Art Clay World USA, Inc. - Latest News (http://www.artclayworld.com/latest_news.php) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 07/16/11 - 2011 MCWC Mystery Bag Competition Winners The 3rd MCWC Mystery Bag Contest was held during the 2011 Metal Clay World Conference. The winners were chosen by Japanese Master Artist Ryota Mitsuhashi and Keynote Speaker and presenter Michael David Sturlin. The photographs were taken by Art Clay World, USA staff. The “Mystery Bags” contained a cocktail paper parasol, cotton ball, piece of Honeycomb Cereal, one Swedish Fish candy, a piece of gauze, a square of textured construction paper, and 10g of Art Clay Silver clay. Entrants had to use all 7 items and could include the bag in the design. Limited tools and time made this year’s event a real challenge. The winners are as follows: 1st Place, Patti Dean Wohlford; 2nd Place, Wanaree Tanner; 3rd Place, Candace Steppes; 4th Place, Maria Martinez; 5th Place, Terri Sidell For more details go to www.metalclayworldconference.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 07/16/11 - 2011 North American Design Competition The 3rd MCWC Mystery Bag Contest was held during the 2011 Metal Clay World Conference. The winners were chosen by Japanese Master Artist Ryota Mitsuhashi and Keynote Speaker and presenter Michael David Sturlin. The photographs were taken by Art Clay World, USA staff. The “Mystery Bags” contained a cocktail paper parasol, cotton ball, piece of Honeycomb Cereal, one Swedish Fish candy, a piece of gauze, a square of textured construction paper, and 10g of Art Clay Silver clay. Entrants had to use all 7 items and could include the bag in the design. Limited tools and time made this year’s event a real challenge. The awards are as follows: Presidential Grand Prize, Wanaree Tanner for “Anam Cara”; 2nd Place, Donna Lewis,“Rutile Adorned”; 3rd Place, Michela Verani,“Garden Dreams”; Honorable Mention, Linda Stiles Smith,“Blueberry Picking on Lake Superior”; Art Clay Society Award, Lorrene Baum-Davis “Legends #1”; Art Clay Club Chairman Award, Michela Verani ,“Iris Inro”; Art Clay Club Chairman Award, Linda Stiles Smith, “Roots”; Art Clay Club, Special Achievement Award, Sally & Shannon Stevens,“In the Garden” For more details go to www.metalclayworldconference.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 05/09/11 - Office Manager & Webmaster, Mike Wilk, Resigns It is with great regret that we are announcing the resignation of the Art Clay World USA, Inc. Webmaster and Office Manager, Mike Wilk. He has been a valued member of the Art Clay World team for the past 7 years. Many of you have met him at one of the many conferences and tradeshows that he has attended over the years, or spoken with him when contacting the main office. Mike’s last day at Art Clay World USA, Inc. will be Friday, May 27, 2011. Unfortunately, he is not able to disclose his specific plans for the future, but we wish him the best in any endeavor he pursues. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 04/19/11 - Congratulations New Master Instructor, Cindy Pankopf We want to welcome Cindy Pankopf, of Fullerton, California, as our newest Master Instructor. Cindy is a published author, has written numerous articles, and teaches regularly in her studio as well as at shows and events such as the Pasadena Bead and Design Show. You can read her bio by going to: http://www.artclayworld.com/Instructors/cindy_pankopf.php ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 03/29/11 - 2011 Silver Accessories Contest Results Announced The 2011 Silver Accessories Contest received a total of 634 submissions from around the world. Of the entries, 32 were selected to receive awards at the final judging on March 23, 2011. We would like to thank everyone that participated in this competition and congratulate all of the winners. To view the complete results, please go to: http://www.artclayclub.com/gallery/2011 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 03/25/11 - ACW USA Helps Support Post-Disaster Efforts in Japan Art Clay World USA, along with 88 other contributors, were part of a movement to send aid to the ravaged country of Japan. After the earthquake and tsunami, many in the global metal clay community wanted to contribute to the relief effort. Using Art Clay World USA's Paypal account, donations for the ShelterBox organization poured in for nearly a week. The result? Five Shelterboxes, each worth $1000, were funded and will be shipped to needy families in Japan to assist in their recovery. For more information on ShelterBox, please visit their website: http://www.shelterboxusa.org To watch a CNN video on ShelterBox, go to: www.cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2011/03/17/cnnheroes.henderson.japan.cnn ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 03/14/11 - Jackie Truty, Katie Baum & JTV Together at the Southern Women’s Show! Art Clay Silver Master Instructors, Jackie Truty and Katie Baum, will be attending the Southern Women’s Show in