Peter Max Donates in Memory of Robert Potter
The company of famed artist Peter Max has donated numerous items to the Huntington High School art program in honor of fallen teacher Robert Potter, who worked for 17 years with Mr. Max prior to embarking on a teaching career.
When Mr. Potter passed away suddenly on November 22, 2010 the Huntington High School community went into collective shock, followed by grief and then mourning. A gifted art teacher, the 47-year old had a knack for learning what made each student tick and then forging a bond with them and helping them see how they could "go out and change the world."
The Peter Max Corporation is donating two Epson Professional 9800 color printers, ink for the printers, Rives BKF paper, a roll of canvas, stretcher bars, stretched canvases, paint boards, silk screens, Bristol pads of paper, cut-off high quality paper and linen canvas pieces. Huntington School Board members approved acceptance of the donation, valued at $7,800 during a public meeting on April 2.
Mr. Potter, who taught ceramics (pottery) and sculpture, began working in Huntington in September 2006 after embarking on a major change in his career as an artist. After completing a bachelor of fine arts degree at Pratt Institute, he worked for 17 years for famed artist Peter Max.
While working as a practicing sculptor and studying for a master's degree in art education at Adelphi University, Mr. Potter came to Huntington High School to observe art teacher Kristin Singer's class. He joined the high school faculty a short time later and was welcomed with open arms. His impact was felt immediately.
In the aftermath of Mr. Potter's sudden passing, Peter Max donated a large scale printer to the art department in the gifted teacher's memory. The art honor society organized the sale of t-shirts to fund scholarships for Mr. Potter's daughter, Isabel, and a Huntington graduate intending to study art in college.
The Associated Teachers of Huntington, the professional organization of the district's teachers created a $1,000 annual scholarship for the next 10 years. "This will be awarded annually to the student that best embodies the spirit and philosophy of our dear colleague." ATH President James Graber said during a memorial service last year.