Welcome to Potters Union! To keep our studio safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone, we ask that all members, students, and guests read and follow the policies below. These guidelines help us care for each other, the space, and the craft we all love. By becoming a member, enrolling in a class or workshop, or participating in an event, you agree to these policies. Thank you for being part of our community!

Studio Culture & Code of Conduct
We’re committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for everyone. Kindness, collaboration, and shared responsibility are at the heart of our community.

People

• Treat all artists, staff, and guests with kindness and courtesy.
• Avoid interrupting others during focused work or instruction.
• Harassment, discrimination, or intimidation of any kind is not tolerated and may result in removal.

the Space

• Clean up thoroughly after each session and return all tools to their proper place.
• Do not handle or move others’ work or tools without permission.
• Keep shared spaces clean, safe, and dust-free. Follow posted cleaning protocols.

Communication

• Speak to others respectfully. Keep noise low and take calls outside.
• We welcome open, constructive feedback—bring concerns directly to studio staff.

the Creative Process

• Celebrate artistic diversity and share knowledge generously.
• Do not photograph, copy, or replicate someone else’s work without permission.
• Beginners and experienced artists alike deserve space to grow and learn.

⚠️ The studio reserves the right to suspend or terminate access for unsafe, inappropriate, or disruptive behavior. Physical or verbal abuse, property damage, or repeated policy violations will result in immediate action.

Studio Safety Policies
Working with clay, glazes, tools, and kilns involves potential risks. To maintain a safe and healthy environment for all, please follow these safety rules at all times.

General Safety Rules

• Studio Orientation is required: All members and students must complete an orientation before using any equipment.
• Liability waiver: Must be signed by all new students and members before attending the studio.
• Children under 18 must be directly supervised at all times.

Emergencies & First Aid

• First Aid Kit is located in the kitchen under the sink.
• Report all injuries or hazards to staff immediately.
• In case of serious injury, 911 will be called first, followed by your emergency contact.

By using the studio, you acknowledge these safety rules and agree to follow them at all times. Failure to follow safety guidelines may result in a warning or removal from the studio.

Glazing & Firing Policies
At Potters Union, we prioritize safety, quality, and consistency in all firing processes. We bisque fire to Cone 06/05 and glaze fire to Cone 5/6. Only work made at Potters Union with approved materials will be fired.

Approved Materials & Handling

• Approved Materials Only: All clay must be purchased through Potters Union. Outside commercial glazes may be pre-approved for member use in the studio. No unapproved outside, commercial, or unknown materials may be used.
• Thoroughly clean glaze tools between use.
• All work must be clearly labeled with your name or initials. Unlabeled pieces will not be fired.

We Cannot Fire:

• Clay not purchased or approved by Potters Union.
• Glazes that are unapproved, mislabeled, lead-based, or contain unknown materials.
• Previously fired pieces made outside the studio.
• Work with non-approved inclusions, metal, or armatures.
• Cracked, overly thick, or poorly glazed pieces.
• Work with glaze on the bottom or foot.
• Any item that may damage the kiln or pose a safety risk.

Glaze Tips

• Avoid glaze “runners” on the bottom half of your pieces.
• Apply glaze thinly—more is not better.
• Use cookies or drip pans when testing new glaze combinations.

Kiln Safety & Use

• Kilns are staff access only—do not open, touch, or load/unload kilns unless authorized.
• No single firings unless previously arranged with staff.
• Do not place wet or damp work on firing shelves.
• Any damage to kilns or furniture caused by improper materials or application may result in fees.

Firing Disclaimer
While we take great care with every firing, pieces may warp, crack, or glaze unexpectedly due to the nature of ceramics.

Cleaning & Dust Prevention
We are a wet-cleaning studio. Preventing dust is everyone’s responsibility.

• No Dry Sanding or Sweeping Indoors: Always clean using wet methods (sponge, damp mop, or towels).
• Clean As You Go: Prevent dust buildup by cleaning up clay and glaze spills immediately.
• Do Not Use Bathroom or Kitchen Sinks to clean clay or glaze. Use only the studio sinks, which are equipped with clay traps.
• Clean your wheel, tools, table, floor, and shelf after every session.
• Wipe your shelf down monthly.
• Before you leave, do a final sweep with a damp sponge—check door handles, counters, and shared spaces.

Prohibited in the Studio

• Smoking or vaping inside or within 20 feet of the studio.
• Open flames or candles.
• Spray paint, aerosol glazes, or toxic solvents.
• Food or drink in glaze areas.
• Bare feet or while working.
• Explicit or offensive work.
• Hate speech, violence, or work that demeans any person or group.
• Excessive production work (please speak to us if you’re preparing for a special event).

