Membership and Liability Waiver

The Pottery Den – Membership Policy

Welcome to The Pottery Den! Our membership program is designed for ceramic artists who want flexible, independent access to a well-equipped studio. Please read the following policy carefully to understand the terms, benefits, and responsibilities of membership.

Monthly Membership Purchase:

• Automatic Monthly Billing:
  
• Membership fees areautomatically charged each month to the card on file.
• Billing occurs on the same day each month based on your original sign-up date.
• Members are responsible for keeping payment information up to date to avoid interruptions.
• Monthly memberships have a 3 month minimum commitment.

Membership Benefits

• 24/7 Studio Access: Members enjoy 24/7 access to the studio via a secure mobile app.
• Your access credentials are private and may not be shared with anyone else.
• Pottery Wheel Access:
• 8 wheels are available at all times.
• A total of 16 wheels are accessible when classes are not in session.
• Access to Hand building materials and molds.
• Basic tools and equipment. If you enjoy the following please bring yourself:
• rags
• shelf units
• any additional tools 
• Access to 20 Coyote glazes.
• 3 Archie Bray Clays and 2 Kentucky Mudworks for purchase
• Dedicated Storage
• Each member receives one 3' x 2' shelf for personal tools, work-in-progress, and clay.
• Additional storage is not available at this time. Please manage your space accordingly.
  
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• *** We do NOT support production pottery *** 

Clay Purchase Policy:

• All clay must be purchased through the studio.
• Clay pricing includes glazing and firing fees, making it simple and all-inclusive.
• Outside clay is not permitted to ensure compatibility with our materials and kilns.

Glaze Policy:

• Members have access to 20 coyote dipping glazes. 
• Members are permitted to purchase their own underglazes and use them in the studio once they have been approved by The Pottery Den.
• Members are permitted to purchase outside paint-on glaze. Please review the Personal Glaze Policy.

Personal Glaze Policy:

1. Approved Glazes — Requirements & Pre-Approval

To ensure the safety of our kilns and the quality of your work, only pre-mixed commercial glazes are permitted in our studio. The following are strictly prohibited:

• Dry glaze powders purchased for self-mixing — we do not allow members to mix their own glazes from raw powder on the premises.
• Homemade or chemically formulated glazes — glazes mixed from raw chemicals or custom recipes are not permitted under any circumstances.
• Any glaze not pre-approved by studio staff — all personal glazes must be reviewed and approved before use.

Pre-Approval Process:

Before purchasing or bringing in any personal glaze, you must email us at office@thepotteryden.com with the brand, product name, and color of each glaze you intend to use. We will confirm whether each glaze is:

• Rated for Cone 5/6 firing (our kiln range)
• Compatible with our specific kiln models and firing atmosphere
• Safe for use alongside other members' work in a shared kiln load

⚠ Do not purchase or bring in glazes before receiving written approval. Unapproved glazes will not be fired and pieces may be held until the issue is resolved.

2. Cookie Requirement & Kiln Shelf Protection

To protect studio kiln shelves from glaze damage, members using personal glazes have the option — and are strongly encouraged — to make a cookie (a flat clay slab fired beneath your piece) to catch any glaze drips or runs.

• Cookies must be made from compatible clay and bisque fired before use.
• Cookies must be large enough to extend beyond the footprint of your piece.
• Using a cookie is the member's responsibility. Staff will not provide cookies.

3. Kiln Shelf Damage — Fee Policy

If a member elects not to use a cookie and glaze runs or drips onto a kiln shelf, the following will occur automatically:

• A photo of the damage will be taken and emailed to the address on file. 
• A $50.00 kiln shelf damage fee will be automatically charged to the credit/debit card on file.
• The amount of glaze on the kiln shelf is not a factor—if any glaze fuses to the shelf, a $50 kiln shelf damage fee will be charged.
• This charge is non-negotiable and non-refundable.
• If significant shelf damage occurs, additional charges may apply at the studio's discretion.

⚠ Important: By not using a cookie, you accept full financial responsibility for any kiln shelf damage caused by your personal glazes. The $50 fee will be charged without prior notice.

4. Designated Shelf Space

A designated area in the studio has been set aside specifically for pieces loaded with personal glazes. Members must follow these rules:

• All pieces using personal glazes must be placed ONLY on the designated shelf — no exceptions.
• Do not place personally glazed pieces on general studio shelves or in communal loading areas.
• Pieces found in the wrong location may be removed or may not be fired at the studio's discretion.
• Label your pieces clearly with your name and member ID before placing them on the designated shelf.

5. Policy on Outside Glazes & Right of Refusal

The Pottery Den reserves the right to modify or revoke the use of outside glazes within the studio at any time. We also reserve the right to refuse any outside glaze at our discretion.

