|
|
Memorial Area |
||||
|
Wil Clay, 1938-2011
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Online
Art Gallery
Schedule Early!
Site Map Wil gladly accepts |
In honor of Wil Clay, the family is requesting that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Toledo Museum of Art, in the name and memory of Wil Clay. Please leave comments, stories, thoughts and condolences about Wil here in this public guest book so we can share your thoughts with other visitors. Name: Pamela J. Patterson CommentsWell, it's been one year since Wil's death and I miss my friend as if his death were yesterday. I think of him whenever I am contacted by the Arts Commission about events, go to the park, an art show, watch a movie. I miss him soo much. I will never have a friend as special as Wil. Wil you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Name: Heidi Reed CommentsWil was a favorite at our company's adopted school, Queen of Apostles. He visited annually through the Clarie's Day program. After his passing, the school kids made a memory book for his family. I've been unsuccessful finding a mailing address for family members. Can you please direct me where to send this. Thank you Name: faye lander CommentsHello, Arnold. Thank you for your kind words to Wil's family. It is hard to think Virginia has been gone 9 years. I know how much you loved & cherished her, I am rusty using email so thought it best to send a few words this way. Wil's passing has made a profound impact on me. He was a good friend to me and came to my schools many times. I was able to order a few of his paintings and gather most of his books & feel his presence in my new home in Florida, Name: faye lander CommentsLooking for a Face Like Mine captures Wil as a storyteller, artist, sculptor and classroom presenter, Tom Feelings, Ashley Bryan, Pat Cummins, Jerry Pinkney are on this memorable tape. Order from Bowling Green University. Amazon.com has a few copies of I Have a Dream. Scholatic claims they can no longer sell them. Name: Louise Borden CommentsI learned of Will's death several months ago, on the heels of one of my beloved editors at S&S, and also a marketing colleague from Scholastic. What a winter of great loss. I'll be heading to Will's Toledo later next week, and he will be in my thoughts. We have lost a great artist and human being. I met Will many years ago when we were both embarking on our careers in children's books. He was the smile along that early road. I saw Will tell his magical stories to students in Cincinnati.. . .and he spoke the language of children. Still hard to believe that he is gone . . . . thank goodness we have his rich legacy to lean on. Name: Pamela Patterson CommentsIt has been four months since my dearest friend passed away. I miss him terribly. I miss his quick step as he walked in the park, the way he always said "HI" to everyone he passed on the trail, I miss our discussions about how to promote our art and the many ideas we came up with. I miss how he used to call me and say "Hellllo Pam this is Willllll Clay", how he used to brag on his children, I miss going to watch him perform at his storytelling events and watch how much the crowd enjoyed his stories, I miss how we used to go to 20 North Gallery for the annual Black History exhibit. I guess it's safe to say I miss everything about our 22 year friendship. God Bless you Wil, miss you Name: Donna Davis CommentsI just found out about Mr. Clay's death. My heart is sad! I met Wil Clay when I worked at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture in Roanoke, VA. We featured his amazing art at that museum in an exhibit and I remember his vibrant paintings that almost matched his vibrant personality. I moved to Newport News, VA and contacted him about coming here to do a presentation and display his art. Sadly we weren't able to make that visit happen. I send my prayers of strength and comfort to the family. I will truly treasure the pictures I have of Mr. Clay and his exhibit in Roanoke and the copy of the "I Am Rosa Parks" book that he signed for my daughter. May he rest in Peace! Name: arnold adoff Commentsi just found out about wil's passing this afternoon...and want to extend my deepest sympathies to his family.... i am a poet and author of books for your readers...and husband of virginia hamilton who died nine years ago.... we would travel around the country and often ran into wil especially in ohio....he was always gracious and warm... and of course so talented.... i am deeply saddened and send my most positive