Studio Access & Guest Policy

• The studio is open to current members and students in good standing.
• Orientation is required before using equipment.
• No unapproved guests, family, or pets.
• Members must be 18+; students must be 15+.
• Shared memberships are not allowed without written approval.
• Members have access to the studio during open hours based on their membership plan, with a few exceptions during scheduled classes and workshops: Wheel Throwing Classes: Members will have access to the hand-building tables, glazing area, and other equipment; wheels will not be available during class time. Hand-Building & Specialty Workshops: Wheels, glazing area, and equipment remain open, though hand-building tables will be reserved for workshop use.

Equipment, Tools & Studio Etiquette

• We recommend bringing your own tools if you have them, but you're more than welcome to use our studio tools if not. Need a set? A basic Kemper tool kit is available for purchase in the studio.
• We have a limited number of tools for student/member use—borrow, clean, and return them.
• Only operate equipment you have been trained on.
• Use bats on wheels and clean thoroughly afterward.
• Porcelain tools must remain separate.
• Report low supplies or broken tools to staff.
• Wheels and tables may be reserved during classes—check the schedule to plan your time.
• Do not store work or tools in unassigned areas.
• Label all work clearly with your name or initials.

Kitchen Use

• You’re welcome to use the kitchen—keep food smells light and clean up fully.
• Label items in the fridge. Unlabeled food may be discarded.
• No eating in clay/glaze areas. Drinks must have lids outside the kitchen.

Clothing & Personal Safety

• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty—clay usually washes out.
• Closed-toed shoes are required.
• Bring personal towel and apron. Aprons are also available for sale.
• Hair tied back.
• Short nails recommended.

Classes & Makeups

• Please arrive 15 minutes early to your first class. You will:
• Complete orientation and sign necessary forms.
• If you miss the first class, we recommend joining a future class series.
• For other missed classes, no make-up sessions are offered, but you’ll receive 3 hours of open studio time as a one-time courtesy.
• Classes may be canceled due to low enrollment; if so, you’ll have the option to sign up for another class series (priority enrollment) or receive a full refund.
  

Storage & Shelf Use

• Personal items must be labeled clearly.
• Unclaimed work left over 30 days may be discarded or donated.
• Let us know in advance if you need storage beyond 30 days following final firing.

Billing & Memberships

• Memberships are billed monthly and continue until cancelled.
• Payment is due upon registering for a class or workshop.

Cancellations

• Workshops: Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance for a credit to use towards another workshop. No monetary refunds for missed workshops.
• Classes: If you are unable to attend the first class, we recommend joining us for another class series. We cannot provide a refund but will give a credit to use at a different time.

While we make every effort to hold classes and workshops as scheduled, occasionally a program may need to be canceled, postponed, or rescheduled due to instructor illness or unavailability, severe weather, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances.

If Potters Union cancels a class or workshop, participants will receive a full refund of registration fees paid directly to Potters Union. If the program is rescheduled, participants may instead be given the option to transfer their registration to the new date.

Traveling to Attend a Class or Workshop

If you are traveling to attend a workshop or other program at Potters Union, we strongly encourage you to make refundable travel arrangements and/or consider appropriate travel insurance.

Potters Union is not responsible for airfare, lodging, transportation, meals, lost wages, or other expenses incurred in connection with attending a class, workshop, or event, including when a program must be canceled, postponed, or rescheduled.

• Memberships: We ask for an initial three-month commitment to help you settle into the studio and make the most of your membership. After that, your membership continues month-to-month and may be canceled with 30 days' written notice prior to your next billing date. If your cancellation notice is received less than 30 days before your next billing date, one final monthly membership payment will be processed. That payment will serve as your final billing cycle, and you'll continue to enjoy full studio access through the end of that paid membership period.
  
  Ending Your Time with Us
• Due to limited shelf space and incoming classes, all student shelves must be cleared by the end of the final class. Students have 2 weeks following the final class session to complete and pick up their pieces. Typically, the first week allows work to move from bisque to glaze firing, and the second week is for glaze completion and pickup. Pieces may not be left to dry on student shelves after the final class session unless the student is enrolled in the subsequent class.
• Members must clear their shelf and finish all work by the end of their final paid month.

Thank You!
Thank you for being part of the Potters Union! We’re so glad you are here, and we look forward to creating, learning, and growing with you.

Questions? Just ask! Communication keeps our studio strong.