CLASS & OPEN STUDIO FAQ’S
WHAT’S INCLUDED
What is included in your HS-Adult 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. Experienced students interested in using an alternative clay body must receive prior approval from the studio owner before bringing an alternative clay into the studio.
Outside glazes: Permitted if pre-approved and safe for up to 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 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.
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 (greenware, wet work, and bisqueware) must remain in the studio until they have completed their final glaze firing. Transporting fragile clay pieces back and forth can easily lead to damage, drying issues, cross-contamination with other materials not suitable for our kilns, or other complications. Students may not bring in projects made at home solely for firing at the studio. All work fired in our kilns must be created at Claybird Studio using studio clay or a pre-approved clay body. If you have a special circumstance or project in mind, please speak with Beth before proceeding.
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?
Possibly, and we will do our best to do so! We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. To help ensure we can properly support your needs and provide the best possible experience, we kindly ask that you contact the studio owner in advance to discuss any accommodations that may be helpful. Please reach out to Beth Wright at info@claybirdstudio.com prior to registering so we can determine how best to support you.
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, to practice, or to finish pieces. Students receive unlimited Open Studio access throughout their enrolled session. 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 students, allowing them to practice, experiment, and work independently outside of class. 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 available times are announced at the start of each new session, and are subject to change week to week/session to session based on studio availability. However, we aim to provide plenty of available blocks of time throughout the 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 20% 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 may be available for rent for students 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 pottery in progress.
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 free open studio time.
