Homage to Henry – A Retrospective Exhibition of the Work of Clay Art Center\’s Co-Founder Henry Okamoto


Clay Art Center is pleased to present

HOMAGE TO HENRY

A retrospective of the work of our co-founder, Henry Okamoto featuring ceramic works on loan from private collections.

In the Gallery March 3 – April 10, 2023

Opening Reception, Saturday, March 4, 6:30- 8:30pm

In 1957, Clay Art Center was first opened as an artists cooperative by Katherine Choy and Henry Okamoto, who imagined – and created – a place “to promote the art of clay–ceramics and sculpture–as culture on an advanced level… To encourage clay artists–potters and sculptors–… in advanced research in the art of clay, and to provide promising young clay artists …a period of time to study independently in order to cultivate themselves into more mature artists.” First located in Port Chester, a few doors down from our present day location at 40 Beech Street, Katherine and Henry provided the opportunity for fertile minds to come together and share their love, resources and passion for clay.

Katherine was joined by her friend Henry Okamoto (1923 – 1988), an esteemed classic potter from Lodi, California. Unfortunately, Katherine died suddenly in 1958, but Henry dedicated the rest of his life to realizing her dream of creating a nationally-renowned ceramic center. A lone but brilliant beacon on the Eastern Seaboard, CAC soon became a haven for clay artists, many of whom enjoyed significant careers. “Henry was beloved,” said Reena Kashyap, Director Emeritus of CAC. “He did his best. He was more concerned about the soul of the place than collecting rent from the artists. People who were there in those days remember it as an incredible environment.”

Learn More: www.clayartcenter.org

 

Event Location and Ticket Information

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Clay Art Center
40 Beech Street
Port Chester, New York 10573
Handicap Accessible? Yes

Date: Thursday, March 30, 2023
Times: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Ticket pricing:
Free event

Presenter: Clay Art Center
Presenter Phone: 9149372047
Presenter Website: www.clayartcenter.org