Payment & Cancellation

• Full payment is required at signup (unless otherwise stated).

• Cancel, reschedule, or switch classes more than 7 days before the start date, and we’ll happily offer a refund or class credit.

• Within 7 days of the start date, we’ll offer a class credit to apply toward another session.

Registration & Class Updates

• You’ll receive a registration reminder nine days before your class begins.

• If enrollment is too low, we may cancel the class (sometimes at the last minute), notify you, and fully refund your payment.

Skill & Experience Guidelines

• Our classes are tailored to specific skill levels, designed with instructors to maximize your success and enjoyment. Some courses, like Advanced Wheel or Special Topics, have prerequisites (e.g., basic wheel-throwing familiarity or equivalent experience)—Kiddos must be 9+ for any wheel class to safely use the equipment—check class descriptions for details and reach out with questions to info@apottersplace.com.

• Clay is an art, not an exact science! Every student’s journey is unique—some thrive in beginner classes for years, building confidence with fundamentals, while others dive into advanced techniques early on. Wherever you are, our teachers will partner with you to shape a rewarding experience that fits your pace and goals.

• Introductory Wheel Courses: Beginning Wheel and Intro to Wheel focus on foundational skills—think centering, pulling walls, and basic forms. These are structured to build a solid base and prioritize core techniques, reducing the ability to tailor to personal interests.

• Intermediate & Beyond: Seeking more freedom or a personalized path? Intermediate courses offer room to explore diverse methods, refine your style, and tackle complex projects with teacher guidance.

• Not Sure Where to Start? Chat with us! We’re here to help match you with the right class for your skill level and ambitions.

Personal Tools & Belongings

• If you wish to bring personal tools—label everything with your name!

• Specialty tools recommended by instructors are available at apottersplace.com in the store.

• Take-Home Rule: Bring your tools and belongings home after each visit—no storage provided.

• To support our mission and ensure a focused environment, we kindly ask that no production pottery or pottery created at home be brought into our studios while working in a class. This helps us maintain our space as a place for exploration and skill-building together. For those interested in broader creative opportunities, we invite you to explore our Community Artist Membership program. Thank you for understanding and being part of our community!

Health & Absences

• If you miss a class due to illness or health concerns, your teacher will reach out with tips, resources, and guidance to help you stay on track with the course. Contact us at info@apottersplace.com if you’ll be absent so we can coordinate support.

Punctuality

• Please arrive on time to each session—teachers often kick off with key demonstrations, community-building activities, or show-and-tell that set the tone for the day. Late arrivals can disrupt the flow for everyone, so we appreciate your respect for the schedule.

First Week Importance

• The first week is critical to your confidence and success in the studio! This is when we cover essential processes—like studio safety, clay prep, and foundational wheel techniques (e.g., centering, pulling walls)—that anchor the rest of the course. Missing it may leave you playing catch-up, so plan to attend if possible. If you can’t, let us know early, and we’ll work with you to bridge the gap.

General Attendance

• Regular attendance keeps you in sync with the group and builds on each lesson’s progress. While we understand life happens, consistent participation ensures you get the most from your experience—whether mastering basics or exploring advanced techniques. Teachers are here to adapt and support you, so communicate with us if your schedule shifts!

General Safety

• Safety is a priority at A Potter’s Place—we all play a role in keeping the studio hazard-free! Please follow these guidelines, ask questions if unsure, and report any concerns to a teacher or monitor immediately.

Clay Dust Control

• Clay dust is a health risk if inhaled over time. To minimize it:

  • No Dry Sweeping or Sanding: Use wet cleaning methods only (sponges, mops). Smooth edges in the wet clay stage—sanding, if needed, must happen outside with teacher approval.

  • Clean Up Thoroughly: Wipe down wheels, tables, and tools after each session with wet sponges (available by the utility sink). Dispose of clay scraps in reclaim buckets, not trash cans.

  • Personal Protection: Dust masks are available upon request if you’re sensitive to dust or working with dry materials.

Tool & Equipment Use

• Communal Tools: Handle with care—sharp tools like needles or ribs can cut if misused. Return them clean and to their shelf after use.

• Wheels & Slab Roller: Only operate electric wheels or the slab roller after instructor training. Keep hair, loose clothing, and jewelry away from moving parts to avoid entanglement.

• Kilns: Kilns are staff-only—do not touch or open them. They reach high temperatures (Cone 5/6, over 2100°F), posing burn risks. Leave firing to trained personnel.

Studio Hygiene

• No Clay in Bathroom Sinks: Clay clogs drains—use designated sinks for throwing and clean-up buckets.

• Hand Washing: Wash hands after working with clay or glazes to remove residue—use the utility sink, not bathroom sinks.

• Food & Drink: Snacks are fine in clay areas, but keep food and drinks off glaze worktables to avoid contamination.

Personal Safety

• Attire: Wear closed-toe shoes and tie back long hair to stay safe around wheels and tools. Aprons are recommended—they reduce the clay in your washing machine!

• Health Conditions: Inform us at info@apottersplace.com before class if you have respiratory issues, allergies (some materials/clay can cause skin reactions), or mobility concerns so we can adapt for your comfort and safety. We provide MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) to anyone concerned about materials in the studio on our website and via QR codes in the studio.

• Injuries: first aid kits can be found in the glaze area and wheel room.

Emergency Procedures

• Fire Safety: Fire extinguishers are near the kiln room and front entrance—Evacuate and call 911.