Studio Frequently Asked Questions

General: 

Classes and Workshops:

• What's the difference between a Course and a Workshop?
  A Workshop is a one day class, where we finish the items for you! A Course is a series of multi-week classes where you get to experience the entire process of making ceramics.
  
  
• I am a complete beginner, what's the best option for me?
  We've noticed that students who take the Beginner Wheel Workshop end up learning quicker in the Mulit-week Course! This is a benefit, not a necessity. You are welcome to enroll in the Beginner Wheel Course if you've never touched clay before!
  
  
• When does the class registration open?
  Registration generally opens the week after our current course starts, for the latest update follow us on instagram or subscribe to our email list -scroll down to the bottom of the site- be notified. 
  
  
• Can I register someone else for the Course?
  If you registered someone else for this Course please have them create an account at https://www.communityclay.ca/account/register and then email us to let us know their name and email. We will get your loved one set up with the necessary permissions to acquire tools & clay.
  
  
• How many students are there in a class?
  We believe in each student getting one on one time with the Instructor, so there are a maximum of 8 students in a class. When comparing pricing online, please consider that cheaper classes usually means more students and the quality of instruction will be impacted.
  
  
• How long are classes? 
  Each class session is 2.5 hours generally running once a week for 8 weeks (8 sessions total.) You are welcome to come 30 minutes early to get settled and talk to your Instructor, instructions will be in the Welcome to the Studio email.
  
  
• Can I register my kids or teens? 
  Occasionally we offer classes or workshops for kids or teens. Check our Courses & Workshops Collection to see current availability. Or send us an email! Have some friends? We can schedule a Course just for you!
  
  
• What is your refund policy? 
  Classes and workshops are non-refundable. If we are able to refill the spot we will issue a refund minus a $50 administration fee.
  
  
• What tools should I bring to class? 
  Basic tool sets include a wire cutter, trimming tool, and pin tool. You may also purchase from us, instructions are in the Studio Welcome email.
  
  

• What will we learn in the Course?
  The Course’s focus is on learning and developing an efficient and thoughtful practice. We recommend that you focus on developing the fundamentals of throwing: once you understand how to work with the clay you won’t need any instruction on how to make things, as it will come naturally. Our recommendation is to work on cylinders for the first course or two (8-16 weeks) working your way up to 2lbs, if your goal is to develop your practice. This helps to really understand the basic skills of throwing.

• Can I attend Drop In’s during my Course?
  Yes! Drop In’s are $25+tx and may be booked anytime during your Course cycle.

• Can I attend Drop In’s after my Course?
  You will need to have taken 8 weeks of Courses to obtain a Membership, we recommend emailing in a couple weeks before your Course ends to coordinate Membership. You may find more Membership info here.

• Are there makeups for Classes?
  If you are sick during your course, you may remove yourself from registration on the MindBody App. Please use this link. To be eligible for a Make Up Class you must mark yourself away at least 24 hours PRIOR to the missed class. Make Up’s are subject to availability, and are not guaranteed. Make ups need to be completed during you Course cycle.

• How much work may I make during my Course?
  As much as you want! We recommend to only keep 3-4 pieces from your first course as the learning curve is quick, very soon you’ll outgrow the pieces you keep. If you don’t keep alot, you will have more clay to re-use! 
  

• How much is firing?
  A wareboard is 9 x 18 x 3” tall, but these dimensions may be reconfigured within the same square inches (we will go over this with you in class!) A quarter wareboard is $10 (3-4 beginner pieces) and a full wareboard is $35+tx. You may stack your items to fit more pieces! To reduce costs, you only pay for what you want fired. Your instructor will go over this with you in Week 7.

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  Will you let us know when our items are bisque-fired?
  Yes! We will send you an email when your work is bisqued. Please ensure you are around the week after the firing to collect your things. While people are generally respectful it’s a good idea to collect your items as soon as they are fired to avoid any damage or loss of work. You may also pay for our Work Collection Service.

• What guarantees does the Studio offer on work?
  We promise to do *our best* to get your items through the kiln safely, however sometimes things are outside of our control. Items may crack during the firing due to events during throwing or trimming. The studio does not guarantee that you will complete any work by attending a Course, Workshop, or Drop In, but we do try our best to ensure you have everything you need to be successful. Your Instructor will go over this all in detail with you in class. Please note that as soon as you enroll in a class we consider you an artist! We will teach you all the basics of creating pottery and you will be responsible for covering and managing the dryness of your items, and keeping track of your pieces through the firings and collecting your work. We recommend reading emails thoroughly to stay on top of deadlines, and ask your Instructor lots of questions!

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  When do the items get fired?
  Generally items are fired in week 7 of the Course, or the week after a Shortie (4 week) Course. Please ensure you are around the week of firing to collect your work, or you may pay for work collection.

• Is Glazing included?
  Glazing Workshops are not included in the course fee and may be booked on Mindbody, $25+tax. There are a maximum of 6 students in a Glazing Workshop to ensure you get one on one support in learning how to Glaze.

   

• Will you let us know when the items are Glaze Fired?
  In the Glazing Workshop, your Instructor will give you an estimate as to when your items will come out of the kiln, which is generally 3-5 days after you glaze. You will need to collect your items within 7 days of them coming out of the kiln, so we recommend only booking the Glaze Workshop when you know you are around to collect your pieces.

   

• What happens if my Instructor is sick?
  We try our best to cover classes, in the event a substitute is not available your class will be rescheduled based on the majority of the students availability. If this doesn’t work for you we will try our best to help you make up the class, and if it doesn’t work out will figure something out that works for both of us :)

• What is your refund policy?
  If you purchase a Course and can no longer attend, please email us at least 10 business days prior to the start date. If we fill your spot, we will refund you less a $50 fee, or transfer your registration to another course in the future at no charge. You are also welcome to transfer the Course to a friend or loved one. Within 10 days or once the course has started we unfortunately can not offer a refund.

  By enrolling in a Course, you agree to our terms of service and take on responsibility of your work, and stay up to date on emails to ensure your best success in your learning experience! We are so excited to be a part of your journey, and can't wait to see how your practice develops. Tag us on ig so we can see your journey!!!

Membership

• Who are members and how can I become a member?
  Take a Course with us! Current Students are able to attend Drop In's while enrolled. Nearing the end of your Course send us an email to obtain a Membership. Info available here.

• What are Drop-In's?
  Drop-In's are a 3 hour self-guided practice at the studio. We strongly recommend attending one Drop In each week during your Course to practice. This will help you learn faster; we've noticed a significant difference in the learning curve for those who attend Drop In's. For full details please read through our Membership page
  
  
• How can I book a drop-in? 
  We use Mindbody! Students are welcome to book Drop-In's after their second class.
  
  
• Can I bring my own clay?
  Only clay purchased from the studio may be used. If you purchase a Gold or Resident level Membership you may request to bring in your own clays, all exceptions must be approved.
  
  
• Can I bring my own glaze?
  During your first Course only our glazes may be used. As you gain experience, there are opportunities to bring in outside glazes once you are "checked out."