MEMBERSHIP OVERVIEW
Studio Ceramica's Sunday Membership Program (the "Program") provides members with access to the studio every Sunday between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Membership is open to potters with prior experience across the full pottery process, from wedging to glazing.
MEMBERSHIP & PRICING
Monthly Fee: $199.00 CAD
The Membership includes:
- Studio access every Sunday
- One full combined kiln shelf (bisque + glaze) per month
- One dedicated storage shelf and one wareboard (32 5/8" x 19 5/8", up to 70 lbs)
- 10% discount on all Studio Ceramica classes
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Studio glaze, underglaze, and wax access
MINIMUM COMMITMENT
A minimum commitment of three (3) consecutive months applies to all memberships. Members who cancel prior to completing their three-month minimum will forfeit their security deposit.
BILLING & PAYMENT
Membership fees are billed monthly on the 1st of the month. Members who register after the 1st will have their first month prorated based on their registration date. Once the billing cycle resets to the 1st, members will be required to complete 3 full months of membership.
SECURITY DEPOSIT
A security deposit of $100.00 CAD + 1 month of membership fee is required before the membership becomes active.
The deposit will be held for the duration of the membership and returned upon termination, provided that:
- All outstanding fees and charges have been settled in full
- No damage attributable to the member has been identified
- The membership has not been terminated for cause
The deposit will be applied against any outstanding balances or damage costs prior to any refund being issued.
LATE PAYMENT
Failure to process payment on the scheduled billing date may result in temporary suspension of studio access until the balance is settled. Studio Ceramica reserves the right to terminate a membership for repeated non-payment.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Members who wish to cancel their membership must provide a minimum of thirty-one (31) days' written notice prior to the desired end date. Notice must be submitted via email to Studio Ceramica and is only considered received upon written confirmation from the studio.
EFFECT OF CANCELLATION
Upon receipt of a valid cancellation notice, the member's billing will continue through the end of the notice period. Studio access will remain active during this time. The security deposit will be returned within fourteen (14) business days of the membership end date, subject to the conditions outlined in the Security Deposit section above.
EARLY CANCELLATION
Cancellations submitted before completion of the three-month minimum commitment period will result in forfeiture of the security deposit. No partial refund of monthly fees will be issued.
STUDIO ACCESS & BOOKINGS
Sessions are booked on a first-come, first-served basis through Studio Ceramica's online booking system. Members are encouraged to reserve their Sunday sessions in advance to secure their preferred time. Studio access is limited to Sundays between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
CLAY POLICY
Studio Ceramica's clay body is a cone 6 speckled stoneware, available for purchase at $34.00 per 10 kg sleeve. Clay must be purchased through the studio unless member-supplied clay meets the requirements outlined below.
MEMBER-SUPPLIED CLAY
Members may bring their own clay provided that:
- The clay body is cone 6, white, cream, or speckled
- The clay has been approved in advance by the Studio Ceramica technician
Coloured clay bodies are not permitted at this time.
PROHIBITED CLAY — LOW-FIRE CLAY
The use of low-fire clay is strictly prohibited under any circumstances. Low-fire clay fired in a high-fire kiln poses a serious risk to kiln equipment, kiln furniture, and the work of other members. If a member introduces low-fire clay into the studio, whether intentionally or accidentally, the member accepts full financial responsibility for all resulting damages.
This includes, without limitation:
- Kiln repair costs
- Replacement of damaged kiln shelves and kiln furniture
- Any other costs arising from damage to equipment or other members' work
Studio Ceramica's determination as to the cause of damage shall be conclusive for the purposes of this policy.
GLAZING POLICY
Access to Studio Ceramica's selection of studio glazes, underglazes, and wax is included with the Membership at no additional charge. Studio glazes are cone 6 and must be used in accordance with the studio's application guidelines.
MEMBER-SUPPLIED GLAZES
Members may use their own glazes provided they are cone 5/6 only. All member-supplied glazes must be tested prior to use on finished work. Members are responsible for making and firing test tiles before their glazes are cleared for studio use.
GLAZE LIMIT & COOKIE REQUIREMENT
All pieces submitted for firing must follow the studio's glaze application guidelines, including the maximum glaze load permitted per piece. Any piece that does not respect the studio's glaze limit must be accompanied by a cookie — a flat, unglazed clay slab placed beneath the piece — to protect the kiln shelf from potential glaze drips. It is the member's responsibility to prepare and include a cookie for any such piece before submitting it for firing. A fee of $15.00 will be assessed for any kiln shelf damage or glaze drips attributable to improper glaze application.