energies....all stay strong: arnold adoff Name: Demetria Tucker CommentsOMG! I just read that Mr. Wil Clay passed. I'm in complete shock. He lived in Roanoke for several years and worked with many public and school librarians in southwest Virginia. To see the excitement of the children's faces when Mr. Clay would share in stories and then the oohs and ahs when he would begin to draw. He had a very kind and inviting spirit. He would invite you to personally come and visit his studio and during his tour, you would just marvel over his latest canvas painting or sculpture. He touched so many lives of children throughout Roanoke and southwest Virginia. He will be truly missed but his works live on! I offer my prayers and deepest sympathy to his family. Name: Cynthia Ferrell CommentsWill was a very kind man. He designed our logo for Bennie Ferrell Catering in Houston in the early 80's. I was looking on the website to look at some of his work when I learned of his passing. He will be surely missed. God's blessing and grace on the family. Name: Morenikeh CommentsMy prayers are with you and the family during this your time of bereavement. May God grant you all peace and comfort. My deepest Sympathy Name: Isa CommentsMay life perpetual shine upon you ,rest in peace From Isa Dorian and Family Name: Teri Madison CommentsMy deepest sympathy to Donato, Michael, and the Clay Family. I met your dad at a art festival in Houston, Texas. We both had our art work on display there. The time was the later 70's. He liked my work and encouraged and mentored me. Later, I worked for him as a graphic artist when he had his company, Color Systems. He also introduced me to a close friend of his who became the father of my two grown children. The last time I saw Wil, was this past June at my son's wedding. I was so happy to see him and let him know what an awesome artist he was, and how I appreciate every art tip he taught me - that I put to use to this day. He looked so good and healthy that I was stunned to hear the sad news of his sudden passing. He has made such an positive impact on so many people, and truly will be missed. He will be known for generations to come by his remarkable art work. I will truly miss my friend, a wonderful man. Name: Freida Malone CommentsOUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS EXTENDED TO THE FAMILY OF WIL CLAY. HE WAS A FRIEND AND ONE OF THE GREATEST ARTIST OF ALL TIMES. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM AND LOVED HIM.. GOD BLESS, THE FAMILY FREIDA AND TOMMY MALONE , HOUSTON, TEXAS Name: CommentsName: Jodie Burns CommentsMr. Clay was very talented and a joy to get to know. He will be missed for a long time. Name: Tammy Walker CommentsMichael - We are praying for you and pray for peace and comfort for you and your family. Name: Elnora Conley CommentsDear Michael and Donato, I was sadden to heard of Wil's passing. He was a great man and talent! He has left you a legacy of good will and memories. I especially liked his beautiful art work and his beautiful smile. I will not forget him because he now lives through you guys! I remember the last time I saw him he was such a happy person and oh that smile! I love you and will continue to pray for you. I am here when needed. My prayer is that God grant peace to Wil and comfort to his family and friends for the great lost of a father, friend, and a great man of vision and talent! We miss him already! Love, Elnora Conley Name: faye lander CommentsWil made several visits to my elementary inner city schools in Cleveland. I was on the Coretta Scorrt Kinf Award Commitee when he received the honor award for Little Eight John. Wil was a guest in my home and I visited him in Toledo where he often took my husband and me on a tour through the Museum of Art. I was excited about calling him to do yet another artist visit in my retirement area of sunny Fl. I am jusr planning to become active in my local libraries and schools. I was so looking forward to hearing his pleased and encouraging voice. My computer keeps giving me difficulty. My phone lines were messed up and sunny Fl had 20 degree temperatures bit no snow. Was it a forecast for my finally getting through to his phone? Michael answered the phone and to my shock and dismay I learned Wil had passed on just two days prior to my call. Michaael who was as kind and encouraging as his father kindly listened to me as a I poured out my surprise, grief and shock. I was to looking forward to Wil admonishing me again as to why I did not buy one of his paintings. And I would