'Clay Lady': Art Center Names Its First-Ever Community Arts Director

Whether working with local non-profits or providing a little fun and education at village festivals, has a when Port Chester parties.

And s most of the time is Ariel Plantz, who is affectionately known as "Clay Lady" to the young, budding artists in town.

Although Plantz has been the face of Clay Art Center at countless events, now it's official. Here's an announcement from the art center, naming Plantz as its first Community Arts Director:

Clay Art Center is pleased to announce that Ariel Plantz will be its first Community Arts Director. By making this announcement, the Board of Directors has determined the importance it places in bringing the arts to the community at large.

Ariel Plantz moved to the New York area in September of 2009. Fresh with a BA in ceramics from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore and having completed a year as a AmeriCorps member at Baltimore Clayworks working in community arts, she knew that she wanted to dedicate her life to community and clay. AND Clay Art Center in Port Chester had just the right position for her by adding her to its staff as Community Art Coordinator.

Over the last two years, Ariel has grown the community arts program to reach over 17 schools serving hundreds of children, partnered with over 10 social service organizations and  has this past year, organized the first school field trips by Port Chester after school programs to the newly expanded Gallery at the Clay Art Center.

In her new role as Community Arts Director, she will play a pivotal role in strengthening the programs that enrich the creative lives of those who live in our community and beyond. Ariel is a familiar face to many of the children in Port Chester and she has already earned the title “Clay Lady” due to her presence at local fairs. Come meet Ariel at the Clay Art Center hands-on table at the Port Chester Day celebrations on August 27th  in Lyon Park.

Clay Art Center is a not-for-profit ceramic art organization offering exhibitions, clay classes for adults and children, studio spaces for clay artists and outreach programs in the community.  It is located in the heart of Port Chester at 40 Beech Street, Port Chester, NY 10573.   Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am-4pm or by appointment.  For more information or images, please contact Leigh Taylor Mickelson atleigh@clayartcenter.org or 914-937-2047.