Art Clay Society

Art Clay Society Chapters are open to any metal clay artist who is interested in sharing their knowledge with others and learning from other enthusiasts in return.

Chapter members must also be current members of the Art Clay Society, and may only take part in one Chapter at a time. Members can, however, transfer from one Chapter to another if they so desire.

Members of the Art Clay Society are not required to participate in a local Chapter. Members are expected to participate in Chapter activities, including meetings and other Chapter events (such as fundraisers) planned by the Chapter Leader and agreed upon by a majority of Chapter members.

Suggested activities include guest speakers, Metal Clay Art Auctions, meetings featuring a different artist or technique each time, or creating project sheets or demonstration videos as a Chapter.

Chapter Requirements

Chapters are based on location, interest, and size. It is possible to have more than one Chapter in one basic geographical area, provided there are an appropriate number of members for each Chapter, though members may only participate in one Chapter at a time.

It is important that each Chapter reflects its members’ interests and that its structure enables the group to enjoy, share, and continue to learn about metal clay and the many techniques we can use with it.

Art Clay Society suggests that Chapters meet at least six times per year, in a location that is accessible to all of its members. The frequency of meeting times and their locations will reflect the growing membership and the constantly developing interests of Chapter members, as well as their level of motivation and willingness to work together.

Chapter names should be discussed and chosen by the members of the Chapter itself. Be creative!

It is up to each Chapter whether or not to create by-laws or Chapter rules by which all members should adhere. The Society suggests an amount of structure that keeps members focused but allows for creativity and open expression. Chapters should feel welcoming, an open forum in which to try new ideas.

While it is the Art Clay Society’s goal to be able to financially support its Chapters, we’re not quite there yet. Until then, it is the responsibility of Chapters to provide basic funds. (Keep in mind that all Chapter publications, printings, mailings, and postage continue to be the fiscal responsibility of the Society, taken care of by the Director.)

Chapter funds might be used for refreshments at meetings, rental space (if a home or free space is not available) or booking guest speakers. Ideas for fundraising include minimal dues for Chapter members, artwork auctions, holiday project workshops, raffles (prizes may be either finished pieces or metal clay supplies), or a Chapter Gallery event with a small admission fee.

Chapter Leaders

Local Chapters are formed and led by their Chapter Leader. Art Clay Society Chapter Leaders must be Certified Art Clay Instructors with enthusiasm and appreciation for metal clay. It is preferred that Chapter Leaders have experience teaching metal clay.

Chapter Leaders must be able to devote the necessary amount of time to seeking Chapter members and planning and coordinating meeting times and locations. To this effect, Chapter Leaders must employ above average communication and organization skills. Chapter Leaders oversee Chapter meetings and work towards the goals of the Chapter based on its members’ needs.

Chapter Leaders should keep in touch with the Art Clay Society Director. It is the job of the Director to assist Chapter Leaders in various capacities. Chapter Leaders are entitled to dues-free membership within the Art Clay Society for the duration of their Leadership. Also, the Director will assist the Chapter Leaders with Chapter mailings or newsletters, including printing of materials and postage. Chapter Leaders should be able to provide at least one article pre year to the Art Clay Society Quarterly (what a great project to work on as a Chapter!)

Chapter Leaders may choose to post information on the Art Clay Society Website within the Members-Only areas. The Art Clay Society Director maintains Chapter sites with information received from Chapter Leaders, such as meeting times, locations, current member information, and scheduled meeting topics.

The Society Director can also assist Chapter Leaders in finding guest speakers, meeting activities, and funding. In the future, it is the hope of the Art Clay Society to be able to support its Chapter Leaders financially.

Through all of their endeavors, Chapter Leaders must be supportive of their Chapters, encouraging creativity and originality in all members.

If you are interested in becoming a Chapter Leader, please contact the Art Clay Society Director at 866-381-0100 or artclaysociety@artclayworld.com.

Is there a Chapter near me?

Local Chapters have already been forming! We now have active chapters in Ohio (Waynesville), New England (Nashua, NH), California (Orange County and San Diego), Florida (Miami), Ontario, Canada (Kitchener and Toronto), Washington (Gig Harbor), Oregon (Portland), Colorado (Western Slope area and Grand Junction), Arizona (Tucson), Illinois (Western Chicago Suburbs and South Chicago Suburbs), Nevada (Las Vegas), and the United Kingdom. Chapters are on their way in Texas and Washington D.C.! For more information about a specific Chapter, visit our forum (for members only) or contact the Art Clay Society Director at 866-381-0100 x 109.