Bliss Pottery House Studio Policy
Welcome to Bliss Pottery Studio! To ensure a safe, productive, and enjoyable environment for all our members, we ask that you carefully read and adhere to the following policies:
General Studio Rules
1. **Studio Access**: As a participant in a class, workshop, open studio or membership, you have access to the studio during your assigned/registered hours. Access outside these hours is not permitted without prior arrangement, ie open studio times, membership hours.
2. **Safety First**: Always follow the instructions of your teacher. Keep your hair tied back. Do not wear articles of clothing or jewelry that hang off the body. Do not wear open toed or open heeled footwear (i.e., flip-flops, sandals or clogs) in the pottery studio. Do not use any equipment without an instructor present. Having long nails could make it difficult to work with wet clay, especially on the wheel.
3. **Storage**: Personal items and works-in-progress must be stored in designated areas only. The studio is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
4. **Cleanliness**: Leave your workspace as clean or cleaner than you found it. This includes cleaning wheels, tools, and surfaces after use. You will need to leave your pieces in the designated area that the instructor tells you.
5. **Firing Schedule**: *For classes: * Please put your work for bisque firing on the firing cart as soon as they are bone dry. Works for bisque firing must be submitted by the end of the 6th glass; no bisque firings will happen after that week. Glaze firings will happen after the 7th and 8th class (if applicable). You will be able to pick up your finished work 3 weeks from the date of class. *For workshops/try it classes*: Your item will be trimmed (if needed) and fired once the pot is dry. (usually 1-2 weeks) At this point, you can either come back to glaze the pot during one of our open studio glaze times (registration is required). Or our staff will glaze the pot for you with the agreed upon color. You will be able to pick up your finished work 3 weeks from the date of class. *For Open Studio:* If you worked on the wheel, your item will be available to trim approximately 1-3 days later, please schedule a time to come back with studio staff. If you handbuilt your piece, or finished trimming your piece, it will be fired once the pot is dry (usually 14 days later) At this point, you can either come back to glaze the pot during one of our open studio glaze times (registration is required) or if you used the stroke and coat glazes you may pick up your piece and bring it home. You will be able to pick up your finished work approximately 14 days after you glaze it.
6. **Glaze Usage**: Only studio-provided glazes are to be used, unless prior approval has been obtained for outside materials.
Workshops, Classes and Open Studio
1. **Registration**: Advance registration is required for all workshops and classes and most open studio times. Members receive 15% off registration fees.
2. **Cancellation by Member**: If you must cancel your registration, please do so at least 14 days in advance to receive a full refund. If you cancel your class between 13 and 7 days before the start date, you will be refunded 1/2 of your tuition. Your tuition is non-refundable if you cancel within 7 days before the start of your class.
3. **Cancellation by Studio**: The studio reserves the right to cancel any workshop or class due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. Registrants will receive a full refund. **Please note, any workshop or class needs 3 or more participants to run.**
Health and Safety
1. **Report Accidents**: Immediately report any accidents or injuries to studio staff.
2. **Prohibited Activities**: Smoking, eating, and the use of open flames are strictly prohibited in the working studio to prevent contamination and fire hazards. Snacks and food can be consumed in the gallery area away from wet work and clay.
3. **No Dry Sanding**: Clay dust can cause health problems with prolonged exposure. This studio does not allow dry sanding at any time. If sanding, it is necessary to use water.
Respect and Community
1. **Harassment-Free Environment**: We are committed to providing a workspace free of harassment, discrimination, and intimidation. Treat fellow members and staff with respect and kindness.
2. **Noise Level:** Please turn cell phones to silent mode and take your phone calls outside. Please maintain a noise level that is courteous.
3. **Collaborative Spirit**: We encourage a collaborative and supportive environment. Feel free to share techniques, offer constructive feedback, and assist others where possible.