always answer that the funds I spent on his visits were far more valuable to me because all that I and my students learned and even colleagues learned and even some obtuse administrators learned. I would like to send Looking for a Face Like Mine to Wil's family. He always spoke so loving of you. I would like to send copies of some photos I took of him (Dante and his model for Little Eight John). PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHERE TO SEND THEM!! I will call the Toledo number Jan 25. I am having difficulty establishing a new email. I hope to try to do so today, Jan 25. I cannot post my address or phone numbers on the internet at this time. I have to send you my information by bits and pieces becasie am still setting up my computer and have difficulty saving and editing my data. Of course I will send a donation to the Cleveland Museum of Art in his memory. How pleased he would be. And how pleased I am to know his family is doing so well that funds are not needed for them. Wil wanted his children to be succesful. indepent and caring. Name: Elizabeth V. Jordan CommentsI heard the news of Mr. Clay's death just yesterday. I was shocked and saddened by his passing. We ran into each other about two weeks ago I was excited to see him. Mr. Clay was such an inspiration to me and other artists. He was a very encouraging, generous, thoughtful and nurturing mentor to the art community. His art touched multitudes. He will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his many friand family. Name: Konima Parkinson-Jones CommentsUncle Will brought constant joy, whimsy and a lovely eccentricity that I am glad I got to experience in my life and which has served as an inspiration for me as an artist. He will live forever through his work and most of all to all the lives he touched. He was truly a ray of sunshine and I am so glad that I got to experience his wonderful soul. Uncle Will you were a dear, dear, man and your spirit shall live on forever. Name: faye lander part two CommentsPlease let me know where to send the video LOOKING FOR A FACE LIKE MINE. Hopefully Bowling Green will issue more of these videos because they may have sold their first productions. Wil invited me to the first viewing at the Mazda collection at Findlay University when he was present. Also Wil would have asked me as he had again and again, did I want to buy one ohis paintings, but I would alwya say nothing measured the joy of seeing my students & colleagues delight in his magic of stotytelling, the quck sketches & HIS ENCOURAGEM OF READING, EDUCATION & APPRECIATION OF EDUCATORS. I have had 20 or more authors, illustrators, performers visit my schools to educate me & my students and hopefully colleagues a nd somertimes obtuse administrators. I could not attned a Wooster book fair, but my friend enouraged me to invite WIL to my current school. And from then on... I sometimes received grants but often paid the author fees myself. And I had the amazing fortune to be on the Coretta Scott King Committee when Little Eight John received the honor award. Amazingly Wil's first illustrations of children's books all received careful consideration of the CSK award. Sadkt rhe Real McCoy publisher did not carefully align opposite pages so the illustration were slightly distorted. I was at the CSK breakfasr when WIL came with his son Donato and his model for Little Eight John & his sister. Donato stood and bowed when Wil introduced his model. Wil paid his own expenses to attend the CSK awards & he drove all the way from Cleveland to.... At this breakfast it was the first and only time (I believe) that Coretta Scott King came to the ALA event. I have the photo of her with the McKissacks and her bodyguard. I told my students they could not enter my library if they could not identify the main woman in the photo, Wil humbly told Mrs.King about his sculpture and Partricia mentioned her autobiography of Dr. King. I thought it was interesting to see such talented artists in awe of Mrs. King (who, of couse should be honored and more should be written aouut her), but there was no need to be modest about the magnificent sculpture. I see it in my dreams although I never saw it ..yet,, in Toledo. The sculpture model is shown several rtimes in Looking for a Face Like Mine. part 3 to be continued Name: Faye Lander Commentsl McCoy in which he drew himself from a young boy to a senior citizen because his meticulous research could not locate any photos of Garrett Morgan. My anmazing students, primarily inner city youth (preschool