Open Studio Membership Agreement & Policies
Welcome
Welcome to Clay Collective! We are a shared community ceramics studio built on creativity, respect, and collaboration. Every member plays an important role in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone.
By purchasing a Clay Collective Open Studio Membership, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to comply with the following Membership Agreement and Studio Policies. These guidelines help ensure a positive experience for every member and allow us to maintain a safe, clean, and inspiring creative space.
Membership, Studio Access & Security
Membership is non-transferable and may only be used by the registered member.
Members are required to reserve Open Studio time through the Clay Collective booking system before arriving. Studio access is limited to your reserved booking time and is subject to availability.
Members are expected to arrive and leave within their scheduled reservation to allow fair access. Members may adjust request a staff member to adjust their code by emailing info@claybyshay.com
Reservations may be canceled or rescheduled at least 24 hours before the scheduled session. Repeated no-shows or failure to cancel reservations may result in temporary suspension of booking privileges.
One guests per month is permitted by appointment only. Guests information must be recorded at the time of booking.
Each membership includes a unique personal key-code for studio access. Your key code is assigned exclusively to you and may not be shared or used by anyone else.
The studio security system logs each use of member access codes and records video at all studio entry points. Sharing your key code, allowing another person to enter using your code, or providing unauthorized access to the studio may result in immediate suspension or termination of your membership.
The rear entrance automatically locks approximately 30 seconds after each use. Members are responsible for ensuring the door fully closes and latches behind them when entering or exiting.
The front entrance is a fire-safe exit door. Members may always exit through the front door; however, it will automatically lock behind you and cannot be used for re-entry.
For the safety and security of our community, exterior doors may never be propped open or left unsecured for any reason.
Clay Collective reserves the right to modify studio hours, reservation procedures, or booking policies as needed.
Studio Cleanup
Members are expected to leave the studio in the same or better condition than they found it.
Before leaving, please:
Remove all clay from wheels, tables, tools, bats, wareboards, splash pans, and work surfaces.
Wash and return all studio tools to their designated storage areas.
Clean clay, slip, debris, and excess water from your workspace and surrounding floor.
Empty and clean splash pans.
Mop your work area if necessary.
Leave your workspace clean, organized, and ready for the next member.
Clay Handling & Reclaim
To protect our plumbing and support our reclaim system:
Never dispose of clay, slurry, or glaze materials in sinks or drains.
Place usable clay scraps in designated reclaim containers.
Follow studio instructions for separating reclaim clay from non-reclaim materials.
Dispose of trash in designated waste containers only.
Improper disposal of clay or glaze materials may result in members being held financially responsible for resulting repairs.
Equipment & Studio Care
Our equipment is shared by the entire Clay Collective community.
Members agree to:
Use all equipment only for its intended purpose.
Clean equipment immediately after use.
Handle wheels, tools, bats, wareboards, shelving, and furniture with care.
Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment promptly.
Refrain from attempting repairs unless authorized by staff.
Members may be financially responsible for damage caused by misuse, negligence, or failure to follow studio guidelines.
Kiln & Firing Policies
Ceramics is an inherently unpredictable process, and firing results cannot be guaranteed.
Members agree that:
Only approved clay bodies and glazes may be used.
Work must meet Clay Collective firing guidelines before being placed on kiln shelves.
All work must be recorded in the Kiln Log.
Pieces must be properly glazed, cleaned and legibly signed before firing.
Clay Collective reserves the right to refuse any work that could damage kiln equipment or other members' work.
Clay Collective is not responsible for damage resulting from firing, including but not limited to cracking, warping, glaze defects, explosions, kiln malfunctions, or other naturally occurring ceramic processes.
Storage of Work & Personal Property
Members may only store work and materials in designated areas.
Please:
Clearly label all personal tools and artwork.
Remove work before posted storage deadlines
Finished work can be stored for 30 days
Work left beyond designated deadlines may be recycled, discarded, or donated.
Clay Collective is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged artwork, tools, or personal belongings.
Safety
Safety is everyone's responsibility.
Members agree to:
Keep floors dry and free of slip hazards.
Wipe work surfaces to minimize airborne silica dust.
Never sweep dry clay dust; always use approved wet-cleaning methods.
Keep walkways clear of tools, boxes, cords, and personal belongings.
Follow all posted safety procedures and staff instructions.
Use studio equipment only if they understand its safe operation.
Report unsafe conditions or accidents immediately.
Community Standards
Clay Collective is built on kindness, creativity, and mutual respect.
Members agree to:
Treat fellow members, instructors, and staff with courtesy and respect.
Respect shared equipment and communal workspaces.
Maintain appropriate noise levels within the studio.
Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, theft, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in immediate suspension or termination of membership.
Assumption of Risk
Working in a ceramics studio involves inherent risks, including cuts, burns, lifting injuries, exposure to ceramic dust, operation of specialized equipment, and handling heavy materials.
There are many small steps throughout the building. They are clearly marked. Clay Collective is not responsible for any harm or damage done by tripping on these steps.
By participating in Clay Collective, members voluntarily assume these risks and agree to use the studio responsibly and safely.
Liability
Members are responsible for damage caused by negligence or misuse of studio equipment or facilities.
Clay Collective, its owners, employees, instructors, and volunteers are not liable for loss of personal property or damage to artwork resulting from normal studio operations, firing processes, equipment failure, accidents, theft, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Policy Enforcement
Clay Collective reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership, with or without refund, for violations of this agreement, including but not limited to:
Repeated failure to clean work areas.
Unsafe behavior.
Misuse of studio equipment.
Failure to follow studio policies.
Repeated booking violations or no-shows.
Sharing key codes or allowing unauthorized access.
Behavior that disrupts the studio community or endangers others.
These decisions are made at the sole discretion of Clay Collective to protect the safety, security, and well-being of the community.
Policy Updates
Clay Collective reserves the right to modify or update these policies as needed. Members will be notified of significant changes. Continued use of the studio after any policy updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Membership Agreement.
Member Acknowledgment
By purchasing and maintaining a Clay Collective Open Studio Membership, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Membership Agreement and Studio Policies. Your cooperation helps create a clean, safe, secure, and inspiring community studio where everyone can create, learn, and thrive.
Thank you for doing your part to care for our shared studio.