Clay Squared to Infinity Announces 30th Anniversary Celebration November 5

Clay Squared to Infinity has announced their 30th anniversary celebration on November 5. The event will take place 11a-5p, with a party from 6-8p, at the Flux Arts Building, Studio A, 2505 Howard Street NE.

This event celebrates 30 years of Josh's handmade tile and Layl McDill's work in polymer clay and mixed-media sculpture. Celebrations will include Clay Squared trivia and storytelling; Clay Squared historical artifacts will be on display with studio tours. Highlights of our famous public and private collection projects. A coming together of current and past Clay Squared employees to celebrate the handmade tile shop that made the jump to light speed. 

All are welcome to attend. The evening event will feature Cafe Latte, Farina Rosa pizza, Crescent Moon Pizza, and more. This is a free event and a celebration to thank the community for supporting Clay Squared's endeavors. RSVP to josh@claysquared.com  

You'll learn about the evolution of Clay Squared to Infinity, from starting in an attic studio in 1996, to opening their first storefront on Central in 1999, then their home in the Keg House for fifteen years, and finally to the current co-ownership of the Flux Arts Building at 2505 Howard Street NE. In thirty years, there are many stories of the various tile lines for Josh and art series for Layl. Josh’s Cosmic Cloud series started as a fluke he had for sale at a garage sale, but an artist neighbor named Jim marveled at his multi-layered glazes and encouraged him to make more. Layl’s focus on polymer clay in the late 90s was mainly because her babies wanted to be held all the time, and it was an easy art form to work on in places like parks and long car rides. Now the tile studio has created over 1,000 fireplaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and floor tile projects. Layl has shown her work in over 50 solo exhibits featuring large-scale mixed-media sculptures. 

30% of all in-store sales (excluding custom work) of the day will be donated to nonprofits Art to Change the World and the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. 

Josh and Layl also have a strong commitment to the community, starting with Josh inventing the Handmade Tile Association in 1999 and Layl becoming involved with WARM (Women’s Art Resources of Minnesota) as a protege in 1994. Josh has served as board chair of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District since 2014, where he continues to lift the district's artists. Layl co-founded the Polymer Clay Guild of Minnesota, which thrives as a way for artists to connect. She also serves as board chair of the social practice arts organization Art to Change the World. Together, Josh and Layl host monthly open studio events, “Snack and Squish,” and numerous annual events in the Flux Arts Building. 

Questions? Contact Josh Blanc josh@claysquared.com / 612-781-6409 / www.claysquared.com