Leigh Mickelson – CLAY Art Center – Executive Director

My friend and mentor Terry Capuana has been telling me about the Clay Art Center in Portchester for years. “You’ve got to see this place,” she has said over and over again. Finally, as though it were I who was doing her the favor, I agreed to schedule a Westchester day with Terry to see a few of her recommended places. Was I blown away!

Because of who Terry is, the inspiring Executive Director of Clay Art Center – Leigh Mickelson met us on our arrival. I could feel the energy of the place from the second the door opened. Members walking out to the parking lot were abuzz. The gallery area was sparkling with creativity and beauty. Then Leigh talked to us for about 15 minutes filling me in on the history of the place and what their plans are moving forward. I started thinking about how I might take the train there on a regular basis to attend classes. (And this is from the pottery class drop-out of 1971! Here I think I could learn.)

And then Leigh gave us the tour. The place is amazing! It’s a sprawling building that includes classes for kids, studio areas for resident artists, rows of wheels for throwing pots, tons of shelf space, a room for the kilns with a large space for the newly expected super-kiln they’ve ordered to accommodate the talent and quantity of artistry on location. If you have any interest in pottery, clay, creativity or finding community through using your hands, pay the Clay Art Center a visit.

Dalia Berman

During the tour I had the privilege of meeting several members at work. Being the networker and promoter I am, I asked Dalia Berman if I could take her picture. Please spend a moment or two looking at her gorgeous work.

I also visited Recologie and the studio of Judith Weber in New Rochelle with Terry. More on those later this week.

Thank you, Terry, for persisting and for sharing your incredibly talented friends with me and mine.