Makers & Clay Studio Policies and Guidelines
Etiquette:
Treat fellow studio members, including students, teachers, staff, and volunteers, respectfully.
Respect fellow artists' workspace and creations.
Keep the studio clean and organized.
Be mindful of noise levels and conversations to maintain a focused creative environment.
Clay:
All clay used in the studio is provided by Makers & Clay. Our studio clays bodies are designed to work with our kilns. Bags of clay cost anywhere from $18-$35 depending on type and weight. A wide variety of clay bodies will be available for purchase at the studio. Students will be provided with a half bag of clay (approx 12.5 pounds) as part of their 4-week class materials, and a full bag of clay (approx 25 pounds) as part of thier 8-week class materials. Additional bags of clay may be purchased during class hours only through their instructor. Members must get any and all outside clay approved by studio staff. To ensure the safety of member work, student work, and our kilns, Students are not allowed to bring outside clay into the studio.
Glazes:
Any outside glazes must be approved by studio staff and be in their original sealed containers. The studio will have a growing set of studio glazes and will welcome our members' feedback as we establish the studio staples and introduce new studio glazes.
Firing Fees:
1-day workshops: Bisque and glaze are included in the class registration fee.
4-week & 8-week classes: Bisque firing is included. Glaze firing pieces under 6” are included. Pieces larger than 6” are charged at the member firing rates.
Members: Bisque is included in the membership fees. Glaze firing fees range from $1 per pound to $5 per pound. Members pieces are weighed when the piece is "kiln ready" for the glaze firing.
Outside firing: We are not accepting outside firing at this time.
Dress Code:
We suggest that you wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. Please wear closed-toed shoes for your safety. For wheel throwing, long hair must be tied back or up for safety reasons, loose jewelry removed, and we recommend throwing with short nails. Students and members are encouraged to bring their own aprons and towels.
Guests:
Outside guests are not permitted in the studio.
Pets:
No pets are allowed in the studio, unless they are registered support animals. Support animal owners will be held responsible for any damage caused by their support animal, and we will not be responsible for any injury to the support animal that could arise in the studio.
Class Cancellation and Refunds:
Cancellations made 2 weeks or more before the class starts will receive a full 100% refund.
Cancellations made 1-2 weeks before the class starts will receive a full 100% refund in the form of a studio credit.
Cancellations made 3-7 days before the class starts will receive an 80% refund in the form of a studio credit.
Cancellations made less than 72 hours (3-days) before the class starts will not receive a refund or studio credit.
Door Access Code and Security:
Under no circumstances can you share your door access code with others. If you feel that your door code has been compromised, please email us at info@makersandclay so that we can create a new code for you.
Personal Property:
We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken personal items. We recommend labeling your personal tools and supplies with a Sharpie marker to help identify them.
Damage to Your Work:
This is a community studio, and accidents can happen. If your piece gets damaged, we are not liable. However, we will do everything we can to remedy the situation.
Unclaimed Work:
Unclaimed greenware, bisque, and finished glaze ware will be disposed of after 30 days.
Heat Gun Policy:
All studio members who wish to use a heat gun must seek approval from studio staff or email the studio at info@makersandclay.com.
To obtain approval, you must demonstrate your understanding of safe heat gun usage, including potential risks and precautions, and sign a separate liability waiver specifically related to the use of heat guns.
Responsible Heat Gun Usage:
Approved users must adhere to the following safety guidelines while using a heat gun:
Do not use a heat gun near combustible or flammable materials/atmospheres.
Never point the heat gun at one-self or another person.
Always switch the tool off before putting it down on any surface.
Do not allow the hot metal nozzle to come into contact with skin or clothing.
Do not allow the hot metal nozzle to come into contact with any studio equipment or surfaces that can burn or melt.
Never direct the air flow towards one’s body.
Do not look down the nozzle while the gun is turned on.
Allow the tool to cool before storing it.
Do not insert anything down the nozzle of the gun.
Never block the inlet grill or obstruct the air flow of the unit while in operation.
Never leave a hot heat gun unattended.
Reporting Heat Gun Damage:
If you accidentally damage any studio equipment or property with a heat gun, you are obligated to report it immediately to the studio by emailing info@makersandclay.com.
Studio management will assess the damage and determine the replacement value of the affected equipment or property.
Replacement Costs for Heat Gun Damage:
If damage occurs due to the use of a heat gun, the responsible member will be charged for the replacement or repair of the damaged equipment or property.
Charges will be calculated based on the replacement value of the damaged item. (For example, we will charge $100 for the replacement of a damaged splash pan.)
Enforcement of Heat Gun Use Policy:
Members who use a heat gun in the studio without prior approval will risk losing membership privileges.
Members who do not report heat gun damage will lose membership privileges.
Studio Supplies and Equipment:
Under no circumstances shall the studio supplies and equipment be removed from the studio, including tools, glaze, and all ware-boards.
Young Adults (ages 14-17):
Young adults in this age group must have a waiver filled out by their parent or guardian to participate in classes. Young adults must be accompanied by a guardian over the age of 18 to attend open studio.
Kids Classes (ages 7-13):
Kids in this age group must have a waiver filled out by their parent or guardian to participate in classes. At this time, kids classes do not include open studio time.
Policy Changes:
Makers & Clay reserves the right to change these policies and guidelines as needed.
By participating in workshops, classes or becoming a member of Makers & Clay, you agree to abide by the policies and guidelines outlined in this document. Please contact us if you have any questions or need further clarification.