The American Art Clay Company - Social Responsibility in Action

The American Art Clay Company recentlyresources such as its energy-efficient kilns and its
celebrated its first ninety years as America'sFriendly Plastic which enables users to create a
premier supplier of safe art supplies for schoolsproject and then melt it down again and reuse it.
and professionals. In 1919 the first modeling clay inAMACO sponsors a Friendly Plastic Design
America was invented, and two years later itChallenge, the most recent of which included an
published the very first art teacher's lesson plansinvitation for artists to submit Friendly Plastic
in America. The first electric kiln designed for usebutterflies which were donated to Houston's
in schools and professional studios followed inHolocaust Museum. The Museum is in the process
1934. Two years later they helped find the Artof acquiring one and a half million handmade
and Creative Materials Institute, which setbutterflies to symbolize the million and a half
standards for the industry for safe, non-toxicchildren who died in the Holocaust.
ingredients for art materials. Current standards ofAmerican Art Clay Co. also sponsored a long term
labeling for glazes (particularly those to be used onarts program in New Orleans after that city was
dinnerware) were set by the ACMI in 1976. Theydevastated by Hurricane Katrina. Over three
established categories for glaze and otherquarters of the area's public schools were
materials suitable for young children, those suitableseverely damaged or completely destroyed by
for use by older students under adult supervision,the hurricane; and even before that there had
and those which should be used only forbeen a shortage of art spaces for art teachers
non-dinnerware ceramics.and students in the New Orleans school system.
In 1978 the American Art Clay Co acquired theIn 2007, they committed to supporting a long
Brent Potters Wheels and Equipment Company,term arts program in the community called the
which expanded the company's offerings to a fullNew Orleans Studio at Colton School. The studio is
line of foot-powered and electric ceramic potter'shost to a wide range of art disciplines, and it
wheels. In 1982 they developed the first potter'soffers studio space and gallery environments to
wheel which was adaptable for people withbring together graphic artists, ceramic artists, all
physical handicaps. They also invented the firstsorts of performing artists, and many other
device which automatically centers clay on theartistic projects under one roof. They have
potter's wheel. They have been an industry leadercontributed supplies and equipment for a complete
not only in the development of new product lines,ceramics studio with a wheel-throwing studio and
but also in social responsibility. For example, Brenta casting and glazing room. The program targets
products utilize recycled materials as much astalented students from local high schools, arts
possible and AMACO is constantly seeking tomajors from local colleges, as well as professional
improve its products to conserve naturalmembers of the Creative Alliance of New Orleans.