Kay Finch

Kay Finch knew from an early age that she loved animals. As a young child she sculpted her favorite animals from mud and clay. Her artistic talent and her love of animals set her on a path to become a well know and respected artist and designer. It is these whimsical figures that made her so popular during her lifetime. Not only did they retain a child-like innocence, each and everyone of them took on a personalty of its own.

Kay was married to Branden L. Finch in 1922 and completed her education at the Memphis Academy of Fine Arts.

The Finch family moved to California in 1929. Branden Finch worked as a reporter for the Ventura Star, and Kay Finch continued to pursue her career as an artist and mother.

Mrs. Finch taught her art to others and did freelace work. She opened a very small studio in an old milking shed. As she became better known, the small kiln that she had was replaced with a much larger one, which soon had to be replaced again and in 1939 the Finches moved to Corono Del Mar to accommodate the growth of her business. There she set up a small studio next door to her home.

Her business expanded rapidly, and with the advent of WWII and the demand for American made products, her figures became so popular that she had to build a new larger studio and showroom.

Kay Finch continued to enjoy success and by 1947 employed over 70 people. She became well know not only in America, but overseas as well.

Kay Finches love for animals continued to inspire her work. She began with making dogs, horses, and cats, but expanded into making all sorts of other animal figures. She also sculpted figures from all over the world. Her work is found in many homes including the White House.

In 1962 Branden Finch died and Kay Finch closed the doors to her studio. Some of her molds were sold to Freeman-McFarlin Potteries and other were sold to private individuals.

Kay Finch contiuned to work and inspire others until 1993 when she died.