Wil Clay, graphic designer, illustrator, painter, sculptor
and storyteller, studied at The American Academy of
Art in Chicago and the Vesper George School of Art
in Boston and University of Toledo in Ohio.

He concentrated on corporate design in his Providence,
R.I. studio for seven years before moving to Houston,
where he headed a multifaceted graphic arts business
for 17 years. In 1987 Mr. Clay returned to his hometown
of Toledo, where he devoted most of his time to fine arts
painting and sculpture. In 1988 he opened his studio at
the Common Space Center for Creativity, where he also
taught figure drawing.

Wil's Works in Progress A Biography of George Washington Carver by Steven Krensky to be published by Harper Collins

Among the artist's recent successes is "Radiance",
a six-foot bronze and stainless steel sculpture that
honors the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Clay is
primary designer and sculptor of the work, which
became the "run-away favorite" in an invitational
competition sponsored by the Arts Commission of
Greater Toledo. "Radiance" features four strongly
modeled heads of Dr. King mounted on a highly
polished steel sphere. Viewers' reflections are a reminder that we are all one people.
The work was dedicated in downtown Toledo in September, 1989.

In 1990, Wil traveled to Cameroon, Africa, for three months of independent study in
conjunction with his art history and sculpture studies at the University of Toledo.
Working primarily with the Bamileke people of the south and the Fulani people of the
north, Wil did drawings, paintings and studied the relationship of art - including
woodcarving, metalsmithing, beadwork and painting - to tribal festivals and dances.

Paintings, sketches and sculptures by Wil Clay are represented in private collections
in California, Colorado, Washington, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Louisiana, Texas, Rhode
Island, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. in the United States, and in Canada,
England, Jamaica, Sierra Leone and Cameroon, Africa.

Currently, Wil Clay is busy illustrating children’s books. However, because of the
tremendous research needed and the lengthy creative process required, book
production is limited to one book per year. Wil’s system has paid dividends in the
past. In 1993 Wil’s book, Little Eight John received the Coretta Scott King Honor
Award for Illustration. (See other honors and awards on Awards page.)

During the school year Wil Clay enjoys visiting elementary schools, libraries, colleges
and professional organizations. At each venue he always promotes the importance of
reading. His audiences enjoy his animated way of storytelling. Words and characters
just seem to come alive. Older students delight in his sharing of the creative process
in producing a picture book. Younger students can’t wait to try out secret drawing
techniques learned during an assembly. Others get excited about writing their own
short story. It is a most rewarding time for Wil Clay to see students display enthusiasm
for reading and illustrations. One picture really is worth more than 10,000 words
(Old Chinese Saying). Creative growth is inevitable.

213 VALENTINES
Henry Holt   ISBN 0-8050-1536-1

THEMBA
Lodestar/Dial   ISBN 0-525-67414-4