today.
Additional programming will include gallery talks, and historic archive presentations.
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. Join Clay Art Center classes, and exhibitions, and shop online at www.clayartcenter.org.
Requests for photos, or more information: gallery@clayartcenter.org