Pottery Studio Policies & Terms and Conditions

These policies and terms ensure a safe, accessible, and well‑maintained environment for all pottery users at Earth Studio. They outline expectations for annual access members, drop‑in users, workshop participants, and FDAC staff working within the studio.

1 – Scope

These policies apply to all FDAC employees, annual access members, drop‑in users, workshop participants, and anyone working within the pottery studio.

2 – Definitions

Glaze: A glassy coating melted onto a ceramic surface.
Greenware: Unfired clay that that has not undergone quartz inversion and can therefore be turned back into it’s workable state.
Bisqueware: Clay that has been fired once to a lower temperature to burn off impurities and volatiles and is not yet suitable for use but is ready to be glazed and fired again.
Glazed Ware: Finished ceramic piece that has been bisque‑fired and glaze‑fired.
Firing: A full kiln cycle containing ceramic work.

3 – General Policy Guidelines

If studio policies are not followed, access may be temporarily or permanently revoked depending on severity. All users are responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, and respectful working environment. All clay used in the studio must be purchased on site. Do not use clays bought elsewhere unless approved by the pottery tech for Kiln-For-Hire.

4 – Annual Membership Access Terms & Conditions

Annual Membership access follows a fixed yearly cycle from May 1st of the current year to April 30th of the following year.
Annual Membership access is not prorated.
Pottery memberships are non‑refundable and non‑transferable. If you do not use your membership, no refunds, credits, or transfers will be issued. If you are unsure how often you will attend the studio, we recommend choosing the drop-in option. You can upgrade to a membership at any time throughout the year.
Limited annual access memberships are available; payment must be made in full to secure a spot.
If you have a barrier for paying your membership please contact us to discuss, we have options available to help anyone who requires assistance.

Skill Requirements & Orientation

Annual access users must have a working knowledge of ceramics and be able to complete all steps of the process independently.
All users must watch a studio orientation video before using the studio on their own. You will not be permitted appointments until you have completed an annual orientation.
New studio users must complete a studio orientation to demonstrate skill level.
Users must demonstrate comfort with studio procedures before independent use.

Booking & Use of Studio Time

Studio time must be booked through the appointments page.
Monthly hours and firing volume operate on an averaging system.
During busy season (Sept 1 – Nov 30), users must adhere strictly to allotted monthly time.
Pick‑up and drop‑off appointments do not count toward monthly studio hours.

Firing Expectations

Kiln operations are managed by the pottery tech.
FDAC cannot guarantee work; pottery involves inherent risk.
Firing delays may occur during busy periods.
Number of pieces will be on average and determined based on a mixture of styles/sizes. If you create more in one month but less in another this can average out, however there may be a delay in firing especially during busy periods. Please plan ahead for the holiday season.

Renewal & Conduct

FDAC may deny renewal or remove access if the Code of Conduct or studio policies are not followed.

5 – Drop‑In Access Terms

Drop-in access is an option if you are looking to develop your skills independently or for experienced potters who don’t use the studio regularly enough to require annual membership access.

Drop‑in users must have completed the Beginner Intensive Pottery multi-week workshop or have proof of 20 hours of experience. Alternatively, users may attend with an annual access member who supervises their visit.
Drop‑ins must be pre‑booked and paid in advance.
Pieces not progressing through the process will be removed from the studio.
Appointments may be cancelled if skill requirements are not met.
Workshops are available to help develop skills, see the Events List for offerings.

6 – Clay Purchasing Policies

All clay used in the studio must be purchased through The Arts Station.
Annual access users receive clay in their locker within 2 business days.
Drop‑in clay is placed on the labelled shelf.
Buff, speckled, red, and white clays are available.
External clay is not permitted unless hiring the kiln, with proof of purchase required.
Glazes are only available if clay is purchased through the studio.

7 – Recycling Clay

Only unfired clay may be placed in reclaim buckets.
Break pieces larger than a toonie into smaller chunks.
Do not add bisqueware or contaminated materials.
Reclaim buckets are for trimming scraps, broken greenware, and old throwing slurry.

8 – Ventilation

Keep the main studio fan on at all times during use.
Replace filters every three months to reduce airborne dust.

9 – Cleaning & Dust Control

Silicosis is a form of occupational lung disease by inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Silicosis is a progressive, disabling, and often fatal lung disease. Silicosis is an irreversible condition with no cure. When small silica dust particles are inhaled, they can embed themselves deeply into the tiny alveolar sacs and ducts in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide gases are exchanged. There the lungs cannot clear out the dust by mucus or coughing. Silica appears in glazes and clay.

Users must follow all dust‑control procedures:

Leave 15 minutes at the end of each session for cleanup.
Clean all surfaces you touch: work surfaces, wheels, walls, canvas, floors, sinks, tools, shelves.
Wet‑mop floors to control dust; do not sweep.
Clean up spills when they occur. Do not allow them to dry.
Dump dirty clay water outside near the train tracks.
Never put clay down the sink, it will cause the pipes to back up.
Use HEPA‑filter vacuums only.
Wipe surfaces with a wet sponge, then finish with clean water.
Clean tools with a sponge and clean water, then return them to their original location.

10 – Handbuilding Policies

Protect tabletops from cuts and heavy objects.
Clean work area and anything you’ve touched
Users may be billed for damage caused to studio surfaces or equipment.

11 – Storage & Locker Policies

Each annual access level includes a locker with a lock.
No food or hazardous materials allowed.
Lockers must be cleared at year‑end; FDAC will dispose of items left behind.
FDAC have a master key and have the right to enter the locker:
- If they suspect non permitted items are inside. FDAC will endeavour to inform members before doing so unless there is imminent danger.
- To place pre-paid clay inside.
- Clean out & dispose of items at the end of each fiscal year.
Items must fit inside the locker; remove excess materials after each appointment.
The Arts Station is not responsible for any lost or stolen items (all supplies, tools, and pottery are left at your own risk). There are video cameras in the studio and kiln room see Video Surveillance Policy.
Video footage is stored for 7 days. Please do not wait to get in touch if you have a concern (issues related to damage, missing property, etc).