The American Art Clay enterprise - collective responsibility in action

The American Art Clay company recently notable its first ninety years as America's premier provider of safe art supplies for schools and professionals. In 1919 the first modeling clay in America was invented, and two years later it published the very first art teacher's lesson plans in America. The first galvanic kiln designed for use in schools and expert studios followed in 1934. Two years later they helped find the Art and Creative Materials Institute, which set standards for the manufactures for safe, non-toxic ingredients for art materials. Current standards of labeling for glazes (particularly those to be used on dinnerware) were set by the Acmi in 1976. They established categories for glaze and other materials suitable for young children, those suitable for use by older students under adult supervision, and those which should be used only for non-dinnerware ceramics.

In 1978 the American Art Clay Co acquired the Brent Potters Wheels and equipment Company, which expanded the company's offerings to a full line of foot-powered and galvanic ceramic potter's wheels. In 1982 they industrialized the first potter's wheel which was adaptable for population with corporeal handicaps. They also invented the first gadget which automatically centers clay on the potter's wheel. They have been an manufactures leader not only in the development of new product lines, but also in public responsibility. For example, Brent products use recycled materials as much as inherent and Amaco is permanently seeking to heighten its products to conserve natural resources such as its energy-efficient kilns and its amiable Plastic which enables users to create a project and then melt it down again and reuse it. Amaco sponsors a amiable Plastic make Challenge, the most modern of which included an invitation for artists to submit amiable Plastic butterflies which were donated to Houston's Holocaust Museum. The Museum is in the process of acquiring one and a half million handmade butterflies to symbolize the million and a half children who died in the Holocaust.

American Art Clay Co. Also sponsored a long term arts program in New Orleans after that city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Over three quarters of the area's public schools were severely damaged or fully destroyed by the hurricane; and even before that there had been a shortage of art spaces for art teachers and students in the New Orleans school system. In 2007, they committed to supporting a long term arts program in the society called the New Orleans Studio at Colton School. The studio is host to a wide range of art disciplines, and it offers studio space and gallery environments to bring together graphic artists, ceramic artists, all sorts of performing artists, and many other artistic projects under one roof. They have contributed supplies and equipment for a faultless ceramics studio with a wheel-throwing studio and a casting and glazing room. The program targets talented students from local high schools, arts majors from local colleges, as well as expert members of the Creative Alliance of New Orleans.

helpful site The American Art Clay enterprise - collective responsibility in action helpful site