Ossining Unveils Ceramics Arts Center in Cedar Lane Park

From the Town of Ossining: The Town of Ossining’s new Cedar Lane Arts Center held a grand opening in Cedar Lane Park on April 21st at what was formerly known as the Shine House. Over 200 people attended the ribbon-cutting, where the Ossining Arts Council (OAC) exhibited more than 30 works of art curated by the OAC, the winner of a logo design and sign art commission was announced—local artist/designer Brian Sheridan-- and two art instructors gave children and adults a hands-on ceramics experience.

The crowd also got some insight into the rich history of the site, formerly a family estate before being purchased by the 52 Association as a recreation opportunity for disabled veterans. The Town purchased the property in 1996, and has, in recent years, committed Town resources to re-invigorate the 25 acre property, beginning with the re-opening of the central buildings on the site. Additionally, the park will see the installation of new docks, a kayak launch, and a jogging path later this year, funded by a grant from Senator David Carlucci.

Cedar Lane Park is located at 235 Cedar Lane on the border of Ossining and New Castle and includes the Ossining Community Organic Garden, Ossining Dog Park, a field used for football and soccer, a volleyball court, and a large picnic pavilion. “We are so excited that this new facility has been greatly improved and is opening for the community to enjoy, for the arts as well as for flexible uses still to be determined,” said Town Supervisor Dana Levenberg on Friday before the opening. “We are so lucky to have residents who take advantage of all our beautiful parks have to offer, and now we have an even greater asset that we anticipate will be utilized for many years to come. This would not have been possible to achieve as reasonably as it was without the talent of our amazing Town Parks Foreman, Mario Velardo, and members of his crew from both the Parks and Town Highway departments.”

The new art center, three plus years in the making, is part of a major revitalization of the park and features a fully equipped community ceramics studio and arts program run by the Ossining Recreation Department, where classes for adults and children will be offered beginning May 1. "This new art center is a great addition to Ossining and the surrounding communities. I am excited to begin teaching ceramics with Cathy Faiella who is a wonderful children's art instructor," said Keith Gordon, the Ceramics Studio Manager at Cedar Lane Arts Center.

Details of the art and ceramics class offerings are in the Spring/Summer Ossining Recreation brochure available on the Village of Ossining website’s Recreation and Parks Department page. People interested in taking classes can register now at the Caputo Community Center or online here.

For more information, call Chris Soi, Director of Ossining Parks and Recreation at (914) 941-3189 or email csoi@villageofossining.org.

Images via the Town of Ossining