Studio Policies
Overview
The Tao of Clay team aims to cultivate an environment that offers creatively motivated people a place to nurture their inspiration, knowledge and expression through the ceramic arts. Membership in the studio is open to all people, from beginners to advanced.
Our studio is uniquely characterized by its alignment with the principles of Mindfulness, Organicity, Non-violence, and Mind-Body Holism within the ceramics process. Guided by this ethos, we have formulated the following policies to cultivate a safe and supportive community, empowering members to explore their creativity while fostering mutual respect for the space, one another, and themselves.
We've created a well-equipped and energetically supportive environment that relies on members' adherence to these guidelines to uphold the studio's quality. While we've taken measures to minimize accidents; it's important to recognize that, due to the nature of ceramic art, members utilize the studio at their own risk.
We embrace diversity. We do not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship or disability, or based on any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. We prohibit conduct by our Members in violation of this principle.
General Studio Policies
These rules are in place to ensure our studio is a safe space.
Shared Spaces
Respect staff and fellow potters in this communal space by sharing tables and equipment and cleaning up after yourself. Please refer to the Tao of Clay Cleaning Procedure for guidance.
Ensure all communal tools are cleaned after use and returned to their designated storage areas.
Avoid accumulating dust by wiping down all surfaces after use and refraining from dry-sanding in the studio (this is to be done outside in the glaze area).
Store your work only on your dedicated shelf; personal items should be kept in a cubby.
Refrain from entering staff-only areas unless specifically instructed to do so. This is for your safety, as some equipment can be hazardous to operate or be near during operation.
Members must be 18 or older.
Smoking is not permitted inside the building, in the glaze area, or within 20 feet of the entrance.
Please refrain from using your phone in the communal space; step outside if you need to make or receive calls and keep your headphones on if you are listening to audio.
Pets/Guests
Guests are not permitted without prior written permission from a member of the admin team.
Each member is entitled to one shelf, one cubby, and one membership; shared shelves or memberships are not allowed. This is defined as one single depth shelf, two cleats high.
No Pets/Dogs on premises. Therapy animals are not exempt from this policy. Equipment
Avoid using equipment that you are unfamiliar with. If you have questions about a particular tool (such as the slab roller or extruder), please ask available staff, who will gladly demonstrate proper usage.
Wheel time must be reserved in advance through the online portal. This reservation system is a courtesy to fellow members, ensuring access to wheels when needed.
Do not remove fixtures, tools, or any equipment from any area of the building General Conduct
Do not engage in any activities in or around the Communal Studio that are unlawful, illegal, or unreasonably dangerous.
Notify Tao of Clay staff as soon as possible, in writing, of any damage, injury, or other reportable incident that occurs while in or around the Communal Studio.
If your phone number, email address, mailing address, or emergency contact information changes at any time, please provide the new contact information to Tao of Clay, in writing, in a timely manner.
Restrictions
The Communal Studio is to be used only as an artists’ work space.
You cannot offer classes or provide regular individual or group instruction in the Communal Studio or anywhere else in the building without the written permission of Tao of Clay. Tao of Clay reserves the right to revoke any written permission at any time.
You may not designate or claim any portion of the Communal Studio for your own exclusive use or
store anything in spaces not designated to you by Tao of Clay.
You cannot share your membership. Membership and its benefits may not be assigned by a Member to any other person or entity. Unauthorized sharing of the Communal Studio with non-Members is prohibited.
Membership Access Policies
In providing unlimited access to the studio during open hours, we aim to create a flexible structure which allows members to access the space organically and on their own schedule. In trusting each of the members with this access we hope to cultivate a sense of ownership and pride of space which is vital to our community.
Membership access credentials are private and not to be shared with anyone. Any intentional sharing of access codes will result in immediate termination of membership, no refund.
Immediately notify staff, in writing, if you have lost or misplaced access credentials or keys granting access to the Building.
Keep all doors closed unless they have been opened by staff.
While our team is committed to offering a flexible work environment that aligns with your schedule as a member, we may occasionally need to restrict access to the space during special events, such as guest workshops and staff training. By becoming a member, you acknowledge that your access may be subject to change in such circumstances. We will make every effort to provide advance notice to members in the event of studio closures.
Membership Benefit Policies
As a member, you will enjoy a variety of perks, including:
Studio access during open hours (Tues-Fri: 10AM-9PM, Sat-Sun: 10AM - 5PM)
25 lbs of free firing credit per month
Discounted firing rate of $2.00/lb on additional firing over 25 lbs/month
Discounted Classes: Deduct your monthly membership fee from any 6-week course registration (excluding workshops). This discount can be used once per month with the code MEMBER at checkout.
10% off in our kiosk store
Invitations to member events
One buddy pass per month
Personal storage cubby & 2 ware boards for ceramic storage
Membership Pause: You may pause your membership for one month per calendar year without losing your spot in the studio.
Each member is assigned a unique door code, which is not to be shared. Any intentional sharing of codes or rates will result in immediate termination of membership, no refund.