through grade six) immediately recognized Wil. These children were from special ed (some nonverbal) to bhe best & brightest portrayed by Jonathan Kozol in Amazing Grace. Those talented & gifted children who often die even before puberty because of poverty & the ever increasing violence running rampant throughout all schools in the country. These children chortled with delight in seeing Taily Po & noting the change of the woman frowning, then smiling in the picture on the wall. These chhildren who amazingly followed Wil's instructions & drew with him their own versions of some of his characters. And there was always the one student (alongwith the principal) who received his/her personal drawing of himself/herself rendered by Wil. He would always tell that student to cherish that drawing becuase maybe some day as Wl's own fame flourished, that drawing could "pay for your college education." to be continnued d ld, n Name: Leo Amegashitsi CommentsIt is with joy and gratitude to God that I share my thoughts on Wil Clay's transition and journey into Paradise. Wil Clay served the Lord and brought joy to humanity as an artist and in many varied ways while on earth. Our earthly paths crossed sometime in 1995 and two years later we started sharing thoughts and experiences from a source of knowlede titled, “In The Light of Truth –The Grail Message” by Abdrushin. During his last visit to Houston, Texas in the summer of 2010 he declared that he was ready to relocate to Houston to be a part of the work connected with this source of knowledge. My prayerful wish for Wil is that the Almighty Father grants him the Grace of continual service in His Vineyard as he continues on his journey into Paradise our home. Amen Name: Cynthia Rose Alexander CommentsIt was a pleasure to have known you and the impact and imprint you left on my life. I will continue to Clown and will always hear you say" Keep Going ". I will continue to write and be reminded to be excellent in conveying the true message to the reader without having to explain it and they get it. Christmas day will always be a reminder to me to keep hugging,praying and encouraging and blessing other artists and the public with our gifts(talents). You cheer us on from heaven's side to keep going and to keep the legacy alive. Every artists who has came in contact with you knows the responsibility lies on all or our shoulders to form a Artist HUB in the Toledo area. You were impreganated with that dream and it will be brought forth and your work will not be in vain. I can picture you now asking Jesus about repainting that throne to bring more depth and honor to God's kingdom! Thanks Mr. Wil for the memories! Name: Suzie Pinkham CommentsMy sister brought my son a book illstrated byWil when he was about 7. Even more exciting to him was the fact that it was autographed by a famous illustrator! At the time my son wanted to be an illustrator when he grew up. For two summers after we received the book we went to Claire's Day just to see him in person. Each time given the choice my son wanted to visit his line first. We are thankful we had the opportunity to meet him! He definately impacted our lives. Name: Penny Gentieu CommentsMy deepest sympathies to Wil Clay's awesome and lovely family. He was a great artist, illustrator, painter, sculptor, and mentor to hundreds of students and artists. For me, he was very helpful with my website of historic Toledo artists. He gave me his time and his perspective, he opened doors for me, and he allowed me to photograph him. I admired him for his art, his leadership, and for his business sense. He was so young and so much in the middle of things. What a terrible loss. I put a page on my website to honor him - http://www.artistsoftoledo.com/clay.html Name: Cindy Jackson- Waymon CommentsPrayers and sympathy to the Clay family from Vivian's (R.I.P) family in Florida. Name: Annette Jensen CommentsI first met Wil at a gallery show @ 20 North and then had the opportunity to be in a small exhibit with him a year or so later. I was encouraged by his kind words, and willingness to share pointers with a newbie. Later on as I helped to found a community Non-profit for the Arts, (PRIZM), Wil became a source for encouragement. He believed in the work that we were doing to make the arts accessible to everyone, and to bring the enrichment of the arts into the community. He served as one of our very first workshop teachers, on the subject of illustrating books. About a year later, when we accepted the responsibility to sponsor the Salon des