studio policies

community agreement & respect

our studio is more than just a workspace—it's a shared creative community built on mutual respect. as members of this community, we uphold the values of access, community, inclusivity, and accountability in all that we do.

  • we respect one another—including each other’s work, time, perspectives, and the diverse backgrounds that make our community stronger.

  • we share responsibility for maintaining an environment that supports creativity, learning, and growth in the ceramic arts.

  • we recognize that learning is mutual. everyone has something to learn, and everyone has something to teach. we value curiosity, patience, and openness.

  • we practice kindness toward ourselves. we show up as we are, embracing the time and space we’ve given ourselves in the studio. we understand that progress—not perfection—is the goal.

cancellation policy

to support fair planning and access for all members and students, please review our cancellation policies below:

class & workshop cancellations

  • full refund: if you cancel at least two weeks before the first class, you will receive a full refund, minus a $20 processing fee.

  • partial refund: if you cancel between two weeks and one week before the first class, you are eligible for a 50% refund, minus the $20 processing fee.

  • no refunds: cancellations made within one week of the first class are non-refundable, as we are unable to fill the spot on short notice.

membership cancellations

  • members must give at least one month’s written notice via email to cancel their membership.

  • during your final month of membership, please plan to:

    • complete and take home all finished work

    • clear off your personal studio shelf

    • return any studio keys

studio cleaning & shared responsibility

there is value in walking into a space that is loved and cared for, clean, and intentional. as part of our community, we all contribute to the health, safety, and cleanliness of our shared studio space.

weekly deep cleaning

the studio is deep cleaned once a week by staff. this includes wiping down all surfaces, washing rags, and mopping the studio floor. however, each member's effort is essential in keeping the space functional and welcoming.

member & student responsibilities

to ensure the studio stays in good condition for everyone, please follow these guidelines:

  • clean as you go. wipe down wheels, work tables, and surfaces after use. clean up trimmings, or glaze spills promptly to prevent dust and buildup.

  • respect shared tools and equipment. clean them thoroughly after use and return them to their proper place. this ensures tools remain in good condition and accessible to all.

  • help maintain communal spaces. this includes the glaze area, wedging tables, sinks, and drying racks. don’t leave personal items or work unattended in shared areas.

  • clear off bisque shelves. transfer your bisqued pieces to your personal shelf in a timely manner to prevent overcrowding and keep the workflow moving.

  • pitch in when you can. even if you didn’t make the mess or take out a tool, returning it or tidying up helps the entire community thrive.

mask policy

to support the health and safety of our community, we have specific masking guidelines in place:

  • sunday morning masking hours: masks are required every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
    this dedicated time is intended to support our more vulnerable members—including those who are immunocompromised or caring for immunocompromised loved ones.

  • bring your own mask: please bring your own well-fitting mask for masking hours. the studio has a limited supply of backup masks in case yours breaks, but we ask that the studio not be your regular source for masks.

  • masking when symptomatic: if you’re feeling unwell or experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, we strongly encourage you to wear a mask—regardless of the day or time. this helps protect fellow members and staff and keeps our community healthy.

thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a space that’s inclusive, respectful, and safe for everyone.

kiln firing schedule

to support your creative workflow and ensure efficient use of our kilns, please review and follow the firing guidelines below:

  • regular firing schedule. kilns are fired regularly based on the volume of work ready to be loaded. we typically fire at least one bisque and one glaze kiln per week, increasing frequency as needed.

  • turnaround time: please allow approximately two weeks for work to move through the bisque and glaze firing process. this may vary slightly depending on studio volume and kiln availability.

  • finished work pickup: once your pieces are fired, they will be placed on the finished work shelf. please plan to pick up completed work within one month to keep shelf space available for others.

  • loading considerations: firings are scheduled based on availability of work and space in the kiln. be mindful that delays may occur if pieces are oversized, wet, or improperly prepared for firing.

  • faster turnaround & rentals: with 2-4 week notice, we may be able to accommodate faster turnaround times or higher volumes of work for members. we also offer kiln rentals for an additional fee.

by following this policy, you help us maintain an efficient, respectful, and timely firing process for all members.

guest policy

we welcome guests into our shared space while maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all members. please review and follow the guidelines below when bringing a guest:

  • waiver required. all guests must sign a waiver of liability before entering the studio. the waiver is available on the studio bulletin board.

  • member responsibility. as a member, you are fully responsible for your guest. please ensure they understand and follow all studio policies, including safety and cleanliness standards.

  • supervision of minors. any underage guests must be directly supervised by their parent or adult guardian at all times while in the studio.

  • respect for shared space. please be mindful of your fellow studio members. limit disruptions, share space and equipment considerately, and make sure your guest is respectful of the communal environment.

communication & feedback

open communication is at the heart of a thriving creative community. we believe that feedback is a valuable tool for improvement, innovation, and ensuring the studio remains a space where everyone can grow and succeed.

  • open dialogue. we invite and value your feedback, suggestions, and concerns. whether it’s about studio practices, policies, or any aspect of the environment, please feel free to reach out directly to the studio management or email northadamsclay@gmail.com

  • stay informed. we will actively share important updates about pricing, policies, schedule changes, new equipment, studio events, and other announcements. we make it a priority to keep the community well-informed to support transparency and involvement.

  • listening & adaptability. the studio is committed to listening and adapting based on your feedback. we understand that as a community, our needs and ideas evolve, and we are open to changes that help us grow as individuals and as a collective.