Clay Dimensions was founded in Normal Heights by ceramics teacher Rhoda Lopez to house UCSD Extension classes and accommodate studio Associates as well. The studio held bi-annual sales of student and associates’ work. Rhoda was a mentor, friend, and collaborator to future Clay Associates, Eric Woods and Jerry Thiebolt.

1983
Ms. Lopez retires. The seven studio associates assume management and change name to Clay Associates (CA). Associates Eric Woods and Jerry Thiebolt become studio managers and teachers. CA receives non-profit status.

1988
Clay Associates participates in the annual Kidzart Festival in Balboa Park, donating volunteer time, expertise and supplies. Clay Associates would be a participant over the next 11 years, through 1998.

When Rhoda retired in 1983, the Associates bought the studio equipment and eventually moved down the street to the current location at 3667 Adams Ave. Jerry recalls taking a City College class on starting a business to help inform the process.

It was often rocky in the early years, but with a wide base of support the group managed to pull through. Many friends and family helped the associates gather funds, along with proceeds from art shows, and over time the studio was able to pay off the mortgage on the building and attain the degree of security and autonomy that they had previously only dreamt of. 

1989
Clay Associates receives federal non-profit (501(c)3) status.

1992
Clay Associates forms a 14-member Board of Directors who revise and focus organization’s strategic plan.

1993
Clay Associates moves to a larger space at 3667 Adams Ave, San Diego, 92116 and begins extensive renovations to the building.

1996
CA collaborates with the Ilan-Lael Foundation to create decorative tiles for the Jardin de Los Niño’s preschool in Tijuana, Mexico. Donation and installation of students’ and associates’ tiles.

1997
Participation in Normal Heights Community Association for contribution to the community.

1998
Clay Associates receives an award from the Normal Heights Community Association for “Most Attractive Storefront,” a result of landscaping and renovations completed.

Re-institution of the bi-annual student and associate sales.

1999
Clay Associates purchase the property at 3676 Adams Avenue to enable expansion and growth of the organization, include more classes, and expand the curriculum. The Board of Directors plans for a major capital campaign with the goal of project completion by January 2003.

2005
Clay Associates participates in “Art Around Adams,” contributing to the trolley and advertising.

2012
ClayAssociatesSanDiego.com website created.

2014
New fence erected on the east side of the main studio.

The artful fence that borders the front garden was cobbled together from wooden scraps of a dilapidated shed in the back of the property (now the kiln yard). The decades of hard work and dedication that went into the studio are clear everywhere one looks- from the custom built deck and eastern wall, to the handmade brickwork that covers the courtyards. Jerry is the one with the green thumb, and is responsible for the masses of succulents and native plants both in the front of the studio and gracing the corners and nooks throughout the back.

2015
CA group show at the new Mission Valley library.

2016
CA creates curriculum and classes for students at High Tech High.

2020
A section of the small cottage is converted to an office and photo studio.

2021
Anna Cosimini takes on responsibility of creating and partnering an intern program with SDSU. Intern program successfully completed.

2025
Four new Associates are added with diverse artistry and experience. The studio, built in 1928, undergoes some repair and renovations to increase accessibility.