Stoneware Studio Policies and Information
- 1. Payment options: The Stoneware Studio accepts payment by Debit, Visa, Master Card, cash or cheque.
- 2. Class sessions: The regular class session runs from the beginning of September to the end of June. New students must commit to, and pay for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks as this is the minimum amount of time it takes to get a proper introduction to working with clay. Those who continue with classes pay on a monthly basis at the first class of each month. The cost per month depends on how many classes there will be in that month, the average being 4 per month. Summer classes, which run for 8 weeks in July and August, are paid in advance of starting.
- 3. Additional charges: Extra costs include clay and tools, which are to be purchased from your teacher during class time. Charges also apply to the firing of pieces. They are calculated by how much room a piece takes up in the kiln and are measured at $0.06 per cubic inch. This covers the cost of the bisque firing, the glazes used, the glaze firing in the gas kiln and the labour involved. If work is bisque fired only, a charge of $0.02 per cubic inch is applied. Firing charges are to be paid before pieces are taken home.
- 4. Missed classes: These are still paid for, but you have the opportunity to do a make-up class during any of the other classes available during the week. There is almost always an extra wheel available during any class but if not, handbuilding is also available. It is up to you to take advantage of this option as credit is not given for missed classes. You have a month to make up a class.
- 5. Studio time: Each student is welcome to one studio visit per week for each paid class, for up to a maximum of four hours. These are not cumulative. Glazing is not counted as studio time. Come in whenever the Gallery is open, Mon-Sat 10-5:00, and when there is not a class in session (Tues., Thurs. and Fri. mornings are not available). Practice time in the studio will make a HUGE difference to your progress – so use it!
- 6. Extra studio time: For an additional fee of $80 per month, students may sign up for unlimited (non class) studio time. Inform your teacher if you wish to add this on to your class fee.
- 7. Cleaning up at end of class: Wheels, splash pans, and tools should be initially washed at the wheel with a pail of clean water, prior to using the sink. This will help with efficiency and help avoid plumbing issues in the sink. All clay scraps go in the garbage and should never end up in the sink.
- 8. Clearly sign pieces: Any pots not clearly signed will not get fired.
- 9. Glaze area: Priority is given to those who have scheduled the next firing. Ask permission to glaze if they are glazing. Unless you have been told otherwise, always clean up after yourself by thoroughly washing the stick, glaze pitcher, throw out used newspapers, tightly cover liquid wax container, unplug hot wax, and make sure the lids are on the glaze buckets.
- 10. Storing clay: Students may keep their clay at the studio while registered in a class. Remember to clearly mark the bag and store your clay in your class’s designated spot. Storing tools is not encouraged. There are also designated areas for each class’s greenware, bisque ware and glaze ware, as well as overflow spaces.
- 11. Quitting classes: A minimum two weeks’ notice is required if you choose to discontinue classes, in order to give the Studio time to find a replacement. A 2 class charge will be given for anyone not providing the 2 weeks notice. Any clay, tools or bisqueware left behind will only be kept for a month after a student has left classes. Pieces left to be glaze fired will be held for a month after they have been fired.
- With over 90 people working in the studio throughout each week, we ask that everyone willingly do their part to leave things a little better than how they found it. A community works well when we all are considerate of the next person using the space.