Clay Collective Community Membership Handbook

Welcome!

Welcome to Clay Collective! We're so excited you've joined our community of makers.

Whether you're continuing your ceramics practice or returning after a class, this handbook will help you make the most of your membership. Inside you'll find everything you need to know about booking studio time, using the studio, caring for your work, and being a great member of our creative community.

Your Membership at a Glance

Your monthly Community Membership includes:

  • 18 hours of studio access each month

    • 4 Open Studio Sessions (12 hours)

    • 2 Continuing Ceramics Sessions (6 hours)

    • Prefer more independent studio time? You may use your Continuing Ceramics hours as Open Studio sessions.

  • Designated project storage

  • Access to communal studio tools

  • 10 rotating studio glazes

  • One-half kiln shelf of firing each month

  • Community Clay Night admission

  • 20% off classes and workshops with code COMMUNITY20

Getting Started

New Members

If this is your first time working in our Broadway Studio, please schedule a 30-minute Studio Orientation before booking Open Studio.

During orientation we'll show you:

  • Studio layout

  • Equipment locations

  • Cleaning procedures

  • Clay reclaim

  • Kiln process

  • Studio expectations

[Book Orientation]

Returning Members

Welcome back! You can begin booking Open Studio immediately.

[Book Open Studio Time]

Booking Studio Time

Open Studio sessions must be reserved online to help us manage capacity and ensure everyone has space to work comfortably.

Drop-ins are welcome when space allows, but all visitors must check in with staff.

[View Open Studio Schedule]

Need additional studio time? Extra Open Studio sessions are available for purchase.

[Purchase Studio Time]

If you experience booking issues, call or text:

  • (208) 803-5923

  • (208) 286-8321

    or email

  • info@claybyshay.com

Project Storage

Each Community Member receives:

  • One designated shelf

  • One 12" × 24" ware board

Please remember:

  • Store all work on your ware board—not directly on shelves.

  • Clearly label all work with your first and last name.

  • Keep shelves and ware boards dry.

  • Additional storage is available for rent.

[rent more shelf space]

Ware boards are handmade by our studio technicians. Replacement cost for lost or damaged boards is $75.

Clay

Clay is purchased separately from membership.

Members may:

Please:

  • Cut clay using a wire tool.

  • Weigh clay before use.

  • Record all clay in the Clay Log located in the Clay Room

All reclaim belongs to the studio reclaim system unless you maintain your own reclaim through rented clay storage.

Glazing & Firing

Membership includes:

  • 10 rotating studio glazes

  • One-half kiln shelf of firing per month

Our firings:

  • Bisque: Cone 06

  • Glaze: Cone 5/6

Please log every firing in the Kiln Log (yellow binder in the Kiln Room) including:

  • Name

  • Date

  • Piece description

  • Measurements

  • Type of firing

Additional firing space is available for purchase.

[purchase more firing allowance]

Access to Underglaze is a monthly fee.

[add underglaze access to your membership]

Community Clay Night

Community Clay Night is a monthly gathering where members, students, alumni, and guests create together.

Members attend free.

Guests are welcome for a $25 studio and materials fee.

Reservations are required.

[reserve your spot]

Studio Etiquette

Clay Collective is a shared creative space. Please help us keep it welcoming for everyone.

Clean Up

Leave the studio cleaner than you found it.

Always:

  • Clean your wheel completely.

  • Wipe down all surfaces.

  • Return tools.

  • Clean clay from handles, faucets, switches, and sinks.

  • Mop if necessary.

  • Keep floors, shelves, and ware boards free of standing water.

Respect Shared Spaces

  • Use headphones for personal music.

  • Silence phones.

  • Take calls outside the studio.

  • Keep walkways clear.

  • Report broken equipment immediately.

  • Please only use clean hands when handling the studio books

Food & Drinks

Light snacks are welcome.

No food or open beverages in the glaze room.

Do Not Disturb

Two headphones = working.

One headphone = open to conversation.

Please be mindful that many members come to the studio for focused creative time.

End-of-Month Policies

Before your membership renews or ends:

  • Complete all wet work.

  • Clean your shelf.

  • Remove personal belongings.

  • Pick up finished work promptly.

Wet work remaining after the final day of the month will be recycled.

Finished work is held for 30 days.

After 30 days, unclaimed work becomes part of our Pottery Graveyard fundraiser supporting studio improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What clay can I use?

Any approved cone 5/6 clay.

What temperatures do you fire to?

Primarily cone 5 oxidation, with occasional cone 04 and Raku firings.

How long do you hold finished work?

30 days after your membership ends.

When should I consider the Maker's Membership?

You may be ready if you:

  • Feel confident working independently.

  • Produce work regularly.

  • Need more studio time.

  • Want additional access and flexibility.

[Join Maker’s Membership]

Welcome to the Community

Clay Collective is more than a ceramics studio—it's a community of artists who learn from one another, celebrate each other's successes, and help keep this space welcoming for everyone.

Thank you for taking care of the studio and the people who share it. We can't wait to see what you create.

🩷 Clay Collective Team