Nashville, Tennessee as representatives of Art Clay™ for Jewelry Television from Thursday, April 14, through Sunday, April 17, 2011. Jewelry Television will have an extensive presence at booth numbers 727, 729, 731, 826, 828, & 830. Stop by their booth to learn more about Art Clay Silver™ and to see demonstrations by Jackie Truty and Katie Baum. For more information on the Southern Women’s Show in Nashville, Tennessee, please go to http://www.southernshows.com/wna/ In addition, representatives from Art Clay World USA, Inc. will be attending the Southern Women’s Show in Orlando, Florida from Thursday, October 13, through Sunday, October 16, 2011. Our knowledgable staff will be on hand to answer your questions and provide a full line of products for purchase. For more information on the Southern Women’s Show in Orlando, please go to http://www.southernshows.com/wor/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 03/02/11 - 2011 North American Design Competition Announced! Art Clay World USA, Inc. is pleased to announce the 2011 North American Design Competition, an opportunity for North American Art Clay artisans to be recognized for their passion and talent in design and workmanship with Art Clay Silver, Gold and Copper products. This year there will be an OPEN THEME. Let your creativity reign. The rules are simple ~ our challenge is not. Prizes will be awarded based on creativity and craftsmanship. There is the additional reward in being recognized by the judges and your peers as among the best Art Clay artisans in North America and having your pieces featured in an exhibition catalog available in print and on–line. Judging will be conducted on Friday, July 15, 2011 at the 2011 Metal Clay World Conference by an independent panel of experts in the design, jewelry and metals community. Works will have all identifying information removed and replaced with a blind numbering system. Results will be announced at the final luncheon to be held on Saturday, July 16, 2011 and prizes awarded. Artists do not need to attend the 2011 MCWC to qualify, enter, or win. Please copy and paste the following url into your browser for complete contest rules, guidelines and entry form: www.artclayworld.com/news/PDF/2011_North_American_Design_Competition.pdf ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 02/23/11 - Atlanta’s New Resource for Creativity, Woman Creative Art and Jewelry Design Center, Opens March 5, 2011 Artists Barbara McGuire and Ellen Prophater welcome you to celebrate the opening of Woman Creative - Art and Jewelry Design Center located in the quaint town of Buford, just north of Atlanta GA. An Artist’s Reception will take place on Friday March 4th from 6-9pm and an open house will be held Saturday March 5 from 1-7pm. Woman Creative is an engagingly ambient arts center hosting 5 artist studios, a gallery, an exhibit and two classrooms. Studio artists and resident faculty include Barbara McGuire, Ellen Prophater, Jan Stevens and Patricia DiBona. Sue Sutherland is the facility manager and houses Filigree & More! in her studio. Each of these women brings unique skills to the center and product lines with supplies relevant to their craft. The women are experts in their respective fields of polymer, metal clay, jewelry design, photography, wire wrapping, digital design and altered arts. The Gallery at Woman Creative features artwork and contemporary art jewelry from the residents as well as celebrity and nationally renowned artisans. Adjacent to the gallery is an exhibit presenting outstanding work in polymer clay, past and present. This study collection, titled “Polymer, From the Beginning”, represents the contributions of notable polymer artists to this art medium over the past 30 years. As the popularity of polymer is beginning to go ‘viral’, Ellen and Barbara encourage everyone to come and discover what polymer and art jewelry are all about. Two comfortable and fully stocked classroom areas encourage students to ‘stay and play’ during facilitated hours. The goal of the Woman Creative faculty is to offer quality design instruction coupled with technical skills, delivered in a hospitable and creative environment. Classes cover all areas of progressive art media, including polymer, wire, cold connections, paper, kiln glass, metal clay, oil, acrylic, encaustic, fiber and altered arts. For those wishing to market their art the center offers classes in digital photography, internet marketing and product development. A growing roster of celebrity guest instructors will be offering classes in cold connections, fiber art, metal clay and polymer. In addition to classes, the center will host various fundraising events in support of the arts and select causes. Woman Creative occupies a 3000 sq. ft. suite on the main floor of the Bona Allen Building, a 125 year old historic warehouse and former leather harness factory located in the authentically quaint town of Buford GA, at 115 East Main Street. The center is rich with the history of a town that was built on