Welcome to Salmon Pottery Studio

This handbook outlines studio policies designed to ensure the safety of our members, staff, and working artists, while fostering a positive and respectful community environment.

To participate in studio activities, you must sign the Studio Use Waiver and agree to comply with all policies contained in this handbook. Failure to follow studio policies may result in removal from the studio for the day or permanent suspension without refund.

Please review this handbook carefully. The most current version will always be available on our website.

Open Studio Hours

Studio is open 24/7 except for class days. You will have a key to the front door. Key replacement if lost- $30

Studio Membership Requirements

• Members must be able to work independently without assistance or be enrolled in a current multi-week class.

• Members must maintain clean, safe studio practices at all times.

• All members must adhere to the policies outlined in this handbook.

Studio Access & Liability

• Members may access the studio during open hours. Hours may change periodically.

• On class days, members may remain in the front studio area until 8:00 PM, provided they do not disrupt classes. Wheels will not be available. Hand-building tables may be unavailable; please clean up thoroughly.

• All clay must be purchased from Salmon Pottery Studio unless prior approval is granted by the Studio Manager.

  • Porcelain and red clay are not permitted unless you transport your own reclaim and clean thoroughly without mixing with studio clay.

• Firing Fees

  • Bisque: $0.03 per cubic inch

  • Glaze: $0.04 per cubic inch

  • Example: A 10 oz mug ≈ $1.03 (bisque) and $1.74 (glaze)

  • Single firings are not permitted

• Clay Purchases- Cone 6 clay is availble for purchase on-site. We only fire Cone 5-6 clay.

• Members assume full responsibility for any loss or damage incurred during studio use.

• Only registered students and active members may use studio equipment.

• Members may not host private lessons or classes. Teaching fees may apply.

• Safety guidelines are in place to protect all members, staff, and visitors. Salmon Pottery Studio is not responsible for accidents or incidents resulting from improper or unsafe use of the studio.

• Salmon Pottery Studio is not responsible for lost, stolen, or misplaced items.

• Salmon Pottery Studio does not provide childcare. Children under age 7 may not use wheels.

• Items left in cubbies after membership or class expiration will be disposed of. It is the member’s responsibility to clear their space.

Community Studio Atmosphere

• Harassment, disrespect, or harmful behavior toward anyone in the studio is not tolerated.

• Salmon Pottery Studio reserves the right to refuse access to any individual at any time.

• Respect all artists’ work, tools, and personal space.

• Be mindful of instructors working independently; direct questions to on-duty staff.

• Be courteous during classes and minimize noise.

• No shouting or yelling in the studio.

• No smoking of any kind in the studio or within 10 yards of the premises.

• Practice cell phone courtesy; take calls outside.

• Do not photograph or appropriate others’ work or processes.

• Communicate accessibility needs in advance.

• Professional, respectful communication is required at all times.

• Any person negatively impacting the studio environment or safety may be asked to leave.

General Cleaning Guidelines

This is a wet-cleaning studio. All members and students are responsible for cleaning immediately after use.

• Clean common areas with fresh water after use.

• Never allow clay to dry on surfaces.

• Avoid excess water on wooden surfaces.

• Minimize dust creation; sweep slowly with a squeegee.

• Turn off wheels before cleaning.

• Wash and return all community tools, bats, buckets, and ware boards.

• Check throwing buckets for tools before dumping into reclaim bins.

• Use the right-side sink bucket for glaze cleanup only.

• Clean glaze tools thoroughly between glazes.

• No clay or glaze materials in bathroom sinks.

• Final cleaning must be done with clean water and sponges.

• Dispose of trash and recycling properly.

• Fees may apply for improper cleanup, damage, or loss.

Tools, Shelves & Storage

• Members provide their own tools as needed.

• All community tools must be cleaned and returned after use.

• One 2’ × 2’ × 1’ cubby is assigned per member.

• Store all work and tools only in assigned cubbies.

• Nothing may be stored in general studio areas.

• Large-scale work requires a personal cart if assistance is needed.

Handling Clay & Glaze Materials

• No eating or drinking in glaze areas.

• Only wet sanding indoors; dry sanding must be done outside and away from windows.

• All outside materials must be approved by staff.

• Clay must be purchased from the studio unless approved.

• Dry materials require staff approval and a P100 respirator.

• Gloves are recommended when handling stains and glazes.

• Paint-your-own pottery materials are off-limits to members.

Kilns & Firing

• Only Salmon Pottery Studio staff may load or unload kilns.

• Firing schedules vary based on studio needs.

• Staff will move work through kilns but do not track individual pieces.

• Defective or cracked work will not be fired.

• No-name pieces without firing slips or signatures will not be fired.

• Wet or unready work may be discarded.

• Unclaimed work on firing racks will be discarded monthly.

• Kiln results are unpredictable; no guarantees are made.

• Members may be charged for damage caused to kilns or kiln furniture.

• Glaze testing requires cookies and drip pans.

Membership & Payment Policies

• Firing fees are calculated by cubic inch or weight.

• Late payments incur a 5% fee after noon the following day.

• 21 days’ notice is required for non-renewal.

• Memberships auto-renew on the 1st of the month.

• Shelves must be cleared by membership end date.

• Policy violations may result in termination without refund.

Health & Safety

• No eating in glaze areas.

• Do not touch kilns.

• Silica dust is hazardous—minimize dust at all times.

• Wet sanding only indoors.

• Clean spills immediately and report hazards.

• Wear proper PPE as required.

• Safety equipment is the member’s responsibility.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Salmon Pottery Studio complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination and harassment laws. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

Legal Compliance & Liability

Members must comply with all applicable laws. Salmon Pottery Studio is not liable for injury or property loss resulting from studio use unless caused by studio negligence.

Insurance & Indemnification

Salmon Pottery Studio and its staff are not liable for loss, damage, or injury arising from studio use. Members agree to indemnify and defend Salmon Pottery Studio in the event of legal claims arising from their actions.

Surveillance

The studio is monitored by security cameras 24/7 for safety and security purposes.

Policy Updates

Policies are subject to change at any time. The most current version of this handbook will always be available on our website. Major updates will also be communicated via email.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and creative community at Salmon Pottery Studio.