6. Acknowledgment of Risk

The member understands that personal glazes may behave unpredictably in studio kilns, which may fire at different temperatures or atmospheres than intended. The studio is not responsible for any damage to the member's pieces, including cracking, discoloration, or glaze failure resulting from the use of personal glazes. 

Kiln Firing Policy:

• Firings will be done when the shelf/kiln is full.
• We cannot guarantee firings will be complete by a certain date.
• We do not support production pottery firings.

Cancellation Policy

All memberships at The Pottery Den require a minimum of 30 days’ written notice to cancel. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email.

If your next billing cycle falls within the 30-day notice period, you will be billed for that upcoming month as scheduled. Your membership will remain active through the end of that billing cycle, after which it will officially terminate. No additional charges will be applied beyond that final billing period.

This policy ensures consistency and allows us to properly manage studio capacity, resources, and scheduling.

Closure Policy

The Pottery Den may occasionally close part or all of the studio for private events, workshops, maintenance, or other operational needs. We are committed to giving our members advance notice of any scheduled closures whenever possible.

During these times, access to equipment, studio space, or specific areas may be limited. Closures do not qualify for refunds or membership extensions unless otherwise stated by studio management.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-run studio environment.

Pet Policy

For the safety and comfort of all members, instructors, guests, and their work, pets are not permitted inside The Pottery Den.

Ceramic studios contain clay dust, glazes, tools, equipment, shelving, and fragile works in progress that can create safety concerns for animals and people. Pets can also accidentally bump into tables, shelves, wheels, or drying pieces, potentially causing injury to members or damage to ceramics.

We love our furry friends, but to keep The Pottery Den a safe, clean, and focused environment for everyone, please leave pets at home when visiting the studio.

Code of Conduct

All members are expected to maintain a safe, respectful, and community-oriented environment by adhering to the following:

• Respect all fellow members, instructors, staff, and studio property.
• Clean up your workspace, tools, and any shared equipment after each use. This includes, washing and returning any tools you use and your splash pan. Wipe down the wheel, seat, middle table, and floor after throwing. Put your splash pan back in position on the wheel, flip your set up on the wheel, and put the foot peddle on the support table. 
• Follow all safety guidelines, including:
• Safe use of glazes, tools, and equipment
• Proper labeling and storage of materials
• Awareness of kiln schedules and firing procedures

Violation of Policies

To maintain a safe and supportive community, The Pottery Den reserves the right to suspend or cancel memberships for any reason including the following:

• Disrespectful or unsafe behavior
• Failure to follow safety and cleanup procedures
• Sharing studio access with non-members
• Repeated violation of any studio policies

No refunds will be issued for memberships terminated due to policy violations.

By signing up for membership at The Pottery Den, I acknowledge and agree to the terms above. 

The Pottery Den Liability Waiver:

Assumption of Risk:

I, the undersigned, understand that participation in ceramics activities, including but not limited to use of pottery wheels, kilns, hand tools, glazes, and other equipment, involves certain inherent risks. These risks include but are not limited to: exposure to high temperatures, sharp tools, chemicals, dust, slips, trips, falls, repetitive motion injuries, and accidents arising from misuse or failure of equipment.

I knowingly and voluntarily assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of others, and accept full responsibility for my participation at The Pottery Den, whether as a member, student, or guest.

Release of Liability:

In consideration for being allowed to use the facilities and equipment at The Pottery Den, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue The Pottery Den, its owners, instructors, employees, volunteers, agents, and affiliates from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action that may arise from injury, illness, damage, or loss that may occur to me or my property during my participation in any studio activity.

This includes, but is not limited to, injury caused by negligence, improper use of equipment, or participation in classes or open studio time.

Health & Safety:

I certify that I am physically able to participate in studio activities and have disclosed any relevant medical conditions. I agree to follow all posted safety rules and instructions from staff. I understand that failure to do so may result in suspension or revocation of my access to the studio.

I also understand that The Pottery Den is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Kiln Policy:

I understand that firing ceramic work carries inherent risks, including the potential for breakage or damage due to glaze issues, improper construction, or kiln malfunctions. I accept that The Pottery Den is not liable for any damage to my work during the firing process.

Photo/Video Release:

I give permission for The Pottery Den to use photos or videos of me and/or my work taken during classes or studio time for marketing and promotional purposes.

Acknowledgment:

I acknowledge that I have read and understood this waiver in its entirety. I understand that this agreement releases The Pottery Den from liability and limits my legal rights. I sign this agreement voluntarily and of my own free will.

***By signing up for membership at The Pottery Den, you acknowledge and agree to the terms above. We're excited to have you in the studio and look forward to supporting your creative journey!