Refuses Art show, (a well-loved Toledo Tradition.) he served as our first judge. The truth is he could always be counted on to help, if his calendar was clear, and he believed in the cause... I will never forget the interview I did at the Mott Branch Library with him, as he invited me to the location where he was planning the mural he would paint there. I learned so much that day about his work both painting and illustrating books as he shared the historical story he was working on, and his sketches for the mural. It was a pleasure today to celebrate Wil's life, and to see the beautiful family of which he was a part. His legacy will live on in the next generations. If the family would like any of the photos we have in our archives of Wil in action as he taught, drew, and volunteered in the community, we would be happy to share those historical moments with you. May you all be comforted and blessed as your go forward. The world is a better place for Wil's life and the legacy and example that he leaves. Thank you for sharing him with the community. Name: jackie crosby CommentsMy prayers are with you the family during this your time of bereavement. May God grant you one and all peace and comfort. Name: Kerri DeVol CommentsThe Toledo Museum of Art will miss your presence, and many visits. We will miss seeing your warm & happy face! You were a true gift and inspiration to our city. Words cannot express such a loss. It was such an honor to be a part of the memorial and celebration of Wil Clay's life (and meeting the family). What an amazing life! Rest in Peace & God Bless. Name: Judy Jackson Howell CommentsCondolences to the Family you all are in prayers for a comfort during a time just as these. Donato and Michael. Judy Jackson Howell (Cousin) from Jasper, FL Name: Diagne Family CommentsOur deepest sympathies are with your in your time of need, especially to Michael, Donato. The Diagne Family in Houston Texas Name: Kariba Amachree CommentsWe send our condolences to the Clay family. With warm regards, Joyah, Kariba and Family. Name: IsaTaylor Adeline Cole CommentsReceived with sadness the news of Wil's death. He will be sorely missed. Rest in perfect peace. Name: Remyi Fredson-Cole CommentsThe Fredson-Cole family sends their condolences and warmest regards to the Clay family. Name: Ulyess Williams III CommentsIt was a pleasure to know such a great person. Wil will be missed. Name: victoria Taylor-Dixon CommentsHe was a gentle man he will be missed may his soul rest in peace. Taylor-Dixon family katy TX. Name: Archimedes Faulkner CommentsMay the Good Lord grant him eternal rest and may his soul rest in perfect peace. The Faulkner family, Mesquite, Texas Name: joanna - saint clair shores,michigan CommentsI am at that age when i daily read obits.What a wonderful man Wil was and such a legacy he leaves. I would not have known about him without reading his obit and going to his web site.i put in in my favorites so i can go back and look at his work and read more about him. We all leave seeds that we will never know how they flourish after we are gone.Wil leaves many seeds that will grow and flower for a long,long time. My condolences to his family and loved ones. Name: Simone Spruce-Torres CommentsI want to thank the family for sharing Wil with us. He was always my number one fan and an excellent mentor. May I continue to create the work he has inspired me to do. Name: Monira Parkinson CommentsUncle Will was a talented artist with a good eye and a good heart. He always had a smile. He was an interesting conversationalist who had the gift of making 5 hours look like 5 minutes. He will be missed but God needed an artist for a new wing in Heaven. ---Monira Parkinson Name: Viv Dickenson CommentsOur sincere condolences to Glena, Donato and the rest of Wil's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow, from Ontario Canada. May his soul rest in peace. Viv. Name: Eva Sabo CommentsI met Wil when he was teaching and working at Common Space. He was a very inspiring teacher and a great friend! I lost touch with him and hadn't seen him in a while, but he still holds a dear spot in my heart as a wonderful person and a kind and gentle spirit. Name: Joyce Hade CommentsPraise the Lord for His gift of Wil Clay's life and his communicative personality and artistic talent through publications. In 1994, this retired elementary teach met Jan Wahl and Wil Clay at a special teacher session. Through this contact and sharing the experience with my principal, Wil Clay spent the entire day with students at Fairfield