3 decades after opening, rural Central NY art center hires teacher as first paid staffer

Pulaski, N.Y. — During the wane of the pandemic, Brooke Morse decided to relearn the pottery wheel. Now she’s teaching the art of pottery to people of all ages.

Morse, who works for the Sandy Creek Central School District, has taught art to students in middle and high school for 15 years. The Salmon River Fine Arts Center in Pulaski just hired her as its new program coordinator.

The arts center was founded in 1991 and opened its doors three years later. Morse is its first paid employee, with the rest of its team comprising of volunteers. A nonprofit, it gets its funding from the John Ben Snow Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts and CNY Arts.

Morse plans on organizing a yearly catalog of studio art classes, especially in pottery, her specialty medium. She wants to invite her pottery friends to showcase local talent.

“I’m excited to work with anyone and if any artist, crafter, sculptor is interested in getting more exposure through the gallery,” Morse said.

Morse studied painting and ceramics in college. But without the financial means to acquire a pottery wheel or kiln, she had to set aside her passion for pottery. After the pandemic shifted life for everyone, she decided to move from Boston back to home in Mannsville, where she bought a home with studio space.

Since then, she’s been able to revive her passion for pottery. Along with teaching art, Morse runs a small business selling mugs, lamps and other pottery. Her work features images of North American plants and wildlife.

“I think it’s invaluable to create and be inspired as an artist and use that as a learning tool,” Morse said.

The Salmon River Fine Arts Center is holding a meet and greet with Morse from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at its location on 4848 N. Jefferson St.