Indpendent Study

For students who are ready to operate on their own, Independent study offers 24/7 hour studio access and monthly clay with firings and glazes for students to further develop their practice. Independent study members are required to have taken at least one class at the studio

Independent Study Overview

Costs: $190/month, automatically billed on the 1st.
25 lbs of clay a month (either Laguna B mix or a brown Laguna buff clay, both clays are excellent and tested with our studio glazes)
Rotating Clay bodies outside of the standard studio clays can be used in the studio
24/7 access to the facility
Full use of the studio facilities and equipment
Secure storage locker space 4ft x 2ft for each member
Communal storage on wall racks throughout the space
Cancel at anytime

Studio Equipment

Shimpo VL Whisper Pottery Wheels
Laguna Clay bodies
Alpine Gas Reduction Kiln
Electric Kilns Skutt/Cone Art
In House Glazes
Incredible Natural Light
Stainless Steel Wash sinks
Large Work tables and Wedging Tables
Slab Roller
Clay Extruder
Trimming and Carving tools
Banding wheels

How to Join Independent Study

We are currently at capacity for independent study, thank you so much for the interest in the space <3

There is a waitlist and talk to your instructor during your class about the program and they will provide you with sign up instructions. Any questions can be sent to adam@sharedfloorceramics.com

Facilities

Independent Study Member Terms

Definitions
1. Shared Floor Ceramics Staff: Shared Floor Ceramics Staff refers to the individuals employed by Shared Floor Ceramics who are responsible for managing and overseeing the operations of the pottery studio. This may include administrative staff, instructors, technicians, and other personnel involved in studio management, maintenance, and instruction. Shared Floor Ceramics Staff are authorized to enforce the rules and regulations outlined in the Membership Agreement and provide guidance and assistance to studio members as needed.
2. Independent Study Member: An Independent Study Member refers to an individual who has enrolled in a program offered by Shared Floor Ceramics, granting them access to the studio facilities and resources for the purpose of conducting independent pottery projects. Independent Study Members are responsible for adhering to the rules and regulations outlined in the Membership Agreement.
Responsibilities
1. Shared Floor Ceramics Staff
  1. Maintain Facilities: Staff ensure that studio facilities, equipment, and resources are adequately maintained and in good working condition for the benefit of all members.
  2. Enforce Rules: Staff will enforce the rules and regulations outlined in the Membership Agreement to maintain a safe, orderly, and productive studio environment for all members.
  3. Communicate Changes: Studio staff will communicate any changes to studio policies, procedures, or operating hours to members in a timely and transparent manner. This may include sending out notifications via email, posting notices in the studio, or updating information on the studio's website or social media platforms to ensure all members are informed of any updates or modifications.
  4. Maintain Cleanliness: Staff will ensure that the studio premises are kept clean and organized to a reasonable extent. This includes regular cleaning of common areas, such as workspaces, tables, and sinks, to maintain a hygienic environment for all members.
2. Independent Study Member
  1. Adhere to Rules: Independent Study Members must fully comply with all rules and regulations outlined in the Membership Agreement, including but not limited to guidelines for equipment usage, studio hours, and guest policies.
  2. Respect Studio Property: Members are responsible for treating studio property, equipment, and resources with care and respect. Any damages or malfunctions must be promptly reported to studio staff to ensure timely resolution and prevent further damage.
  3. Follow Staff Instructions: Members must follow all posted notices and verbal instructions provided by studio staff regarding studio operations, equipment usage, safety protocols, and any other relevant matters. This includes participating in safety demonstrations, adhering to equipment guidelines, and staying informed about studio policies.
  4. Maintain Cleanliness: Members must maintain cleanliness and organization in their workspace and shared studio areas, including properly cleaning up after themselves and returning tools and materials to their designated storage locations. Members are prohibited from using the mop for cleaning purposes. Instead, they must utilize the floor squeegee, wet sponging, and the dustpan for solid waste removal. This includes wiping down work surfaces, clearing excess clay or debris, and ensuring that the area is left in a tidy and presentable condition for the next user.
  5. Practice Safety: Members are responsible for practicing safe working habits, following all safety guidelines and protocols provided by studio staff, and using equipment and materials in a manner that minimizes the risk of accidents or injuries.
  6. Respect Others: Members must treat fellow studio members, guests, and staff with kindness, respect, and consideration at all times, and promptly address any conflicts or concerns in a constructive manner.
  7. Comply with Payment Obligations: Members are responsible for ensuring that membership fees are paid on time and in full according to the terms outlined in the Membership Agreement. Failure to comply may result in loss of access to studio facilities or termination of membership.
Membership Terms
