Art
Clay products first appeared in the US in 1997, and
was sold through Swest and Paragon Kilns. In 1999 Art
Clay USA opened its doors offices in Torrance, California
and began teaching the first Certification Classes.
In January, 2002, Art Clay USA, Inc. became Art Clay
World and moved its operations to Oak Lawn, Illinois,
which is just southwest of Chicago. On June 21, 2003
Art Clay World opened its new 9,500 square foot facility
to the public. As of November 16, 2009, there are over 1600
certified instructors in the United States, and we
continue to grow! Worldwide Art Clay has over 5,000
instructors, with over 3,000 instructors in Japan.
Japan also has over 1500 registered Art Clay Studios,
and distributors for Art Clay all over the world. You
can reach us through our online
contact
form.
Art Clay is manufactured in Japan by Aida
Chemical Industries. Aida Chemical Industries is
a family owned company that recycles and reclaims metals,
including the precious metals gold and silver. In 1991
Aida Research and Development obtained a patent for
the manufacturing process for a metal clay, which became
Art Clay. The clay, paste and syringe types were introduced
to Japan in late 1992. The Aida Planning Department
began to develop the books and other accompanying materials
and, in April, 1994, Art Clay Silver and Gold were
officially introduced into the general public in Japan.
Art Clay World is the North American distributor of
Art Clay, and you can click here for
a list of links to other distributors.
Where is Art Clay World, USA?
The
Art Clay World, USA, Inc. main office is located
in Oak Lawn, a Southwest suburb of Chicago. Our building
is just East of Cicero Avenue on the South side of
Southwest Highway. Customers can enjoy our free private
parking lot!
Google
Map Link
Who works for Art Clay World, USA?
President
Jackie Truty -
jackie@artclayworld.com Certified Art Clay Master Instructor
Jackie has taught glass fusing and wire sculpting for
nearly 10 years, and began her Art Clay career as a Senior
Instructor and then Director of Education for the Eastern
US. She is a Master Instructor, having taken advanced
training in Japan with Hitoshi Araki and Ava Iwamoto
of Aida Chemical Industries. Jackie has written three books: "
Dichroics:
Art Glass All Dressed Up," published by Glass
Press, "
Art
Clay Silver & Gold: 18 Projects to Make in a
Day", published by Krause Publications, and "
Metal Clay: The Complete Guide", published by F&W Publications. All are currently available.
Office Manager / Webmaster
Mike Wilk -
mikew@artclayworld.comCertified Art Clay Senior Instructor
Wholesale Accounts Manager / Director of the Art Clay Society
Katie Baum -
katie@artclayworld.comCertified Art Clay Senior Instructor
Katie is the co-author of the 111 page full color book "
Silver Clay Keepsakes". This book contains 24 original silver clay projects focused on creating priceless keepsakes to celebrate all of life’s big events.
Customer Service
Mary Henry -
custserv@artclayworld.comCertified Art Clay Level One Instructor
Shipping / Inventory Manager
Pat Ten Broeck -
shipping@artclayworld.com
Certified Art Clay Instructors:
Certified Level One, Senior,
and Master Instructors
present classes throughout North America. Click on "Classes & Instructors" in the left hand margin for more details!
Art Clay World Headquarters Business Hours / Hours of Operation:
Retail Store and Showroom:
Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm CST
Sunday - Closed
Telephone Lines:
Monday - Friday 9am
- 6pm CST
Saturday 9am - 5pm CST
Voicemail and Fax:
24 hours / 7 days
a week
You can reach us online through our contact
form