Elementary School in Maumee. This will be an experience never to be forgotten. I have used the book, The Real McCoy with adults that had never heard the story. Again an awesome sharing time. Glory to the Lord for the experience readers will have years to come through Wil Clay's gifts. Our reunion will be when the Lord calls us home to meet again. Name: Commentsmr .wil was wonderful person ,,real good man. ,,,,he's in heaven now smiling down . Name: Anne Ross CommentsI have known Wil for some 27 years. Our relationship has grown over the years. I first met him because of a greeting card business that I started. Our professional relationship turned into a life long friendship. He was a good man; a thoughtful father; an excellent artist; and a very dear friend. I am missing him tremendously. Because I knew his heart, there is no doubt in my mind that I will see him again. Name: Barbara Richardson CommentsI have known Wil Clay for many years and we have exhibited together on occasions. Approximately November 2010, I asked for his help with a project, and he was very helpful and kind. That was his nature. There is a saying that "once you meet someone, your life will never be the same". That is so true because anyone who knew him carried away a legacy, a thought, and knowledge that he shared and they became enlightened. It is wonderful that he left a legacy with his storytelling and his artwork. May God give strength to his family. Name: Lori McElrath-Eslick CommentsI am so sorry to hear of Wil Clay's passing, what a gentleman he was! I met him at the annual gathering of Children's book authors and illustrators, "Claire's Day". A blessing to the world of Children's books. Name: Julie K. Rubini CommentsI first met Wil outside of Fort Miami elementary school in Maumee in March of 2002, as he wheeled his books and artwork into the gymnasium for a visit with parents and children. I was struck by his huge smile, warm handshake, and amusing straw hat. This visit was the beginning of a special tribute to honor our daughter Claire, and a friendship that blossomed as a result of his participation in Claire's Day for the last nine years. Children and families attending the annual book festival clamored to have time with Wil, to hear his stories, to witness his magical drawing demonstrations, and to have him personally sign one of his lovely illustrated books. We were honored by his participation in our event, and he is and will be missed. It is our intent to pay tribute to his support in a unique fashion at the tenth annual Claire's Day on May 21 at the Maumee Library. My heart is aching, saddened by the awareness that I won't be able to join Wil for one more cup of coffee at Georgette's, won't ever again hear his voice over the phone, sharing his stories, or encouraging words. Wil was not only a talented artist, illustrator, sculptor and story teller, he was a wonderful man and friend. His spirit will live on through his legacy of art, storytelling and kind soul. Our prayers and condolences are offered to his beloved family and friends. Sincerely, Julie K. Rubini, on behalf of the Claire's Day Inc. organization Name: Wendy Spiller CommentsPrayer are going forth for your family. Continue to depend on God as He is the ultimate Comforter. Blessings. Name: Tom Csizek CommentsAs a fourth grade teacher in Toledo Public Schools, I very much appreciated the joy and enthusiasm Mr. Clay shared with my students. It was quite clear that his purpose was to inspire and empower young people to chase their dreams. I hope the family of Mr. Clay knows that towards this end, he was wonderfully successful. I will remember him fondly as a great role model for educators. Sincerely, Thomas A. Csizek Birmingham Elementary Name: Deb Freeman and Fred Hammond CommentsClient and good friend of Michael Clay. Gone too soon. Fred and I pray that God gives you the strength you need in your time of need. Name: Paula E. Fullilove CommentsAs long a makind looks upon art,it will look upon the art of Wil Clay. I will miss him dearly. He was a friend of the arts but more importantly, a friend of mine. Name: Karen Mayfield CommentsMr. Clay is an inspiration to so many aspiring artists and illustrators. Our daughter, a BGSU art student, and I got to meet him in 2008. He was extremely kind and willing & eager to share his wisdom and experience with her regarding illustrating children's books and the importance of "anatomy, anatomy, anatomy." His beautiful contributions to our local community and the world will continue to keep him alive for