Studio Policies & Procedures

We are excited to have you join our ceramics community! To ensure a pleasant and productive experience for all, please review the following studio policies.

We are a COMMUNITY studio. Thus, our policies are guided by the principle of being a good neighbor and contributor to the communal space.

General Studio Conduct

  • Clean-Up: After working, please thoroughly clean the area, including shelves, equipment, worktables, wheels, and stools. Always mop your work area. Proper clean-up maintains a healthy environment and respects our shared studio space.

  • Sinks: Large amounts of clay must not enter the sinks. Wheel students must be cautious to prevent clay buildup in drains. Use strainers and designated pre-wash stations for cleaning to avoid clogging.

  • Community Tools: Clean and return communal tools promptly to ensure availability for others. Sharing tools is essential in our communal studio environment.

  • Personal Belongings & Shelves: Each student has an assigned shelf for personal belongings and work. Please be respectful of our shared space and refrain from touching, using, or borrowing items that do not belong to you. This also applies to the instructor’s personal items. You may purchase additional shelf space if needed.

  • Cell Phones: Please set phones to vibrate during class and open studio hours to minimize disruptions. If you must take a call, please step outside.

  • Clay: Only clay purchased from Suwanee Clayworks is permitted in the studio. All clay leaving the studio must be documented on the clay chart. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.

  • Utilization of resources: Please refrain from using techniques or firing that requires an overabundance of communal resources. This includes, but is not limited to, frequent firing of very large pieces, excessive firing of pieces of any size, marbling with underglazes, etc.

Classes

  • Missed Class Makeup Policy: Suwanee Clayworks does not offer makeup classes for missed sessions due to changes in students’ personal schedules.

  • Instructor Class Cancellation Policy: Instructors must offer a pre-scheduled makeup class if they cancel or miss a class. Makeups are only provided in this circumstance.

  • Missed Class Material: Students are responsible for their own learning, including any material missed due to absence. We encourage you to connect with your instructor and fellow classmates to help get caught up as needed.

  • Re-Registration Priority: Enrolled students have first priority to re-register for the next session during our “pre-registration” period.

Open Studio Policies

Open Studio is a time for current students and open studio members to utilize the studio to grow their pottery and ceramic skills. There is no instruction during this time.

Though open studio is self-guided, please abide by the following housekeeping rules:

  • Respect that this is a shared space and abide by all studio etiquette and clean-up rules

  • Be mindful of when open studio ends for the space you are in (wheelthrowing area, handbuilding area, open lab, or glaze area)

  • Do not glaze/use the glaze area if there is a wheelthrowing or handbuilding class happening

End of Session Procedures

  • Next Session Registration Dates: Registration dates for the following session are published during each class session. Instructors will advise non-re-enrolling students on finishing their pieces and clearing their storage shelves in a timely manner.

  • Clearing Storage Shelves: Non-returning students are expected to clean off their storage shelves by the last Saturday of the session. Any remaining works in progress, clay, tools, or personal belongings will be cleared by our staff and redistributed for studio purposes after the last Saturday of the session.

We appreciate your cooperation in upholding these policies to maintain a harmonious studio environment. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to studio staff for assistance.