the backbone of the leather goods industry and offers an inspiring location for creativity. The center’s artist studios and the entrance gallery are filled with light from huge 7 ft. wide, paned industrial windows. The gleaming wood floors are 10 inch heart of pine planks and reflect the character of days gone by. Plenty of parking is available just outside the door! Main St. also offers a variety of award winning restaurants, salon services and arts, including the Tannery Row Artist Colony, home to 18 fine artists’ studios. Slotin Folk Art Auctions are an event held twice a year in the town hall directly across from the center. Lanier Islands Resort, Chateau Elan Golf Course and Winery and the Mall of Georgia are nearby, making Woman Creative Art and Jewelry Design Center a destination worth considering as a vacation, a day trip or a visit after lunch. The Grand opening Celebration will be held March 4-5th and include a reception to meet the artists is planned on Friday night March 4th from 6-9pm and an open house on Saturday March 5th from 1-7pm. The opening will be hosted by the resident artists and feature presentation of the artist’s studios and their works. Press, friends, family, students, colleagues and those in support of the arts are invited to attend. Reservations are suggested. The official exhibit opening “Polymer, From the Beginning”, will be held Friday and Saturday April 8-9 and follow with class presentations on Sunday April 10. A future press release will disclose details and guest appearances related to the exhibit. Ellen and Barbara wish to thank the artists and friends that have given support and encouragement. They welcome those with a passion for creativity and learning, and appreciate the help in spreading the word that Atlanta has a new resource for art and jewelry design. Patrons of the arts and discriminating collectors are encouraged to visit Woman Creative Gallery to discover inspiring art and jewelry to enjoy wearing or presenting as unique gifts. For more information contact: Barbara McGuire, 687-654-7055 barbara@barbaramcguire.com Woman Creative Art and Jewelry Design Center, 115 East Main St. A1B, Buford, GA 30518 or Ellen Prophater 404-314-5767 womancreativeartcenter@gmail.com www.womancreative.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 02/08/11 - Master Instructor, Jane Levy, Steps Down We are sad to announce that Master Instructor Jane Levy has decided to resign her position as an Art Clay Master Instructor. Jane has been an Art Clay Master since the program was begun and had been the Director of Education for the Eastern U.S. before that position was replaced by the Master Instructor program. Jane has been a dedicated ambassador for Art Clay during her years of dedicated Instructorship, contributing to the metal clay community as an enthusiastic teacher and mentor. Jane will remain a Certifying Senior Instructor and Master Instructor Emeritus (retired). We wish Jane the absolute best and are grateful for the time she’s given us as an Art Clay representative. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 12/01/10 - Pam East to Attend the 1st pan-European Metal Clay Festival Metal clay artists from around the EU are gathering in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, from March 25th to 27th, 2011 for a truly inspirational and un-missable event. The venue takes place in the modern and well-known venue, the Moevenpick hotel, famous for its food and Swiss service. The event consists of an optional one-day master class in delicate filigree work by acclaimed Japanese artist Etsuko Nakayama who is flying in from Japan especially for this event, followed by two conference days packed full with hands-on classes and demonstrations, metal clay and jewellery making vendors, stunning Art Clay jewellery on display, with plenty of time to network and meet old and new friends. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 11/30/10 - 13th Annual Sticks & Stones Too! Christmas Show Celebrating 13 years of Christmas shows, Roger Filippelli and Lorrene Baum-Davis will be back at Chrissie and Roger's home/studio in Placerville, California. In addition to Roger's coveted and collectible wooden cooking/kitchen utensils, Lorrene Baum-Davis, a highly acclaimed and award winning jewelry artist and teacher, will show her fine multi-media art jewelry. Paula Joy Welter will also be here playing her cello and guitar. She will be showing a selection of her handmade greeting cards. We warmly invite all friends and customers to our Open House/Studio Show to celebrate another year for which we are thankful. All festivities will take place December 4th and 5th from 10:00 - 4:00. In addition to your shopping list, we hope you bring a healthy appetite as we will be serving Chrissie's famous vegetarian chili, other holiday goodies, hot brandied (or not) spiced apple cider and Lorrene's cookie surprise using organic frosting she got at the Crocker Museum Holiday show this past weekend. We send our best holiday wishes and we hope to celebrate with you. Call 530.622.9696 for more information. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 11/29/10 - Art Clay to Debut on Jewelry Television Art Clay World USA, Inc., the North American distributor of Art Clay Silver and Copper clays, located in Oak Lawn, Illinois, has been chosen by Jewelry Television (JTV) to add its products to their current line of gemstones, jewelry and findings. Premiering on the JTV Station on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 9 am EST, Jackie Truty, Art Clay World’s President and owner, will introduce a specialty beginner kit created especially for JTV. The kit will include everything needed for the average person to create their own fine silver jewelry. In addition to the kits, Jewelry Television will add a number of Art Clay World’s products to their "Jewel School" website, including replacement silver clay, textures, molds, books and findings. Art Clay World USA will work with JTV in the future to add project kits, DVDs and tutorials on various aspects of metal clay jewelry making. JTV is the largest importer and retailer of gem quality gemstones in the United States, and has long planned to expand their online "Jewel School." They have an approximate viewing audience of 72 million. Art Clay World USA, Inc. has been in business since 2002, and is located at 4535 Southwest Highway, Oak Lawn, IL. 60453. Their 9200 square foot Headquarters houses a showroom, classroom, workrooms, shipping and offices. JTV will be offering a beginner Art Clay kit for only $199.00! Tune in on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 9 am EST! JTV can be found on Direct TV, Dish Network, Cox Communications, Time Warner, ATT, Charter, Comcast and many others. Contact your cable provider for station numbers and information. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 11/24/10 - 2011 Silver Accessories Contest: "If..." or open theme We are pleased to announce that the 2011 Silver Accessories Contest details are now available. This competition is open to all Art Clay artists, hobbyists, students,etc. Entries must use Art Clay Silver as the main material, but it is acceptable to use other items in conjunction. All contest entries must arrive at the Art Clay World USA, Inc. main office by January 31, 2011. Entries will not be accepted for any reason after the deadline. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 11/17/10 - Congratulations New Master Instructor, Katie Baum We are pleased and proud to announce the appointment of our latest Master Instructor, Katie Baum. Katie is the current Director of the Art Clay Society. In addition, she functions as the Marketing Director and a Distributorship Manager for Art Clay World, USA.  She Certifies Instructors and teaches across the U.S. and internationally, at such venues as Pasadena Bead and Design show, Bead & Button Show, at the Art Clay World UK Guild Conference, and at various societies around the country. She has had articles published in industry magazines and is co–author of the metal clay book, "Silver Clay Keepsakes," and has been responsible for rewriting and strengthening the Art Clay World, USA curriculum. Katie joins the ranks of Art Clay World, USA’s other Master Instructors: Lorrene Baum Davis, Louise Duhamel, Pam East, Maria Martinez, Arlene Mornick, Dana Peters and Jackie Truty. Each maintains the highest standards in education, creativity, craftsmanship and involvement. Welcome, Katie!! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 11/03/10 - New Packaging for 10g Art Clay Silver Aida Chemical Industries has announced that the 10 gram packages of Art Clay Silver will no longer come with a resealable zip lock. Only the 10 gram packages will be affected. The 20 and 50 grame packages will retain the resealable packaging. The new packaging will go into effect once the current stock is depleted. Remember, there are several different methods for storing leftover clay. One method is to wrap the clay in plastic wrap, then a damp piece of paper towel, and sealing it in an airtight container. Please Note: a plastic re–sealable baggie is not a good choice for a long–term airtight container. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 10/29/10 - Master Instructor, Carol Babineau, Steps Down We are sad to announce that Master Instructor, Carol Babineau, is stepping down. Carol's contributions to the world of metal clay have been vast. She has been an active and enthusiastic Art Clay teacher, presenter, representative, mentor, and so much more. Carol will remain a Senior Instructor and Master Instructor Emeritus (retired). We wish Carol the absolute best and thank her for all she's done to support Art Clay. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 10/27/10 - 2010 Holiday Promotion - $2.50 Flat-Rate Shipping on Online Retail Orders This holiday season, we are happy to be able to offer $2.50 flat rate standard shipping to all online retail orders being shipped within the continental United States. Standard shipping is defined as the cheapest method between UPS Ground, FedEx Ground, or USPS. There is no guaranteed date of delivery for standard shipments; standard shipments typically arrive within 3 to 5 business days. This offer is valid until December 27, 2010. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 10/12/10 - Senior & Master Instructor Map - Now Condensed! We are happy to announce that the online map of Senior and Master Instructors has been condensed to a single map. This new map eliminates the need to have separate maps per region. The map only includes active Senior and Master Instructors in North America. To view this map, please go to: http://www.artclayworld.com/senior_instructors.php and scroll to the center section entitled "A Map of Art Clay Senior & Master Instructors in North America". ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 10/08/10 - ACW USA to Attend Metalwerx 6th Annual Vendor Day Art Clay World USA, Inc. will have a booth at the Metalwerx 6th Annual Vendor Day. This even is being held at the Armenian Cultural Center in Watertown, MA on Sunday, October 24, 2010 from 10am-4pm. This one day saleis open to the public with no pre-registration required. There is a $6.00admisson (children under 14 are free). As a special offer, we are providing a coupon for 10% any retail purchase. The top portion of this coupon will also give you one dollar off the price of admission. Simply print the coupon and bring it with you to this one day event. Copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://www.artclayworld.com/news/pdf/Metalwerx_vendor_day.pdf "This is your opportunity to meet some of the best vendors in the busines.Buy tools and supplies, gems, findings, beads and metal clay products direct without shipping costs. Purchase sterling silver sheet and wire onsite and see new product demonstrations. Bring your silver and gold scrap packaged for refining. Attend free seminars and get your free goodie bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 08/26/10 - New Packaging for Art Clay Copper! Art Clay World, USA announces that Art Clay Copper now has a new packaging. This 3-layer-packaging system was implemented earlier this month. The clay is now vacuumed-sealed in cellophane, then vacuum-sealed in metallic shrink wrap, and finally sealed in metal outside packaging with the instructions. ACW has returned all products with questionable LOT numbers to our manufacturer. All orders through ACW carry this new packaging. Please note that the package no longer appears to be vacuumed-sealed on the outside. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 06/28/10 - Master Instructor, Lorrene Baum-Davis, wins Award of Merit Master Instructor, Lorrene Baum-Davis won an Award of Merit in the California State Fair Fine Arts Division: Summer 2010 for her piece "Cologne No. 3". The competition included over 1200 entries for all art divisions and only three jewelry items were chosen. This work is a lariat/neckpiece. It can be worn doubled around the neck or as one long beaded work with a focal metal clay 'pendant'. The Art Clay Silver is a hollow form with a removable top as if it were a perfume vial. The beads are gem labradorite, fresh water pearsl and Bali sterling details. This is Lorrene's third award at a California State Fair competition; all for Art Clay Silver items. To view Lorrene's piece please go to: http://www.artclayworld.com/Instructors/lorrene_davis.php ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 06/24/10 - Pardo Jewelry Clay is Here! Pardo Jewelry Clay is a new, non-toxic, phthalate free modeling clay. This earth-friendly clay contains beeswax and premium, natural pigments. Ideal for blends and canes, this clay can be used by all levels of crafters/artists. Pardo is endorsed by Lisa Pavelka, a well-known author, polymer clay artist, and Art Clay Senior Instructor! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 06/21/10 - GlasClay Product Guide Now Available! We have recently created a GlasClay Product Guide PDF. It is now posted on our website under the Tips and Techniques page, the Product Instructions page, as well as the online store. The direct link to this guide is: http://www.artclayworld.com/ProductInstructions/GlasClay.pdf ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 05/26/10 - Introducing GlasClay! GlasClay is a great new product, affordable and easy to use. It is composed of powdered glass and a binder. Just add water, shape, dry, and fire. This clay can be stamped, molded, drilled and sanded. You can make 3dimensional objects, hollow and free standing, set stones, hand-fabricate intricately decorated beads... discover new applications! GlasClay shrinks approximately 10-15% during firing. A KILN WITH A DIGITAL, PROGRAMMABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER IS REQUIRED TO USE THIS PRODUCT. Vist our new products page for more information. