CLASS & OPEN STUDIO FAQ’S
CLAY & GLAZES
What clay do you provide?
We use durable, non-toxic stoneware clay (microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe). One 25-lb bag of clay is included with all class registrations, and additional bags can be purchased if needed. Extra bag pricing includes the clay as well as all material and firing fees associated with that bag of clay.
Can I bring my own clay or glazes?
Outside clay: Only the clay we provide for use and purchase is permitted for use in our studio and kiln firings. If you have another clay body you’re very interested in using, please contact the studio owner to discuss possible options.
Outside glazes: Permitted if pre-approved and safe for cone 6 firing.
Kiln Firings: We bisque fire to cone 04–06 and glaze fire to cone 5–6.
Does the studio provide tools?
Yes. The studio provides a variety of shared pottery tools and 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 while at the studio or can be brought back and forth. The studio is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Can I take clay or projects home to work on and bring them back for firing?
No. Works-in-progress (greenware or “wet work” & bisqueware) must remain in the studio until the final glaze firing. Bringing works in progress back and forth may result in extra fees or revoked studio privileges. Students are not permitted to use clay they have at home to make projects and bring them in for firing only. All works being fired in our kilns must be made at the studio from our provided clay. This is an honors system and our hope is that all students will abide by this policy.
How much clay and glaze can I use?
Each student receives one 25lb bag of clay with registration. Additional clay can be purchased at an extra cost, which includes firing and glaze usage per bag. Pieces larger than the posted studio size may incur extra firing charges or may have to wait to be fired in order to fit properly into our kilns with other student work. We are not a production facility, and we can only fire a reasonable amount of pottery per session per student. Excessive amounts of pottery per student may need to wait to be fired at a later time.
How much does an additional bag of clay cost?
Enrolled students may purchase extra clay for approximately $48 per 25-lb bag. This price includes the clay itself, as well as all associated glaze and firing fees for the work produced from that bag. Price may vary slightly based on clay availability and supplier costs.
SKILL LEVELS & AGE REQUIREMENT
I’m new—what class should I take?
Beginners can join any “All Levels” 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, feel free to reach out and discuss or register if confident.
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?
Possibly and we aim to do so! Prior discussion and approval from the studio owner would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Beth Wright at info@claybirdstudio.com.
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 to be able to make up for missed time, practice, or finish pieces. The Open Studio calendar will become available to enrolled students only once a new session begins.
What is Open Studio?
Open Studio is a free perk given to enrolled students to work independently in the studio outside of class time on clay projects and hone their craft. Instruction is not included and students are required to follow all standard studio protocols during open studio, especially proper cleanup and respect for the studio and others in attendance. More information will be given to students about open studio once enrolled. Students are allowed 3 open studio sessions per week (up to 9 hours per week) of their enrolled session.
When is Open Studio offered?
Dates and available times are announced at the start of each new session.
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?
No refunds, credits, or prorating for missed classes, late registration, or instructor substitutions. Open studio dates may be removed or rescheduled if needed, and credits or refunds are not provided for missed classes or unused open studio time.