The center had been known as the E. Claire Raley Studios for
Performing Arts. The new name still honors the late mother of
Joyce Raley Teel, the center’s largest individual contributor.
The “Claire” and “Raley” names have been combined to form
“Clara.”
In a rare public appearance, Teel said she was honored to have a
building that lives up to her mother’s spunk. Despite growing up
poor, she said, her mother had an affinity for the arts and never
stopped learning. She learned to fly at 50 and to play the piano
at 60, Teel said.
