Pottery FAQs

Pottery Studio Access

Who can use the pottery studio independently?

Independent studio use is reserved for potters who have completed the Beginner Intensive multi‑week workshop, have proof of at least 20 hours of prior experience, or have received approval from our pottery team. Approved users must have a working knowledge of ceramics and be able to complete all steps of the process on their own.

What do I need to do before booking studio time?

All independent users must watch an orientation video and complete an in‑person orientation. You must demonstrate comfort with studio procedures before booking any studio appointments.

Can beginners use the studio?

Yes, beginners can use the studio by purchasing a Drop‑In session and attending with an annual access member who will supervise their visit.

Drop‑In

Who can book a drop‑in session?

Drop‑Ins are available to:

Potters who have completed the Beginner Intensive
Potters with proof of 20 hours of experience who have received approval from our pottery team
Beginners who purchase a Drop‑In session and attend with an annual access member who will supervise their visit

How do I book a drop‑in session?

Visit our Drop-in page to purchase your three hour session. Please note that all clay used in the studio must be purchased through The Arts Station (visit our Puchase Clay page).

What are the studio hours?

The Pottery Studio is open when The Arts Station is open (Monday to Thursday 10am – 9pm, Friday & Saturday 10am – 3pm and closed on Sunday). However, the Earth Studio is not available when there are pottery workshops taking place, so please check the Events Calendar.

Annual Access Memberships

Who can become an annual access member?

Annual Access membership can be purchased by potters who have completed the Beginner Intensive Pottery Course or have proof of 20 hours of experience (with approval from our pottery team). Members must demonstrate a working knowledge of ceramics and be able to complete all steps independently.

What does annual access include?

Annual access includes independent studio use for an allocated number of hours (based on membership tier), a locker, lock, use of tools and access to firing.

What orientation is required to use the studio?

Members must watch an orientation video and complete an in‑person orientation before booking studio time.

When is the annual access membership period?

Annual access follows a fixed yearly cycle from May 1 to April 30. Memberships are not prorated, and you receive the same number of hours whether you join at the beginning or partway through the year.

How do annual access hours work?

Annual access hours operate on a yearly average system. You receive a set number of hours for the full year, and you may use them at your own pace – except during busy season (September 1–November 30), when members must follow their allotted monthly time. More information is available on the Pottery Policies page.

Can I get a refund or transfer my membership?

No. Pottery memberships are non‑refundable and non‑transferable. If you’re unsure how often you’ll attend, we recommend starting with Drop‑In access. Full details are available on the Pottery Policies page.

Pottery Workshops

How do I register for a pottery workshop?

Pottery workshop registration is first‑come, first‑served. Registration opens exactly three weeks before the workshop’s start date and time. For example, if a workshop begins on a Monday at 7pm, registration will open on a Monday at 7pm three weeks prior. To register, visit our Events List or Events Calendar and select the workshop you’re interested in.

When will the next pottery workshop be offered?

We offer pottery workshops as frequently as possible. They are very popular and fill quickly, and we do not hold a waitlist. New workshops are added throughout the year based on instructor availability and studio scheduling.

How will I know when a pottery workshop becomes available?

Pottery workshops fill fast, so keep an eye on our Events List or Events Calendar for new workshops. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to be the first to know about new workshops.

Can I cancel my workshop registration?

All workshop cancellation requests must be sent to info@theartsstation.com. Refunds are only available up to 72 hours before the workshop start time. After this point, preparation has already begun and refunds cannot be issued.

When will my pottery pieces be ready for pick‑up?

Finished pieces will take several weeks before they are ready for pick‑up. Pottery is a slow, multi‑step process. Your pieces must dry, be trimmed, bisque‑fired, glazed, and then fired a second time. Each stage takes time, and firing schedules depend on kiln availability and studio use. We will email you when your pieces are ready.

How long will my completed work be stored?

Finished pottery must be picked up within 30 days from the date we email you that it’s ready. Due to limited space, we cannot guarantee long‑term storage.

What if my pottery breaks?

While we take great care in handling and firing all work, occasional breakage can occur during drying and kiln firing. Unfortunately, this is an inherent risk of the ceramics process, and items cannot be replaced or refunded. Our workshops are designed as creative learning experiences. While the finished piece is meaningful, the true value lies in the process, exploration, and instruction you receive throughout the workshop.

Once I’ve taken a pottery workshop, can I join the studio as an annual member?

Annual access is reserved for potters who have completed the Beginner Intensive Course or have previous experience and received approval. If you have completed the Beginner Intensive Course, visit our Pottery Studio page to learn about drop‑in and annual access membership options. If you have previous experience from a different studio, please contact us at pottery@theartsstation.com.

Other Pottery Programs

What is the Fernie Potters Guild?

A social group of local artists who have a passion for all things clay! Offering members-only workshops and events. Their mandate is to provide their members opportunities to create, share ideas, attend workshops, promote sales of art pieces at markets or community events and have fun in a safe environment. They meet every other Tuesday from 7-9pm. Please contact Fernie Potters Guild directly to join at ferniepottersguild@gmail.com or more information can be found on the Fernie Potters Guild Facebook page.

What is Ready, Paint, Fire?

Ready, Paint, Fire! is our paint‑your‑own pottery program. It does not involve wheel throwing or clay work. You can choose a pre‑made piece and paint it using our glazes either:

At home with a Take‑Home Kit
In the studio by booking an appointment (unsupervised, all children must be accompanied by an adult)

Once painted, we will fire your piece in our kiln and it will be ready for pickup several weeks later. Please note that Ready, Paint, Fire! is separate from our pottery workshops and does not provide access to the pottery studio.