More than two years ago, Reena Kashyap, Director of the Clay Art Center, paid a visit to Janet Langsam, the Executive Director of the Westchester Arts Council. They were discussing, among other things, the Clay Art Center’s pending 50 year anniversary, and ways to commemorate it. “Wouldn’t it be something,” Ms. Kashyap wondered aloud “if we could get the whole county to do clay?”

And thus, ALL FIRED UP! A Celebration of Clay in Westchester was born.

Since that first fateful meeting, the project has grown beyond our wildest expectations. From October 3 – November 30, more than 60 venues throughout Westchester County will participate, showcasing the astounding work of more than 600 artists. Museums, multi-art centers, libraries, schools, universities, parks and alternative sites will present parallel exhibitions that explore the breadth and depth of ceramic expression- from folk arts to fine arts, historical to contemporary.

All Fired Up! also includes a wide range of related activities that will provide the public opportunities to deepen their appreciation of ceramic arts and to engage in art-making activities. Workshops, symposia, films and other activities are planned—some geared to the general public, others to students and educators, still others for specialists such as artists, art historians and collectors.

This concordance of events comprises a cultural initiative unprecedented in Westchester.