CLASS & OPEN STUDIO FAQ’S

WHAT’S INCLUDED

What is included in your weekly pottery classes?

One 25-lb bag of studio clay
Personal shelf space for storing works in progress
Shared use of all studio tools, bats, and equipment
Access to studio dipping glazes (and underglazes when available)
All kiln firings associated with class work and open studio time (no outside work permitted)
Weekly instruction and demonstrations from your class instructor
Unlimited Open Studio access during your enrolled session (subject to posted open studio hours and availability)
Additional clay may be purchased as needed. One 25-lb bag of clay is included with registration, and all kiln firings are included with tuition

CLAY & GLAZES

What clay do you provide?
We use durable, non-toxic cone 6 stoneware clay. One 25-lb bag of clay is included with all class registrations. Additional clay may be purchased if needed ($45 per new bag or $25 per recycled bag). Kiln firings are included with tuition.

Can I bring my own clay or glazes?

Studio clay is recommended and available for purchase in the studio. Any outside clay body must receive prior approval from the studio owner before being brought into or used at the studio.
Outside glazes: Permitted if pre-approved and safe for up to cone 6 firing.
Kiln Firings: We bisque fire to cone 06 and glaze fire to cone 5-6.

Does the studio provide tools?
Yes. The studio provides a variety of shared pottery tools and throwing bats. Students may bring their own tools and bats if desired. The studio does not sell tools but can recommend resources. Personal items must fit on your class shelf or in a rented cubby while at the studio or can be brought back and forth. The studio is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Do you offer additional storage besides my class shelf?

Class shelf space is provided for the duration of your enrolled session. Students should remove personal belongings and finished or unfinished work by the end of their enrollment period unless they are continuing into another class session, transitioning to a membership, or have made other arrangements with the studio owner.

Can I take clay or projects home to work on and bring them back for firing?
To help ensure the success of your work and maintain consistency in our firing process, works-in-progress should remain at the studio until their final glaze firing. Students may not bring in projects made outside the studio solely for firing. All work fired through class or Open Studio must be created at Claybird Studio using studio clay or a pre-approved clay body. Please contact the owner in advance regarding any special circumstances.

How much clay and glaze can I use?
Each student receives one 25 lb bag of clay with registration, and additional clay may be purchased as needed. All kiln firings for class and Open Studio work are included with tuition. We encourage creativity, experimentation, and plenty of time at the studio! However, Claybird Studio is a community teaching studio rather than a production facility. Excessive quantities of work or unusually large pieces may need to wait for a later firing if kiln space is limited. Please note that only work created at the studio during class or Open Studio time is eligible for firing. Students may not bring in outside work or projects made at home for firing at the studio.

How much does an additional bag of clay cost?
Additional clay is available for purchase at $45 per new bag and $25 per recycled bag (25-lbs per bag). Prices are subject to change based on availability and supplier costs.

SKILL LEVELS & AGE REQUIREMENT

I’m new - what class should I take?
Beginners can join any “Mixed Level” class and will be taught the fundamentals of pottery-making before working more independently. If you feel you are experienced enough for our Intermediate & Up class but aren’t quite sure, feel free to reach out and discuss with us before registering.

Can experienced students join any class?
Yes. Experienced students may register for any class and work independently with guidance as needed.

What ages can attend?
Classes and open studio are for High School age students and up.

Can you accommodate special needs?
Claybird Studio strives to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants. If you or your child has an accommodation or support need, please contact the studio owner prior to registering so we can discuss whether we can reasonably accommodate your needs. Depending on the individual's needs and the nature of the program, a parent, guardian, caregiver, or other support person may be required to remain on-site or accompany the participant.

STUDENT CLEAN-UP EXPECTATIONS

What are your protocols for cleanup and studio use?
All students are responsible for being respectful of one another and the studio space while attending class and open studio time. Proper clean-up is required of all students and can be reviewed more thoroughly on our Studio Cleanup Instructions page. Clean-up is an important part of being a potter and is the responsibility of every student! Many hands make light work in a shared community studio and taking ownership of this as a student promotes a safe, healthy environment for everyone.

MAKE-UPS & OPEN STUDIO

Do you offer make-up classes?
We do not provide make-ups for missed classes. However, we provide ample open studio time for enrolled students & members to be able to make up for missed time, to practice, or to finish pieces. Students and members receive unlimited Open Studio access throughout their enrolled session or membership plan subscription. Open Studio is available during posted studio hours and may vary throughout the year based on classes, events, camps, and studio availability.

What is Open Studio?
Open Studio is a complimentary benefit available to enrolled weekly class students and monthly members, allowing for practice, experimentation, and working independently. Open Studio is non-instructional time and students are expected to work safely, clean up thoroughly, and follow all studio policies.

When is Open Studio offered?
Dates and times are shown on our Open Studio Calendar, and are subject to change based on studio availability. However, we aim to provide plenty of available blocks of time throughout each week to work around most people’s schedules. During summer camp weeks and other special studio events, some Open Studio hours may be modified. The Open Studio Calendar on our website will always reflect the most up-to-date schedule.

Can the studio reclaim my clay for me?
Yes! Students are welcome to contribute reclaim clay to our studio recycling program. Reclaim will be weighed and tracked, and for every 25-lbs of reclaim contributed, students may request a coupon code for 10% off the purchase of one bag of clay (new or recycled). This incentive program applies only to studio-provided clay, and not towards any clay purchased outside of the studio. A 25-lb minimum must be met before a discount can be issued.

Do you offer additional storage besides my class shelf?
Optional storage cubbies are available for rent for students enrolled in a weekly class or a monthly membership who would like additional space for tools, brushes, glazes, aprons, and other studio supplies. Cubbies are intended for dry storage only and may not be used for wet work or greenware (bisqueware ok).

INSTRUCTORS & REFUNDS

Will my instructor always be the same?
Mostly yes, but substitute instructors may teach without notice if your instructor is ill or has a scheduling conflict.

Do you offer refunds or credits?
Refunds and cancellations are subject to Claybird Studio's current Terms, Conditions & Refund Policies. No refunds, credits, make-ups, or prorating are provided for missed classes, late registration, instructor substitutions, or unused Open Studio time. Late registration may be available for some classes depending on space and how far the session has progressed; however, tuition is not prorated for late enrollment. Please review our full Policies page for cancellation and refund eligibility prior to registering.