1. Full membership payment is due on the 1st of every month. Memberships remaining unpaid by the 5th of the month will expire, resulting in the loss of access to studio facilities.
2. To cancel membership, members must send an email to “info@sharedfloorceramics.com” by the 15th of the month prior to the intended cancellation date. Confirmation of membership cancellation will be provided upon receipt of the cancellation request. Cancellation requests received after the 15th of the month will result in membership termination at the end of the following month. All personal items must be moved out of the members storage shelf and the shelf must be cleaned by the end of the month. Failure to do so will result in a $50 cleaning fee.
3. Any work, clay, or tools left in the studio 15 days past the last paid period will be subject to removal. Shared Floor Ceramics will make reasonable efforts to notify members before removing their belongings. It is the responsibility of the member to ensure that all personal belongings are removed from the studio in a timely manner to avoid disposal or loss. Storage options may be available upon request, subject to availability and additional fees.
Studio Clay Usage
1. Only clay provided by Shared Floor Ceramics is permitted for use in the studio or for firings. This policy is essential to prevent potential damage to studio equipment, particularly kilns, and to ensure compatibility with studio glazes. Outside clay has not been tested for compatibility with our equipment or glazes. Adhering to this policy safeguards the studio's equipment and maintains consistency in firing results for all members.
  1. Members may request approval to use outside clay in the studio by submitting a written request via email to “info@sharedfloorceramics.com”. The request should include details about the type and source of the clay, as well as any relevant information about its composition or characteristics.
  2. Written Approval Requirement: Approval for the use of outside clay must be obtained in writing via email from studio management. Verbal approvals will not be considered valid.
2. Members found using unauthorized clay may face disciplinary action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of studio access privileges, or termination of membership. Any damages resulting from the use of unauthorized clay will be the responsibility of the member.
3. Every month, Independent Study Members are provided with 25 lbs of clay for use in the studio. Any discrepancies or concerns regarding clay allocation must be reported to studio staff immediately for resolution within the clay allotment month. Additional clay is available for purchase from the studio if needed.
4. Independent Study Members are not allowed to fire more than 50 lbs of clay in a month. This limitation is in place to ensure fairness and to maintain the studio's focus as a community space rather than supporting large-scale production pottery making. It allows all members equitable access to kiln firings and resources within the studio.
Equipment Usage and Storage Space
1. Storage Shelf
  1. Ensure personal storage space (4ft x 2ft) is kept reasonable tidy and clean
2. Slab Rollers
  1. Use canvas on both sides of the clay between rollers to prevent sticking and tearing.
  2. Ensure canvas is scraped on both sides if needed after use, stored properly, and the equipment is cleaned after use.
3. Work Tables
  1. All items are removed from the table after use and it is cleaned
  2. Users may take up as much space as they like when the studio is not busy but be accommodating if the studio is busy.
4. Banding Wheels
  1. Clean and store banding wheels after use to maintain functionality and prevent damage.
5. Hand tools
  1. Clean and store hand tools in designated areas after use to ensure they remain in good condition and are readily available for others.
6. Blow Torch
  1. Ensure blow torches are turned off after use and placed in designated secure storage locations. Exercise caution around the hot surfaces during after use.
7. Pottery Wheels
  1. Clean wheel heads and pans after each use to remove excess clay and water.
  2. Clean the floor and adjacent spaces around each wheel of any excess water or clay
  3. Turn off wheels after use and place stools on top for safety.
8. Sinks
  1. No solid clay in the sinks; put clay slurry in the appropriate reclaim bin to avoid clogs.
  2. Ensure sinks are cleaned after use
9. Studio Glazes
  1. Do not contaminate glazes; wait for a glaze layer to dry before applying another layer.
  2. Inform staff if the glaze bucket is empty or low.
  3. Wipe down table tops after use
Kiln Firing and Glaze Usage
1. Authorized Operation and Handling of Kilns
  1. Only staff members are authorized to operate or handle the kilns. This ensures proper operation and minimizes the risk of accidents or damages.
2. Work Signatures and Firing Areas
  1. All work intended for firing must be clearly signed. Unsigned work will not be fired and will be set aside. Items designated for bisque and glaze firing must be placed in designated areas, which will be marked with posted signage for easy identification.
3. Usage of Outside Glazes
  1. Independent study members may use outside glazes; however, they must first get their glazes approved by studio staff. This approval will be provided in writing, and verbal approval will not be considered valid. Even with written approval, independent study members are fully responsible for any damages to kiln shelves and kilns incurred by the use of outside glazes.
  2. Students are not responsible for any damages to kilns or kiln shelves while using studio made glazes
4. Glazing Requirements and Discard Policy
  1. Work must be adequately glazed to be fired. Work with glaze on the bottom or with questionable thickness will not be fired. Such work will be segregated in a designated area.
