Ceramic Arts Program Takes Students to "Tea Time"

Recently 225 students from Thomas Edison Elementary School visited Clay Art Center to learn more about the earthy origins of clay, tour artists' studios and see the gallery exhibition “Tea Time” on view until April 1. 

“It was a joy to see the looks on the faces of the children as they toured our facility and listened to our staff talk about clay and its many possibilities.  They were able to see clay artists at work in their studios, peek inside our kilns, and learn about the teapot and the see the many forms it can take," Clay Art Center Executive Director Leigh Taylor Mickelson said in a press release. "The kids were so engaged while they were here, and I hope they will continue to come back to Clay Art Center with their families and consider us a valuable community resource.”   

The tours brought the entire third, fourth and fifth grades to the center as part of the “Clay and Community” program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts. In the spring and fall of 2013, professional teaching artists went to Thomas Edison classrooms to help students create ceramic mosaics that will be installed in the school's courtyard.

Students learned about the history of Port Chester from the early days of “Saw Pit” to the present. They created unique clay tiles of ships, sawmills, Port Chester businesses and restaurants and more for the mosaic timeline of Port Chester history. 

After the hands-on clay classes, Clay Art Center brought students to the center to continue their clay education and show students professional ceramic artists at work.

Students were led through the Tea Time Exhibit, a national Invitational featuring the work of more than 75 ceramic artists. As they looked at an incredible variety of teapots, tea cups and tea bowls, student learned about the culture of tea and its importance around the globe. Students were also able to see large gas kilns as they learned about the firing process and examples of different types of clay and clay tools.

Clay Art Center is a not-for-profit ceramic art organization offering exhibitions, clayclasses for adults and children, studio spaces for clay artists and outreach programs in the community.  It is located at 40 Beech Street, Port Chester, NY 10573.   

Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am-4pm or by appointment.  Admission is free.