102-Year-Old New Yorker Pursues Pottery Passion

Despite running a family construction business, George Strausman dedicates his free time to perfecting his pottery skills.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:20am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting the hands of an elderly man carefully shaping a clay pot on a pottery wheel, surrounded by a warm, hazy light wash in earthy tones, conceptually representing the dedication and creative spirit of a centenarian artist.At 102 years old, George Strausman's lifelong passion for pottery continues to inspire and challenge him, even as he runs his family's construction business.Great Neck Today

At 102 years old, George Strausman of Great Neck, New York, still works four days a week at his family's construction business. But on his day off, Strausman pursues his lifelong passion for pottery, taking classes and constantly striving to create the perfect piece despite having hundreds of rejected attempts.

Why it matters

Strausman's dedication to improving his pottery skills at such an advanced age is an inspiring example of how pursuing creative hobbies and challenging oneself can contribute to a long and fulfilling life. His story highlights the importance of maintaining an active mind and continuing to learn new skills, even in one's later years.

The details

For the past 10 years, Strausman has been taking pottery classes at the Great Neck Free Union School District's Community Education Program, where his teacher, Rosalie Dornstein, says he has fully embraced the challenge of getting better. Despite his advanced age, Strausman remains determined to create a piece he is truly satisfied with, bringing home a new rejected attempt nearly every week.

  • Strausman has been taking pottery classes for the past 10 years.
  • Strausman still works four days a week at his family's construction business.

The players

George Strausman

A 102-year-old man from Great Neck, New York, who runs a family construction business and has been taking pottery classes for the past 10 years, constantly striving to create the perfect piece.

Rosalie Dornstein

Strausman's pottery teacher at the Great Neck Free Union School District's Community Education Program, who says he has fully embraced the challenge of getting better at his craft.

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What they’re saying

“I've always worked with my hands. It's an interesting thing to do. And it's challenging to do well.”

— George Strausman

“And that's wonderful that, at 102, he still wants to get better.”

— Rosalie Dornstein, Pottery Teacher

The takeaway

Strausman's unwavering dedication to his pottery passion, even at the remarkable age of 102, serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue new hobbies, challenge oneself, and find fulfillment through creative expression. His story inspires us to maintain an active mind and a lifelong commitment to learning, no matter our age.