About Art Clay World

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 it's new 9,000 square foot facility to the public. As of May 30, 2003, there are over 450 certified instructors in the United States, and we continue to grow! Worldwide Art Clay has over 4,000 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

Art Clay Master Instructor
Jackie Truty - jackie@artclayworld.com

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 two books: "Dichroics: Art Glass All Dressed Up," published by Glass Press, and "Art Clay Silver & Gold: 18 Projects to Make in a Day", published by Krause Publications. Both are currently available.