FIRING & KILN POLICY
The Membership includes one full combined kiln shelf per month, with bisque and glaze firing combined.
Additional firing is available at the following rates:
- Individual piece: $5.00 to $10.00, depending on size
- Quarter shelf: $15.00
- Half shelf: $25.00
- Full shelf: $45.00
- Additional height beyond the 6" standard shelf: $10.00 per additional 2"
- Private full kiln booking (bisque or glaze): $155.00
FIRING TIMELINES
Studio Ceramica will make reasonable efforts to accommodate firing timelines; however, specific firing schedules cannot be guaranteed.
NO GUARANTEE OF FIRING RESULTS
Pottery is subject to the inherent risks of the firing process. Studio Ceramica does not guarantee the survival, structural integrity, or final appearance of any piece submitted for firing.
Members acknowledge and accept that:
- Pieces that are too thin may crack or break during firing
- Pieces that are too thick may retain moisture, causing them to explode in the kiln at high temperature due to steam expansion
- Glaze results, surface finishes, and final outcomes may vary from expected results
No refunds, credits, or remakes will be issued for breakage, cracking, warping, or aesthetic outcomes resulting from the firing process.
LABELLING
All pieces submitted for firing must be clearly and legibly labelled using the notes provided by the studio. Unlabelled or improperly labelled pieces may be discarded. Studio Ceramica accepts no responsibility for lost or discarded work due to improper labelling.
STORAGE & FINISHED WORK
Members are provided with one full storage shelf and one wareboard for work in progress. Members are responsible for maintaining their storage area in an organized and tidy condition. Items not collected within a reasonable timeframe may be discarded due to studio space constraints. Studio Ceramica accepts no liability for discarded items.
STUDIO ETIQUETTE & CLEANLINESS
Studio Ceramica is a shared space. All members are expected to treat the studio, equipment, and their fellow makers with care and respect.
Members are responsible for:
- Thoroughly cleaning their wheel, workspace, and surrounding area after every session
- Cleaning all tools and returning them to their designated location
- Cleaning the sink and ensuring it is free of clay buildup
- Maintaining noise levels that are considerate of others
- Following all safety guidelines and staff instructions at all times
THREE-STRIKE POLICY
Studio Ceramica operates a three-strike policy for cleanliness and studio rule violations:
- Strike 1: The member receives a formal written warning.
- Strike 2: The member receives a second written warning and may be required to meet with studio management.
- Strike 3: The membership is subject to immediate termination and the security deposit will be forfeited.
Studio Ceramica reserves the right to determine, at its sole discretion, what constitutes a violation. Repeated or egregious conduct may result in immediate termination without the three-strike process.
DAMAGE & LIABILITY
Any damage to studio equipment, tools, or facilities resulting from misuse or negligence will be billed to the responsible member. Studio Ceramica is not responsible for personal belongings brought into the studio.
HEALTH, SAFETY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Participation in studio activities involves inherent risks, including but not limited to exposure to clay dust, chemical glazes, sharp tools, rotating equipment, hot surfaces, and heavy objects. By participating in the Program and using the studio, members voluntarily acknowledge and assume these inherent risks. Members must notify Studio Ceramica staff of any relevant medical conditions, allergies, or physical limitations prior to their first session. Kilns and restricted equipment may only be operated with explicit staff consent and supervision.
LIABILITY WAIVER & INDEMNITY
By participating in the Program and using the studio, members agree to release Studio Ceramica, its owners, employees, contractors, and agents from any and all liability arising from participation in studio activities. Members agree to indemnify and hold harmless Studio Ceramica against any claims, damages, or costs arising from their actions or use of the studio.
PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA
Studio Ceramica reserves the right to photograph or record studio sessions for marketing and promotional purposes. Members who do not wish to be included in any media must inform staff prior to their session. By default, participation constitutes consent to photography for promotional use.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
All Studio Ceramica branding, content, designs, and materials are the exclusive property of Studio Ceramica and may not be reproduced without prior written permission. Members who submit feedback, images, or testimonials grant Studio Ceramica a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use such materials for promotional or operational purposes.
AMENDMENTS
Studio Ceramica reserves the right to update or amend this membership policy, studio policies, and pricing at any time. Members will be notified of material changes with a minimum of thirty (30) days' written notice. Continued use of the membership following notification constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
GOVERNING LAW
This policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
