LONG ISLAND CITY — Aspiring sculptors can get their hands dirty when an exhibition space lets them loose on 2,000 pounds of clay next week as part of a tradition dating back to the 1920s.
SculptureCenter will open its doors to the public for the special event on Aug. 19, where it will bring out 1 ton of clay for attendees to create their own masterpieces, organizers said.
Participants can also join group workshops led by artists to create a statue as a team, turning the venue into a "large-scale community sculpture studio" for the day.
The event harkens back to SculptureCenter's founding in 1928, when it was originally called Clay Club. In those early years, the organization's artists would hold a picnic on Staten Island every summer where they'd team up to build temporary, massive sculptures out of natural clay. 
Images from one of Clay Club's early summer picnics, where groups would work together to create temporary sculptures. (Credit: SculptureCenter)
This is the first time since 1939 that the center — which moved to its current building at 44-19 Purves St. in Long Island City in 2001 — is attempting to recreate those group sculpting events, a spokeswoman said.
The Aug. 19 Clay Club will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will also feature live music and food from local vendors, including Hendu's Sandwiches, The Mill and Hibino LIC.
The event is free and family-friendly, according to organizers. More information can be found on the studio's Facebook page.
