MISSION, VISION, VALUES
Mission
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.
Vision
Igniting a passion for clay and providing a nurturing community for that passion to flourish.
Values
Diversity and Inclusivity: We strive to provide a space where everyone is welcome. We treat people with respect and integrity.
Innovation & Quality: We encourage and nurture creativity and excellence in our education and artist programs, exhibitions, and shop.
Exploration & Sharing: We promote curiosity and encourage openness and collaboration between students, teachers, artists, staff and our board.
Continuous Learning: We provide educational opportunities for all ages and skill levels.
STRATEGIC PLAN SUMMARY STATEMENT
Clay Art Center will be widely recognized as a ceramic arts center of excellence with impact locally, regionally, and nationally.
As we look to the future, Clay Art Center will expand our facilities, classrooms, artist spaces, and programs to meet the needs of a diverse community and create an accessible space so everyone can fully participate.
In order to accomplish this, we will focus on addressing the following strategic priorities and goals over the next five years:
Expansion
Excellence in Programming
Financial Sustainability
Brand Awareness
Operational and Technological Efficiency
PROGRAMMING UMBRELLAS
Education: Through weekly and one-time group classes, workshops, and private lessons, our ceramics education programs provide adults and youth opportunities to learn or advance their skills in handbuilding, sculpture, and wheel throwing. We strive to develop and deliver high-quality programs catering to all skill levels, supported by professional instructors, teaching artists, and experienced staff.
Community Arts: Clay Art Center is dedicated to making a lasting impact locally and regionally by putting clay into the hands of those who need it most. We develop meaningful programs that bring the power of ceramic arts to individuals who may not otherwise have access, collaborating with organizations to offer clay as a tool for healing, self-expression, and enrichment. We partner with schools, assisted living facilities, social service organizations, and community groups in Port Chester, Westchester County, and beyond. Through grant funding and generous contributions, we offer free and low-cost programs and scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of experiencing the transformative benefits of working with clay.
Artist Program: Artists living in the surrounding area may apply to be part of our Artist Program, which offers studio space, the use of glaze materials, and gas and electric kilns. The goal of the program is to support artists looking to build and focus on their practice in a community setting, sharing in studio responsibilities, and providing volunteer support to Clay Art Center.
Residency Program: Our Residency program is uniquely designed for emerging artists who need time and space to develop their voices. Residents gain invaluable experience working in a community environment, teaching classes, sharing their technical knowledge and expertise, and developing their skills as studio technicians performing many jobs around the studio.
Gallery: The Clay Art Center Gallery provides a platform for emerging and established artists to explore a wide range of topics that address materials, processes, and techniques, and to engage in critical dialogue through clay. We are committed to exhibiting a variety of work from artists around the country with unique and diverse backgrounds, as well showcasing our Clay Art Center artists and students.
Clay Art Center Shop: The Shop at Clay Art Center promotes a curated selection of work that demonstrates a range of concepts, styles, and perspectives that informs and inspires our audience. The work available in Clay Art Center Shop aims to present the highest artistic aesthetics in handmade, non-commercial ceramics. In presenting the best we have to offer, our goal is to further not only the use and appreciation of fine handmade ceramics in the home, but the appreciation of ceramics in all forms.
Independent Study: Independent Study allows students to develop their creative and artistic voice outside the classroom, while still being supported with access to a community of learners and studio-managed firing and glazing opportunities.
Summer Camp: Aspiring young artists develop their imaginations and build confidence, while working in a fun, creative atmosphere. Led by experienced instructors, campers learn a variety of techniques, with hand-built sculptural art for ages 7-11 and wheel throwing with hand building for ages 12-15. Through creative and engaging class themes, campers discover the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands.
If you’d like to learn more about our strategic priorities and plans for meeting these goals, please contact Clay Art Center Executive Director, Emily Peck at emily@clayartcenter.org.