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 05/10/10 - Tweezer Extravaganza! Progress Tools Loss is Your Gain! Progress Tools recently closed its doorsand liquidated its entire inventory. Representatives from ACW USA Inc. were on hand to acquire a wide array of products that we plan to make available to our customers. First, we would like to present a selection of professional grade tweezers and emery boards. These items are only available to our retail customers and Art Clay Certified Instructors. The limited inventory makes these products available only on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Don't miss out on this special opportunity! Visit our sale page for more information: www.artclayworld.com/cartgenie/prodList.asp?scat=524 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 05/03/10 - Metal Clay World Conference - July 14-16, 2011! Overview: Prepare yourself for 3 days of learning, networking, food, fun, friends, and more at the 2011 Metal Clay World Conference! The biennial conference is being held at the luxurious Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes Resort, in Bloomingdale, IL (only 20 minutes from O'Hare International Airport). Attendees will have the option of 21 different lecture/presentations to attend, with topics ranging from writing articles to special techniques for metal clay. Registration includes access to all the presentations, a vendor room for purchasing supplies, as well as both breakfast and lunch! Want to get your hands dirty? There will be 3 days of pre-conference classes directly before the conference, at the same location. We have scheduled 8 hands-on classes including "Enameling on Copper Clay", "Combining Metal Clay with Polymer Clay", "Developing an Artistic Indentity", and more. These classes are individually priced and have limited seating. More details on the classes, as well as registration will be coming in the near future. Registration: Registration for the conference and hotel reservations will begin in July 2010 (we will announce the opening day of registration as soon as it becomes available). Please note, all hotel reservations will be handled directly by the Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes Resort, and special room rates will be available to attendees of the 2011 MCWC! Keynote Speaker - Michael David Sturlin: Michael David Sturlin is a studio jewelry artist, educator, industry consultant, and an award winning goldsmith. Recognized for his expression of minimalism in precious metal by the World Gold Council and the American Jewelry Design Council, Michael's jewelry has appeared in 70 magazine articles and is displayed in select galleries throughout North America. Michael is a member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths and is on the faculty of the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, teaching classes in goldsmithing and professional development. Michael's contributions on marketing, pricing, promotion, and publicity can be found in numerous magazine articles as well as in the upcoming book "Profiting by Design" by Marlene Richey. Michael and his jewelry will also be featured in the Lark book "Masters: Gold" to be released in 2009, highlighting the most innovative goldsmiths of our current age. Visit www.metalclayworldconference.com for updates! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 04/07/10 - Jennifer Smith-Righter Wins Honorable Mention Award in 2010 Silver Accessories Contest We would like to congratulate Level One Instructor, Jennifer Smith-Righter, for her Honorable Mention Award in the 2010 Silver Accessories Contest. Her piece "Equilibrio" was the only US entry to win an award out of 647 worldwide submissions in this year's competition. There will be an award ceremony held in Tokyo Japan on June 23, 2010. The piece will be on display at the National Art Center, Tokyo from June 23 - July 5, 2010. (*Closed on June 29, 2010.) Visit http://www.artclayclub.com/gallery/ for complete contest results. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 04/06/10 - Contest: Jewelry Design Business Development Grant Annual grant award for a new American jewelry designer planning to sell nationally. Complete eligibility details and submission requirements can be found on the grant website: www.HalsteadBead.com/grant. Entrance Fee: None Prizes: $5000 cash grant, $1000 merchandise credit, press release. Deadline: between April 15 and June 9, 2010 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 02/19/10 - Master Instructor, Kurt Madison, Resigns Art Clay World, USA is saddened to announce the resignation of Master Instructor, Kurt Madison. Although Kurt will remain a Senior Instructor and Master Emeritus (retired), he has decided not to continue as a Master Instructor, for personal reasons. We wish Kurt the very best and thank him for his contributions to Art Clay. