Member FAQ
Studio Access & Expectations
Is there parking?
Do not park in the lot behind the studio without a permit, as you will be towed.
When may I arrive?
For evening and weekend Drop-Ins, arrival is 30 minutes prior to the start time listed on Mindbody.
For weekday daytime Drop-Ins, arrival is 30 minutes after the start time listed on Mindbody.
If you’re unsure, please refer to the Drop-In description for details.
What are my responsibilities as a member?
You are responsible for maintaining your workspace, cleaning up after yourself, managing your pieces through the firing process, and staying up to date with studio protocol and communications.
Please review the Studio Protocol for full expectations:
https://www.communityclay.ca/pages/studio-protocol
Communication
Will I receive reminders?
Important updates are sent by email. Members are responsible for monitoring their inbox and spam folder.
What is the best way to reach out if I have general questions?
Please review the Studio Protocol, Member FAQ, and any recent emails, as most questions are answered there.
If you are unable to find your answer, you’re welcome to ask in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00–6:20 pm. Outside of that time, I will be teaching or completing tasks that require my full attention.
Thank you for helping keep communication efficient so I may focus on running the studio.
Before emailing, please check:
- Studio Protocol
- Member FAQ
- Reject shelf
- Your spam folder
- Pickup schedule
Most questions are answered in these resources.
Membership & Studio Use
May I bring guests?
Guests are not permitted.
May I use outside clay?
Only studio-approved clay may be used for firing.
What if I need help?
You may ask questions during the arrival window of your Drop-In. Outside of that time, I may be teaching or completing other tasks.
Scheduling & Drop-Ins
When are schedules updated?
Schedules are updated at the beginning of each month, with additional sessions added as needed.
What happens if I miss a Drop-In?
You may email to inquire about a credit. If it is not a recurring habit, you were not the only one registered, and the session was not full, a credit may be returned.
What happens if I can’t use all my Drop-Ins?
Unused credits do not automatically roll over. If you are unable to use your credits, you may email to inquire about a one-time rollover to the following month.
Pickups & Storage
How do I pick up my work?
You will receive an email with pickup instructions once your items are ready.
When may I collect my items?
Items may only be collected during scheduled pickup times unless you are attending a Drop-In: https://www.communityclay.ca/pages/student-member-pick-up
Can I send someone else to collect my things?
Items must be collected by the member unless otherwise arranged in advance by email.https://www.communityclay.ca/products/work-collection-fee
How long may I leave my items?
Please collect your fired items within the timeframe outlined in your email. Unclaimed items will be recycled or donated. A short delay is okay, but please do not make this a habit.
May I store my work at the studio?
Yes, within your assigned shelf space. Additional shelf space may be added to your membership: https://www.communityclay.ca/pages/membership
Materials & Tools
Do I need to purchase clay and tools?
Yes. Clay must be purchased through the studio. Tools may be purchased from anywhere.
When may I collect clay and tools?
Clay may be collected during the arrival window of your Drop-In.
Tools will be placed on your shelf during my next admin time in the studio.
Stained clay and underglazes may take 5–20 business days to process. Thank you for your patience.
May I bring in outside materials?
General Members may bring in underglazes once you have emailed links for approval. Testing—either on test tiles or the inside of small vessels—is required to ensure compatibility.
Checked-out Members may bring in outside glazes once approved as above.
No other outside materials are permitted.
Can I use wax?
No. Due to ventilation and odour concerns, wax is not permitted. Members have had success using removable latex as a resist. All resist materials must be removed prior to firing.
Can I add materials to my clay?
No.
How much work may I make?
As much as you like. If you are producing a large volume of work, please refer to our firing services: https://www.communityclay.ca/pages/firing-services
Firing
When may I check on my pieces?
You may visit during pickup hours to view completed items.
https://www.communityclay.ca/pages/student-member-pick-up
Why can’t I find my pieces I placed on the firing shelf?
If you have not received a firing email and your items are no longer on the shelf, they are likely in the kiln. Once the kiln is fired, cooled, and unloaded, you will receive an email when your items are ready for pickup.
How often are items fired?
Items are fired weekly depending on kiln capacity. Once loaded, firing, cooling, and unloading typically take about 3 days.
How will I know when my items are ready?
You will receive an email once your items have been fired, unloaded, and are ready for pickup.
Can I get an update on my pieces?
Individual updates are not provided. If you have not received an email, your items are still in the queue or may have been rejected. After checking the reject shelf checklist you are welcome to ask me questions during the arrival time Tuesday's & Thursday's 6-620ish pm.
Why hasn’t my piece been fired yet?
Larger or taller pieces may take longer to fire as they often require specific kiln space. As long as your items are not rejected, they remain in the firing queue.
What do I do if my items are rejected?
Review the firing checklist on the bisque or glaze shelves. If there is no note and the issue is unclear, you may have placed your items on the reject shelf in error. Address any concerns and return them to the appropriate shelf. Please read the signs.
What if something happens to my work?
Ceramics are unpredictable. Cracking, warping, or breakage may occur. The studio does not guarantee outcomes.
Glazing
Is glazing included?
Glazing is not included in Membership and must be booked separately through a Glaze Workshop: https://www.communityclay.ca/pages/glazing-workshop
When should I book a Glaze Workshop?
Once your items are bisque fired, you have received your email, and you have collected your work.
Studio Values
Community Clay is a shared creative space rooted in respect and inclusion.
Discrimination, harassment, or behavior that makes others feel unsafe will not be tolerated.
Thank you for being part of the studio!