Pottery Studio Guidelines, Terms & Conditions

​

Welcome to our pottery studio! This is a shared community space where members support one another in keeping the studio clean, safe, and enjoyable. By attending classes or using the studio, you agree to follow the guidelines below.

​

1. Community & Shared Responsibility

Treat the studio as your own working space. Help maintain a respectful, welcoming, and safe environment for all members and staff. Be mindful of others' personal and mental space—everyone learns at their own pace.

A clean and respectful studio allows everyone to create comfortably.

​

2. Studio Clean-Up

All work areas and tools must be cleaned after use. The last 15 minutes of every class are dedicated to clean-up. Each student is responsible for:

• Gathering their tools

• Cleaning their work tables

• Cleaning the floors they used

• Cleaning wheels and equipment they used

When you finish, the space should be cleaner than when you started—no exceptions.

This is a shared community studio, and its cleanliness depends on everyone doing their part.

​

3. Zero-Waste & Sustainability Policy

We operate using zero-waste practices. Materials are reused or recycled to minimize waste.

​

What You Must Know

Never pour clay, glaze, or sedimentary materials down the studio sinks—this damages plumbing and our waste systems. Dispose of all materials using the designated reclaim buckets and waste containers provided.

​

How Our Water System Works

We use a 3-bucket water system for cleaning and clay recycling:

• Buckets 1 & 2: Hands, tools, and equipment contaminated with clay are washed here. Clay sediment settles overnight and is dried and recycled back into studio clay. Clean water is siphoned off for reuse in the buckets and mopping.

• Bucket 3 (Glaze Bucket): Brushes and tools used for glazing are cleaned here. Glaze sediment settles overnight and is made up into new studio glazes. Water is siphoned off for processing new glazes and washing glaze sieves.

​

4. Sink & Washing Rules

Never pour throwing water, buckets of water with glaze, or muddy hands/tools directly in the sink.

Instead:

1. Wash hands and tools first in the rinse bucket using a sponge

2. Rinse with clean water in the sink

3. Wash glaze brushes in a bucket before cleaning in the sink

​

5. Apron & Towel

Members must bring their own apron and towel to each class. Aprons and towels must be cleaned before the next session.

​

6. Clay, Glazes & Health Safety

The studio uses high-quality clay and non-toxic, commercial glazes that are food-safe when fired correctly.

​

Clay Dust & Silica

Clay itself is not hazardous, but when wet clay dries, it produces fine dust containing silica, which can be harmful when inhaled. These particles can remain airborne for up to 12 days.

To reduce health risks:

• Clean wet clay promptly before it dries

• Maintain cleanliness at all times

• No sanding inside the studio

​

Sanding Policy

Greenware should be finished to require little or no sanding after firing. If sanding is necessary:

• It must be done outside only (not in the breezeway)

• A dust mask is strongly recommended

• You must consult your instructor before sanding

​

7. Respect for Artwork & Safety

Do not touch other people's pottery, especially bone-dry pieces. If you need help finding or accessing your work, ask a staff member—they're certified and will safely assist.

​

During Wheel Classes

• Dangling jewelry must be removed

• Long hair must be tied back

​

8. Reservation, Cancellation & Refunds

Once a reservation is confirmed, you may change or cancel it according to our Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellations made 30 or more days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund of the payment made.

• Cancellations made 10 to 29 days before the course start date are eligible for a 70% refund of the payment made.

• Cancellations made less than 10 days before the course start date are non-refundable and will not be compensated.

• Rescheduling or transferring a class on or after the course start date is not permitted.

​

9. Missed Classes & Swap System

Classes run at full capacity, so rescheduling is not allowed. Instead, we offer a swap system: you can request to swap with another member on a different day.

​

How Swaps Work

Swap requests must be made in advance via Signal (our community group chat). Last-minute cancellations or swap requests (a few hours before class) will be considered a missed class unless another member agrees to swap or there's an emergency.

​

Unavoidable Absences

If you miss a class due to unavoidable circumstances, try to arrange a swap with another student using Signal. If you can't find a swap, the studio will do its best to help you make up the missed time where possible. Make-up classes cannot be guaranteed, as availability depends on class capacity and scheduling.

​

Non-Urgent Absences

Absences due to social events, holidays, child-related activities, lunches, work meetings, or other non-urgent reasons are limited to two swaps per student per term via Signal. We can't guarantee you'll make up your missed class. This limitation exists because excessive swapping disrupts teachers, admin, and other students.

The studio is not obligated to find replacements for missed classes.

​

10. Communication

All pottery-related communication, including swap requests, is handled only through Signal. Requests sent via email will not receive a reply.

Centralizing communication helps us stay organized, respond fairly, and manage schedules efficiently. Members are responsible for managing their own schedules.

​

11. Data Protection

Any personal information you provide will be processed in accordance with the EU GDPR. We use your information to process your booking, provide the course, and inform you about similar courses we offer—unless you tell us you don't want this information. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.

​

12. Photography & Image Rights

Photos taken at the studio may be published on our website, social media, or other materials. If you wish to opt out of having your image shared publicly, please inform the studio.

​

Final Note

By participating in the studio, you agree to follow these guidelines and contribute positively to the community. Let's work together to keep the studio clean, safe, respectful, and inspiring—a space where everyone can explore and create with confidence.

​

​