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 02/18/10 - Upcoming Classes at Art Clay World USA, Inc. Headquarters We have recently put together a list of classes to be offered at the Art Clay World USA main office in March 2010, including a Level One Certification! A printable calendar is available online along with details on each class. You can view this flyer by going to: http://www.artclayworld.com/news/pdf/2010_Spring_ACW_Classes.pdf As always, all of these classes and more can be viewed on the calendar: http://www.artclayworld.com/calendar/calendar.php ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 12/03/09 - 2010 Silver Accessories Contest - Deadline February 1, 2010 The theme for the 2010 Silver Accessories Contest is "Connection" or "open theme". All pieces must arrive at the Art Clay World main office by February 1, 2010; late submissions will not be accepted for any reason. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 12/01/09 - Art Clay Copper - Now Available! We are excited to announce that Art Clay Copper has been released for purchase as of December 1, 2009. There has been an overwhelming demand for this product, and supplies are very limited. You can view the announcement flyer at http://www.artclayworld.com/images/art_clay_copper.jpg The instruction pamphlet can be found at http://www.artclayworld.com/Tips-TechSheets/ArtClayCopperBooklet.pdf ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 10/06/09 - ACW Commercial Airing Information The Art Clay World Commercial will be airing in the U.S. between October 19 and November 1, 2009. The commercial will be shown in 200+ cities during primetime. To view a listing of the different cities that will be running the commercial, please go to: http://www.artclayworld.com/news/PDF/ACW_Commercial_Regional_Report.pdf ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 10/05/09 - 2010 Event Schedule Now Available The tentative schedule of events that Art Clay will be attending in 2010 is now available. To view this list, please go to: www.artclayworld.com/shows.php ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 09/24/09 - 2009 North American Design Competition The North American Design Competition will not be held in 2009. The Metal Clay World Conference as well as other extenuating circumstances made it necessary to postpone the competition. The competition will resume in 2010, and we will release the contest information as soon as it becomes available. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 09/02/09 - Metalsmithing for Metal Clay Artisans Sfona Pelah and Jay Whaley will co-teach this Workshop melding their specific areas of expertise, to the benefit of the student. The goal is to introduce metal clay workers to basic silversmithing techniques, and to demystify the torch. Jay will instruct utilization of the torch, which will include melting, alloying, pouring and forming ingots, as well as basic soldering. This will make use of scraps and rejected pieces of previously fired metal clay. Sfona asks that you bring in “problem” pieces, for this project. Sfona will focus, among other things, on recovery of not yet fired metal clay, which may yet prove to be usable. This is a new direction for a workshop, and we welcome questions and suggestions that you may have. Please direct them to: terrie@whaleyworkshops.com Jay Whaley has been a jewelry instructor for over 30 years, the last 25 primarily at UCSD’s Craft Center. In recent years Jay has established his own studio in the Hillcrest area of San Diego and has been offering private classes and workshops there. Beginning in October, Jay will be teaching all his classes at his own studio. Jay is leaving UCSD at the end of this current semester. Sfona Pelah is a known artist and printmaker, and more recently a metal clay instructor. She has given lessons and workshops in the San Diego area for some time now. Her own metal clay pieces reflect her exquisite artist training, and are masterpieces of design and quality. When: September 26th, 2009 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Where: San Diego, California Who Should Attend: Students, teachers, jewelry makers, suppliers, hobbyists Fee: $125.00. Contact: Terrie Masters, the Workshop Coordinator at 619-299-9619. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 08/24/09 - Important Policy Change for Online Orders As of Monday, August 24, please make sure the contents of your shopping cart are correct BEFORE checking out. All online orders will now be final and cannot be changed or modified after submission. If you need to add or change items to an order, you will have to place a separate order, and pay for separate shipping. You may cancel an order before it is shipped by contacting the main office as soon as possible to make your request. Remember, orders are typically shipped within one business day of receipt, if not the same day. Any additions or changes to an existing order will not be accepted. If you would like to add items, you must place a separate order. Items that cannot be purchased online must be called in and ordered separately. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4535 Southwest Hwy., Oak Lawn, IL 60453 - U.S. Toll-Free: 866-381-0100