Clay Squared to Infinity Marks 30 Years with Anniversary Celebration November 5

a well-worn wooden workbench in an industrial brick-walled artist studio, covered with scattered handmade ceramic tiles in various earthy tones and small, color

AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.

Clay Squared to Infinity Celebrates 30 Years of Artistry

Clay Squared to Infinity is hosting its 30th anniversary celebration on November 5, offering the community a look back at three decades of creative work with handmade tile, polymer clay, and mixed-media sculpture. The milestone event will take place at the Flux Arts Building, Studio A, located at 2505 Howard Street NE, welcoming guests from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A Day of Art, Reminiscence, and Community

The anniversary festivities invite all to join in a full day of engaging activities. Guests can participate in Clay Squared trivia and storytelling sessions, as well as view historical artifacts that chronicle the studio’s journey. Studio tours will provide attendees with an inside look at the creative processes and notable projects the team has accomplished over the years. Highlights from public and private collection projects will also be showcased.

From Humble Beginnings to the Flux Arts Building

Founded in 1996, Clay Squared to Infinity began in an attic studio. In 1999, the artists opened their first storefront on Central Avenue. They later spent fifteen years working out of the Keg House before co-owning their current space in the Flux Arts Building. Over three decades, the studio has contributed significantly to the local arts community and developed an extensive portfolio of handmade tile work.

The Artists Behind Clay Squared to Infinity

Josh, co-founder of the studio, is celebrated for his innovative tile lines, including the Cosmic Cloud series. The series originated after an artist neighbor, Jim, recognized the artistic potential of Josh’s multi-layered glazes at a garage sale. Since then, the studio has completed more than 1,000 custom tile projects for fireplaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and floors.

Layl McDill, also a co-founder, shifted her main focus to polymer clay in the late 1990s—a flexible medium she could work with while caring for her young children. She has exhibited work in over 50 solo art exhibits, particularly featuring large-scale mixed-media sculptures.

Ongoing Commitment to the Arts Community

Josh and Layl’s dedication to the arts community extends beyond their own artistic practice. Josh invented the Handmade Tile Association in 1999 and has served as board chair of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District since 2014, supporting local artists. Layl, who joined WARM (Women’s Art Resources of Minnesota) in 1994 as a protege, co-founded the Polymer Clay Guild of Minnesota and currently chairs the board of Art to Change the World, a social practice arts organization.

Together, they regularly host open studio events such as “Snack and Squish” and various annual events at the Flux Arts Building, contributing to vibrant arts and community events in the region.

Special Activities and Community Giveback

At the November 5 event, past and present employees of Clay Squared will gather to celebrate the studio’s progress and achievements. The evening celebration will offer refreshments from Cafe Latte and local pizzerias, Crescent Moon and Farina Rosa, among others. The event is free and open to all, as a gesture of appreciation for the community’s support of Clay Squared's artistic endeavors.

In addition, 30% of all in-store sales (excluding custom work) during the celebration will be donated to two local nonprofits: Art to Change the World and the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. This charitable effort highlights the studio’s enduring support for the minneapolis art community.