all to enjoy and appreciate. May he rest in peace, and may his family receive comfort during this sad and difficult time. Name: Libbey Koppinger CommentsI met Wil in the late 80's - I was fresh out of college and working for Common Space, where he had a studio. At a time when I still had SO much to learn about art and design, Wil was an infinite resource of calm and practical wisdom (more than once a little "trick of the trade" learned from Wil has saved me!) An undeniably multi-talented artist, the span of his work in his studio at CS alone was breathtaking. As a teacher - he was energetic and joyful! Wil had an amazing ability to connect to people, and you always left him feeling blessed - special - and just happy. The world feels a bit less vibrant without him - but it is our great good fortune to have his work to console and inspire us. I know that whenever I see a swan in mid-flight, or read through my daughter's copy of Little Eight John, or marvel at the Martin Luther King Memorial sculpture - I will think of Wil and how lucky I am to have known him, even for a brief time, all those years ago. Wil touched so many lives, perhaps the final gift he gave us all was that lasting impression of the purity of expression in art, the impact of the artist on society, and the deliberate notion that art is not only important - it is a Necessity in life. Goodbye old friend - God Bless. Lib Name: Julie A Draeger CommentsWil, you enriched my life with your laughter, love for art and the friendship we shared for many years. It was always good to see your radiant smile.I am so glad you came back to Toledo to take care of your mother, you blessed all of toledo. I so appreciated how you came into my art club at Waite High School and drew the kids then gave them a tour of your studio ,donating your time and energy, because you cared. You never hesitated to introduce me as an excellent artist to your friends.Your appreciation for my art made me feel so darn good. You were a perfect gentleman and a great enterrtainer at Lorraine's parties. You are loved and addorded. Thank you for my only birthday party of my adult life when I turned fifty. I will cherrish those photos always. Every year I bring in your beautiful and moving pencil drawing of the little girl ,feedding chickens on a southern farm, into my drawing class at Bowsher, to show my students something to inspire them.. You inspired a generation of young people to read and make art. You will be so missed dear friend and fellow artisian.. Love, Julie Draeger Name: Wade Anthony Harrison Commentsmr clay was a good friend and a great mentor. i will truly miss his wealth of knowledge of the visual arts. one of his biggest saying was to paint big and i took that advice and ran with it . thank you Wil for all the conversations Wade Name: Audrey L. Johnson-Gibbs CommentsNeighbor, Friend, Mentor and Fan-tab-u-lous Artist! Thank you for your time on this Earth. I am sure you made a mark in my life, that has taken me to levels I can't explain. I appreciate the talks, laughter and encouragement. I promise to fulfill the mission we so often discussed. Thank You- Wil's Family for sharing him so freely. He loved you all, family was so important to him. Continue to walk strong and keep the legacy alive-I will do my best. Peace, Grace And Love Always, Audrey L. Johnson-Gibbs Founder, Jamil Lewis Multicultural Center for the Arts Toledo, Ohio Name: Hannah Hamelberg CommentsWhat an accomplished artist! His work is superb! I've never met Mr. Clay, but I have heard lots of good things about him and wished I had the opportunity to meet him. I'll get to know him through his art. His beautiful art will live for ever. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Name: LUCY DIAS CommentsI DIDNT GET A CHANCE TO MEET WILL CLAY BUT HE VISITED MY DAUGHTER'S SCHOOL IN 2009 AND WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE A SKETCH THAT HE DID OF HER AND TWO PHOTOS OF HIM SCETCHING HER.. HE WAS A GREAT ARTISI AND WILL BE MISSED. Name: LaTanyta Manuel CommentsI met Wil Clay in the summer of 2006. He was always full of Joy and Ambition. He was a Man with Integrity, and he carried it well. He will be missed GREATLY! Thanks for your friendship, Wil. Name: Michael Faulkner/Lawrence Christopher CommentsAs an extended member of the Toledo “arts community” I was introduced to Will many years ago. I was in awe of his talent as an artist and storyteller. He was an inspiration and mentor to my own creative efforts as an author and illustrator. Thank you, Wil. - | ||||
