A Place to Create, Connect, and Be Inspired

Clay Art Center in Port Chester, New York, is a nationally recognized 501c3 non-profit dedicated to the advancement and practice of ceramic art. Katherine Choy, a leader of the Newcomb pottery aesthetic, joined by master potter Henry Okamoto, founded the center as a communal studio in 1957. With Choy's untimely death in 1958, Okamoto pursued her legacy for the rest of his life. At one time a lone beacon of clay artistry on the East Coast, Clay Art Center became a haven for clay artists, many of whom pursued significant careers in ceramics and influenced contemporary ceramic practice.

Potter Elsbeth Woody and sculptor Claudia Miller succeeded Okamoto, further carving out a place on the artistic map by initiating the Summer Workshop Festival and opening a gallery dedicated to exhibiting ceramics.

Beginning in 1997, Director Reena Kashyap and Associate Director Ruth Berelson strengthened existing programs and focused on advancing the mission with classes, exhibits, community outreach, and resident artist programs. In 2007 Clay Art Center’s new non-profit status enabled it to benefit the wider local community with free children’s and adult workshops and programs.

Today Clay Art Center is the largest and most active ceramic facility in the tri-state area. Each year Clay Art Center serves over 25,000 people in-person and virtually with exhibitions, classes, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and exposure to the rich world of handmade ceramic art. Over 500 full and partial scholarships are awarded each year.

We’re proud to serve the ceramic arts community, in a national, regional, and local capacity. The Artist Program provides studio space for working artists and funds residencies for emerging artists. Our Gallery Program presents exhibitions showcasing contemporary ceramics from artists at all stages of their careers, artist lectures and demos, both in-person & online. Our gallery and shop cultivate opportunities for artists including Call For Entry, Invitational Exhibitions, and sales opportunities. Our Shop represents 65+ artists. The Education Program provides clay instruction at all levels for adults & youth, presents visiting artist workshops, and provides teaching opportunities. Our Community Arts program awards over 500 full and partial scholarships & provides free ceramic classes, and engages school & community groups in public art mosaic projects.

Through more than a half-century of growth and expansion, we have become an essential part of the greater arts community, engaging the public and fostering artistic growth through the myriad possibilities of clay. Explore our rich history in the gallery below.

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1957: The Beginning

Katherine Choy, a visionary 27-year old immigrant from Hong Kong, leaves her assistant professorship at Tulane University and moves to Port Chester, New York to fulfill her dream of establishing a center for the ceramic arts. She is joined by her friend from Mills College, Henry Okamoto, and together they open Clay Art Center.

1958-1988: An Artist’s Legacy

After Katherine’s sudden death in 1958, Henry dedicates the rest of his life to realizing her dream. Over the course of three decades, Henry grows the center creating a haven for clay artists. The center is home to many artists who go on to have significant careers and influence contemporary ceramic practice.

1988-1997: The Gallery Emerges

Towards the end of Henry’s life, Elsbeth Woody, a professor at Baruch College and a nationally known clay sculptor, partners with Claudia Miller to help run the center. After Henry’s death in 1988 they initiate the Summer Workshop Festival and establish Clay Art Center’s gallery. When Elsbeth relocates to South Africa in 1997, she sells her ownership of the Center.

1997-2007: Broadening CAC’s Reach

Reena Kashyap, a potter, invests in the business and saves the center from closing. With Ruth Berelson as an able advisor, they strengthen the education and exhibitions programs and initiate the Artist in Residency and community arts programs.

2007: 50 Years of Clay Art Center

Reena transforms the center and officially incorporates Clay Art Center into a non-profit organization, making its 50th anniversary a turning point in its history. She continues as pro-bono Executive Director and works with the founding Board of Directors to develop a new mission “to kindle a passion for the ceramic arts and to provide a sharing community for that passion to flourish.”

2010-2012: New Spaces, New Opportunities

Clay Art Center rents the neighboring building, adding 4000 square feet to its facility, to expand classroom, gallery and artist spaces. Reena steps down from her position of Executive Director and joins the Board of Directors. Leigh Taylor Mickelson is appointed as the first paid Executive Director of Clay Art Center.

2012-Today: A Thriving Community

As the largest and most active 501(c)(3) not-for-profit ceramic arts facility in the tri-state area, today Clay Art Center is home to over 50 working artists, offers educational programs for adult and youth, and is a champion for the arts in the community.

Our Mission

Clay Art Center is dedicated to education, creativity, and community engagement in a diverse and inclusive space for studio practice, exhibitions, personal growth, and professional development.

Our Vision

Igniting a passion for clay and providing a nurturing community for that passion to flourish.

History & Mission

A Place to Create, Connect, and Be Inspired

Our Mission

Our Vision

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