Student Access Policies
As a Member we want you to be aware of the student access policies. Students have access to the studio to practice during limited hours during the duration of their paid course. Their access is restricted to 9 of the 18 wheels ensuring that there are always at least 9 wheels for Member access only. Active students have access to the studio during open hours and outside of class hours. To ensure that there is not a
class during the time a student wishes to practice at the studio, students should check the calendar to look for active classes.
Firing Policies
Kiln Policies
At our studio, we utilize state-of-the-art electric kilns to fire cone 6 mid-fire ceramics. While we strive for efficiency and timeliness in our firing processes, it's important to note that each firing carries inherent risks of variation or potential failure. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for any unexpected outcomes or delays. Occasionally glazing and firing accidents happen; we are not responsible for broken items or improper glaze application that results in damage to pieces. Improper glaze application that results in damage to our equipment may result in charges for replacement and/or repair. Additionally, we regret that we are unable to accommodate special timelines or production quantities at this time.
Clay
We offer unlimited free clay to encourage experimentation and provide members and students the freedom to practice their craft. Our firing fee includes the cost of two firings: the bisque and the glaze fire. This fee covers materials, labor, equipment, and utilities required for firing at our studio.
Firing Process
All firing fees must be processed through our online firing store. Our firing fee may appear higher than other studios; that is because it includes both bisque and glaze firings, a unique feature not typically offered by other studios. Payment is required only when submitting a piece for bisque fire, simplifying the process for all parties. A receipt must accompany the wares during the bisque firing phase, though it is not necessary for the glaze firing. Further guidance on submitting pieces for firing can be found on the Member and Student Portals.
Glaze
We provide a curated selection of glazes specifically formulated to excel in our kiln and on our clay. Should you wish to fire clay or glazes not supplied by the studio, please make a special request by emailing info@taoofclay.com.
General Firing Policies
Outside clay or glaze may only be used with prior staff review and approval. Approval must be written approval, documented via email, and cannot be verbal.
Do not bring in work that does not belong to you for firing.
Any use of lower temperature clay or glazes may result in charges for damages incurred.
Clay and glaze provided are for studio use only and should not be removed from the premises. Any member found to be removing unfired clay or glaze from Tao of Clay will have their membership terminated immediately, no refund.
Ensure your pieces are ready for firing by wiping glaze from the bottom to prevent kiln shelf damage, and allowing them to fully dry before placing them on the designated firing shelf.
Tao of Clay is not responsible for any issues or damages that occur during firing. Refunds will not be given for pieces that do not make it through the bisque/glaze fires.
Staff will inspect each piece before firing. Any pieces with issues will be returned to the "issues" shelf. If you are missing a piece, please check the "issues" shelf. For further information on glazing and firing procedures, refer to the Tao of Clay User Guide
Firing Pricing
Firing is a standard $6.50 per pound. This fee covers the cost of the clay, glaze, labor, electricity, and equipment maintenance required for both bisque and glaze firings. Firing submissions are processed through our online firing shop through the link at our member and student portals. Tao of Clay may modify or amend this Firing Fee at any time.
Billing Policies
Standard membership is billed monthly and includes one standard size ware shelf. Additional storage space is limited but can be purchased as available for an additional monthly fee. Annual membership is offered for a 10 % discounted rate annually. Members and Students are billed for firing fees at the time of their order through our firing website. Recurring automatic charges for membership are processed through Acuity scheduling until canceled, per our cancellation policies. Our current membership fees can be found online.
Cancellation Policies
A member may terminate the Membership and this Agreement for any reason at any time by giving written notice via email at info@taoofclay.com. Upon submitting the cancellation request via email, you will be emailed a brief form for our records and a date of termination will be determined. Before your cancellation can be completed, please make efforts to have your shelf cleared.
Memberships and courses may be terminated at any time by either the member or the Tao of Clay management team. Please be aware that annual memberships, which are offered at a discounted rate upon purchase, are non-refundable upon cancellation. Monthly membership fees are processed automatically through Acuity on a recurring monthly basis per billing cycle based on the time of the initial subscription purchase. We do not offer partial month or prorated refunds for any membership subscription.
Your security credentials will be deactivated on your date of termination, so please inform us via email if you need to retrieve any items after this time. Shelves and personal property must be cleared within 15 days of the date of termination. If you are unable to clear your shelf within 15 days of your termination,
for any reason, a $25 cleaning fee will be applied. For any further inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@taoofclay.com.
As stated in the Member’s Communal Studio Use Agreement, Member’s Membership will automatically renew upon the expiration of the Initial Membership Term, and will continue to renew indefinitely. Tao of Clay or Member may terminate the Membership and this Agreement for any reason at any time.
If membership dues are in arrears for thirty days or more Tao of Clay may terminate the Agreement and revoke access to the Communal Studio and the Building immediately.
If you breach any of the rules regarding hazardous substances and activities or breach any of the rules outlining respectful conduct as described above, Tao of Clay may terminate the Agreement and revoke access to the Communal Studio and the Building immediately.
For any other reason or no reason, all in the sole discretion of Tao of Clay, Tao of Clay may terminate the Agreement and revoke access to the Communal Studio and the Building immediately.
Upon Termination, Member’s access to the Communal Studio will be revoked at 11:59 p.m. on the date set by Tao of Clay unless another time is mutually agreed to in writing by the Member being terminated and Tao of Clay.