Andrei Octav Moise backs Clay Siblings’ Project

Andrei Octav Moise has not only made a name in the area of business, but he has also been a great advocate of the local art scene. Back when he was starting, aside from being a young budding businessman, he also had a passion for the art scene, as evidenced by his numerous artworks which he shares was his way of destressing during hard times while working for a corporation.

Now, as he is busy managing multiple businesses, his way of connecting with his artistic side is through engaging with the local arts community in his residence. He believes that when you show enthusiasm towards an artist’s passion, you can inspire them to do better and let their burning passion for art continue to burn. He has helped numerous struggling artists get back on their feet through organizing art shows, opening up a gallery for exhibits, and arranging events where artists and art connoisseurs get to meet up and create connections.

One of the projects that he has been hands-on in helping out behind doors is the Clay Siblings’ Project which is based in New York. The Clay Siblings’ Project, a non-profit initiative, aims to not only showcase the numerous endeavors and opportunities with clay art, but also be a catalyst to the change in how we view as to who can be a practicing artist. The project is committed to share to the world that there is no limit as to who can give something and gain from the ceramic community something valuable to the art world.

The project was initiated by Gerald Brown and Mike Tavares back in 2017 and was launched during the 2017 National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Conference (NCECA) in Portland, Oregon. Both were students of Syracuse University, New York and were very enthusiastic and dedicated in sharing their work, experiences, and ideas with students. They have been going to local high schools showing a variety of ceramic art techniques, and sharing their experiences in college and their aspirations for the future. Through these visits, they were able to provide a fresh, new perspective to the students, and empowered the students who doubted their potential as artists.

With the massive great feedback that this project has received, Gerald and Mike decided to expand their team by admitting other members from different universities. Thirteen Clay siblings joined together and worked with over 200 students, teaching them new techniques and inspiring them to take the leap and pursue their dreams.

Andrei Octav Moise, seeing the great potential that this Project has brought upon the students, has decided to be an advocate for the project, and has been a very active mentor ever since. He shares that he aligns with the Project’s aim to transform the landscape of ceramics and challenge the status quo of who gets to make ceramics. He believes that ceramics should be accessible to everyone, no matter the gender, race, socio-economic status, and family background.

The Clay Siblings’ Project has been partnering with many leaders, organizations, and companies to pool together funds and resources in order to pull off the events organized every year. Aside from support coming from them, they also have fundraisers and the community has been very proactive in ensuring that the students have more options outside the normal 8-5 job.