[Karin Wells]

Here is a letter I just recieved that addresses the issue of toxicity.

[quote]Dear Karin,

Thanks for passing on to me copy of the discussion on Genesis Colors. I
appreciate Mr. Mattelson's concerns and I will try to clarify these
issues.

The first thing I would like to say is that, Yes, I am very interested
in seeing Genesis used extensively because it is an excellent and safe
product.

Genesis Colors have the unique quality for oil painters who
want to paint fast and finish the painting in one day while the idea and
the feeling of the painting is fresh in their mind, or those who want to
work slow and take months to finish a painting. It is also the medium
for those who work in acrylics to avoid toxicity, but have to deal with
the fast drying of the paint, they too can paint at their own pace and
achieve the results they want.

Now, I would like to address the toxicity of Genesis Colors.
American Art Clay Company was established in 1919. Permoplast, a widely
used non-hardening, non-toxic clay was the first product marketed. From
that initial item AMACO expended to produce a variety of children and
school-supply materials and eventually went into the manufacturing of
Ceramic, Art and Craft materials.

Having to deal with materials that are used not only by adults but also
by children, toxicity was Amaco's first concern right from the
beginning. Consequently AMACO is a member of the ART and Creative
Materials Institute and has been since its foundation. All products
manufactured by Amaco, and their usage are reviewed by ACMI's
independent toxicologist, who establishes their labeling. Some products
require a warning label because of certain ingredient that they may
contain, others like Genesis Colors have been approved to be Non-Toxic.

Toxic fumes may be emitted from Genesis Artist Colors if they are
overheated to the point of decomposition. However at the 265