  2. Bisque and work that do not meet glazing requirements left unaddressed for 30 days will be discarded. Staff will make reasonable efforts to notify independent study members before any work is discarded.
5. Kiln Damage Notice
  1. Any damage to kiln shelves resulting from the use of unapproved glazes/clay bodies will result in fines imposed on the responsible member. These fines are intended to cover the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged kiln shelves and ensuring the continued safe operation of the studio's firing equipment. Members are expected to adhere to all firing procedures and guidelines provided by Shared Floor Ceramics to minimize the risk of damage to studio equipment. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of studio access privileges, or termination of membership.
Access to Space
1. All Shared Floor Ceramics Independent Study members will have 24-hour access to the studio. However, members acknowledge and agree that access may be temporarily restricted or limited to accommodate necessary construction, maintenance, or cleaning activities. Shared Floor Ceramics will make reasonable efforts to notify members in advance of any such restrictions, and alternative access arrangements may be provided where feasible.
2. The last person exiting the facility is responsible for locking and securing the premises. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to warnings, fines, or suspension of studio access privileges. Additionally, the member may be held liable for any damages or losses incurred due to the premises being left unsecured, including theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access. It is imperative that all members adhere to this rule to ensure the safety and security of the studio and its occupants.
Guest Policy
1. Each member may bring a maximum of 1 guest per visit. This limit ensures that the studio can accommodate guests without impeding the activities of paying members.
2. Members are solely responsible for the conduct and actions of their guests while on studio premises. Any damages caused by guests will be the responsibility of the hosting member, and the member may be held liable for any violations of studio rules committed by their guests.
3. Guests are welcome to observe ongoing studio activities and interact with studio members. However, they are not permitted to engage in any pottery-related activities, such as clay work or kiln firings, unless they are registered studio members.
4. For full studio use, day passes for guests are available for purchase. Members are permitted to purchase up to 4 guest passes a month.
5. Studio members are encouraged to host guests during times when the studio is not overly crowded or busy. If the studio is at full capacity and accommodating guests would impede the activities of paying members, guests may be asked to postpone their visit until a more suitable time.
6. Studio members are responsible for supervising their guests at all times while they are in the studio premises.
7. Members must ensure that their guests are aware of and adhere to all studio rules and regulations, including safety protocols and guidelines for equipment usage.
Theft or Broken Items
1. Shared Floor Ceramics prioritizes the safety and security of all studio members and their belongings. While every effort is made to maintain a secure environment, members are reminded that Shared Floor Ceramics is not liable for any damaged, lost, or stolen items within the studio premises. It is the responsibility of each member to take reasonable precautions to safeguard their personal belongings.
Video Surveillance Notice
1. For the safety and security of all members and the protection of studio property, Shared Floor Ceramics utilizes video surveillance within the studio premises. This surveillance may include, but is not limited to, common areas, entryways, and specific areas within the studio facility.
2. The purpose of video surveillance is to:
  1. Deter and prevent unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities.
  2. Assist in the investigation and resolution of any incidents or disputes that may occur within the studio premises.
  3. Ensure compliance with studio rules, regulations, and safety protocols.
3. By entering the studio premises and utilizing the facilities, members acknowledge and consent to being recorded by video surveillance cameras. The recorded footage may be used for security, safety, and operational purposes as deemed necessary by Shared Floor Ceramics.
Termination
1. Shared Floor Ceramics reserves the right to terminate the membership of any member at its sole discretion, with or without cause, at any time. Termination of membership may occur for reasons including but not limited to violation of studio rules and regulations, disruptive behavior, failure to adhere to payment obligations, or any other conduct deemed detrimental to the studio community or its operations."
2. In the event of membership termination, Shared Floor Ceramics will provide written notice to the affected member specifying the reasons for termination and the effective date thereof. Termination notices may be delivered in person or sent via email or registered mail to the member's last known address on file.
3. Upon termination of membership, the member shall forfeit all rights and privileges associated with studio membership, including access to studio facilities and participation in studio activities. Any outstanding fees or dues owed by the member at the time of termination shall become immediately due and payable.

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