Welcome to North Boroughs Clay Club! Our studio is a creative community built on respect, curiosity, and care for one another and our shared space. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the following policies and procedures.

Art Is for Everyone
We believe creativity belongs to everyone. That's why we're committed to making pottery accessible through fair pricing, inclusive opportunities, and thoughtful, sustainable practices.

Community
We create the kind of community we want to be part of — one rooted in kindness, respect, and encouragement. Everyone is welcome here, and every interaction is an opportunity to help someone feel seen, valued, and at home.

Courage to Create
We believe creativity takes courage. Creativity is about expression and the bravery to begin, to make imperfect attempts and learn as you go. We are here to provide a warm, welcoming space where people feel supported to try something new, trust the process, and discover what they are capable of creating.

Curiosity
We believe the best communities are built by people who are willing to keep learning. Around here, no one is expected to know everything — we embrace questions, curiosity, and the courage to say, "I don't know yet." We learn together, support each other, and create a space where everyone has the opportunity to grow and shine.

• Members must be 18 years of age or older unless participating in an approved youth program.
• Youth program participants must be accompanied by a registered adult or approved instructor at all times and are supervised according to the program's specific guidelines, provided separately at enrollment.
• All members must complete a studio orientation before using equipment independently.
• Membership becomes active only after all required forms are signed and payment has been received.

• Members may access the studio during designated membership hours.
• Access codes, keys, or entry information may not be shared.
• The studio reserves the right to modify hours due to classes, maintenance, or special events.
• Guests are not permitted during regular studio hours. Exceptions require prior written approval from studio management (see Section 11).

We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming environment. Members agree to:

• Treat fellow members, staff, and guests with kindness and respect.
• Maintain appropriate language and behavior.
• Respect differing identities, backgrounds, beliefs, and artistic styles.
• Avoid harassment, discrimination, or disruptive conduct.

The studio is a weapon-free and drug-free zone.

• The studio reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership for behavior that compromises the safety or wellbeing of others.

Ceramics involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Exposure to clay dust and silica
• Use of sharp tools
• Heavy lifting
• Exposure to hot surfaces and kilns

Members agree to:

• Follow all safety instructions and posted guidelines.
• Avoid dry sweeping and use approved cleaning methods.
• Wear closed-toe shoes in the studio.
• Report damaged equipment or unsafe conditions immediately to studio staff, either in person or via the posted incident-report contact.
• Report any injury, no matter how minor, to a staff member before leaving the studio so it can be logged.
• Never operate equipment they have not been trained to use.

Members may use:

• Pottery wheels
• Handbuilding tools
• Slab roller
• Studio work tables
• Approved glazing materials

Kilns may only be operated by authorized staff unless otherwise approved. Members are responsible for cleaning equipment after each use.

• Each member will be assigned a storage shelf or designated area.
• Unclaimed work or materials left beyond the designated timeframe may be discarded.
• The studio is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings.

Members are asked to be mindful of how much shelf space they use and are expected to take home finished work on their next studio visit; the studio cannot store finished work for an extended period.
Work left on shelves beyond the designated pickup period may be donated, recycled, or discarded.

Only approved clay bodies may be used in the studio to prevent kiln contamination.
Outside glazes or materials must receive prior approval.
Materials fees, firing fees, or supply fees may apply.
Members may purchase additional clay from the studio at a set cost once their initial allotment runs out.

This is a shared community studio. Before leaving, members agree to:
Clean their wheel and workspace.
Return all tools to their proper location.
Wipe surfaces with a damp sponge.
Dispose of clay scraps appropriately in the reclaim buckets.
Leave the studio in the same or better condition than they found it.
Failure to maintain studio cleanliness may result in loss of membership privileges.

Instructors will double-check work to make sure it is bone dry before firing. Larger pieces may take extra time to dry and can delay firing schedules.

While every effort is made to protect artwork, ceramics are inherently unpredictable. The studio cannot guarantee successful firings and is not responsible for cracking, warping, glaze defects, or kiln accidents.

Members will try their best to abide by the firing schedule posted in the kiln space. The firing schedule is subject to change at any time; it is the member's responsibility to stay informed of firing days.

Members are expected to take home finished work on their next studio visit, as the studio cannot store finished work for an extended period.

Any ceramics left unclaimed after 30 days will be donated to the pottery box.

Membership fees are due on the same date each month.
Memberships automatically renew unless canceled in writing.
Please provide the studio with 30 days' notice if you want your membership to end.
Fees are non-refundable, except at studio management's discretion in cases such as documented medical emergency, extended relocation, or studio closure.
Returned payments may incur additional fees.

Guests and children are not permitted in the studio during regular access hours without prior written approval from studio management. Approved guests must be signed in by the member hosting them and remain under that member's supervision for the duration of the visit.

I understand that participation in pottery and ceramics activities involves inherent risks of injury and property damage. I voluntarily assume these risks and agree to participate responsibly.

I release and hold harmless North Boroughs Clay Club, its owners, employees, contractors, and volunteers from any claims, injuries, damages, or losses arising from my participation in studio activities, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

This agreement is governed by the laws of the state in which the studio operates. Any dispute arising from this agreement will first be addressed through good-faith discussion with studio management before pursuing formal legal action. 

The studio reserves the right to revoke membership without refund for:

• Unsafe conduct
• Violation of studio policies
• Harassment or discrimination
• Theft or intentional property damage
• Repeated failure to follow cleaning or community expectations

I have read and understand the North Boroughs Clay Club Membership Handbook and agree to abide by all policies and procedures.

Your emergency contact will only be used by studio staff in the event of an injury or medical emergency during your time in the studio.