Our Policies

General Studio Policies

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• Respect instructors, students, members, residents, and staff at all times.

• Do not touch, move, or photograph anyone else’s work without permission.

• Disruptive or unsafe behavior may result in dismissal without refund.

• Only service animals are permitted.

• No smoking or vaping indoors. Smoking must be at least 20 ft from any entrance.

• No weapons permitted.

• Closed-toe shoes are required in the studio.

• Phone calls must be taken outside or in an unoccupied area.

• Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult unless enrolled in a youth or teen program. An adult must accompany anyone under 18 in a Youth and Caregiver class. 

• We occasionally take photos for marketing; by participating, you grant permission unless you opt out in writing.

• Management may close the studio at any time for safety, repairs, or emergencies; make-up time or credit may or may not be provided depending on circumstances.

• Items left in the studio will be kept for 30 days. After that, they may be discarded or donated.

• Do not enter the areas marked “staff only”.

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Safety and Cleanliness 

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• Food and beverages must be in containers with closable lids and consumed at least 10 ft from active work areas.

• Leave all areas cleaner than you found them. Every surface and tool must be cleaned and put away after use.

• Mop the floor after working in any area (do not use a large yellow sponge).

• Rinse mop heads and sponges after use.

• Do not sand pottery inside the studio.

• Mitigate dust at all times.

• Do not let clay solids enter the sink.

• Do not wash clay off in bathroom sinks—use only the main 3-bay steel sink.

• Towels and cloths may not be left in the studio.

• Do not come to the studio if you are experiencing symptoms of contagious illness.
  First aid kits must remain accessible and fully stocked; notify staff if supplies are low.

• Report any injury immediately, no matter how minor.

• If a piece of equipment becomes damaged or operates incorrectly, stop using it and notify staff immediately.

• Do not attempt repairs on studio equipment unless authorized.

 

CLAY, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT

 

• Only clay purchased from Carolina Clay Studio may be used. No outside clay is allowed.

• Clearly label your clay bag with your name, class day, and clay type (example: “Waleed, Wednesday AM, Buncombe White”).

• Dispose of clay and slip only in designated reclaim buckets. Read labels carefully; ask staff if unsure.

• Do not embed foreign objects (rocks, paper, marbles, etc.) in clay without express permission from the Studio Manager.

• No glazes, slips, tools, or equipment may be taken outside the studio.

• Do not use any equipment unless properly trained

• Only approved outside materials may be brought in; if the material is sold at the studio, it must be purchased here.

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WORKS IN PROGRESS (WIP) AND FIRING

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• All WIP must be labeled. Unlabeled work will be removed and discarded.

• Students use white tape (name or initials + class section).

• Members use red tape (name or initials).

• All work to be bisque-fired must be fully dry before being placed on the cart. 

• All work to be glaze-fired must be free from glaze on the bottom and lower ¼”. Cookies should be placed under any piece with layered glaze, or at the artist’s discretion. 

• All work must be marked with initials or a maker’s mark before firing; unmarked work will not be fired.

• Work must be picked up within one month of firing; unclaimed pieces become property of Carolina Clay Studio.

• Large, very small, or delicate pieces may require additional fees or extended firing times.

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Glazing 

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• Wax bottoms at least 1/4" from the base. Avoid thick glaze; over-glazed pieces cannot be fired.

• Undersides must be wiped fully clean of glaze; damage fees apply if shelves are affected.

• You must receive instructor approval before placing any work on the glaze cart.

• All glaze buckets must remain covered when not in use. When replacing the lid, do not fully seal the container

• Outside glazes and other materials may not be brought in. Only studio materials are to be used in glazing.

• Do not add water to glazes without staff approval.

• Ensure glaze buckets do not get contaminated with other glazes or any material.

• Only have (1) bucket of glaze open at a time. Do not have glaze open in close proximity to other open glazes.

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SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

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• Minimize water usage and avoid allowing clay to enter sinks. Any chunks should be reclaimed or disposed of in the trash. 

• Participate in reclaim practices to reduce waste whenever possible.

• Dispose of materials responsibly and follow staff instructions regarding recycling or reuse.

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STORE

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• Clay, custom glazes, and materials are non-returnable and non-refundable.

• Tools may be returned only if unopened or defective and accompanied by a valid receipt.

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Classes

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• All tools and materials are provided unless otherwise noted.

• One bisque and one glaze firing are included unless otherwise noted.

• Classes may be canceled or rescheduled based on enrollment. Canceled classes qualify for transfer or refund.

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CLASS CANCELLATION POLICY

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• Full refund or store credit: cancellations made (14) or more days before start date (minus processing fees).

• Store credit only if seat is filled: cancellations made 14 days to 48 hours before start time.

• No refund or credit: cancellations made within 48 hours of the class or workshop.

• No refunds or credits for missed individual classes.

• In inclement weather or emergency closure, classes will be rescheduled when possible or store credit will be provided.

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LOST, DAMAGED, OR FAILED WORK

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• Ceramics may crack, warp, or break during firing. Carolina Clay Studio is not responsible for such outcomes.

• Work damaged due to improper building, glazing, or handling will not be refunded.

• Work left in the studio will be held for 30 days before being discarded or donated.

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KILN SHELF DAMAGE FEES

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• Minor glaze drip: $10

• Half shelf replacement: $51–$103

• Full shelf replacement: $125–$201

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CODE OF CONDUCT AND ANTI-HARASSMENT

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• Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or abusive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.

• All individuals are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

• Violations of conduct may result in removal from the studio without refund.

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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND CLASS CONTENT

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• Class content, demonstrations, teaching methods, and written materials are the intellectual property of Carolina Clay Studio.

• Recording, duplicating, or distributing instructional content without permission is not allowed.

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PAYMENT POLICIES

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• Full payment is required to reserve a class or workshop seat.

• Unpaid balances must be settled before additional classes, firings, or studio access is provided

• Returned checks or chargebacks may incur a $35 fee.

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DISPUTE RESOLUTION

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• In the event of a disagreement, Carolina Clay Studio will work to find a fair solution.

• Management reserves final authority on all decisions regarding classes, memberships, firings, and studio use.

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LIABILITY AND WAIVERS

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• Carolina Clay Studio is not responsible for injuries resulting from misuse of equipment or failure to follow instructions.

• All participants assume the risks associated with working in a ceramics studio, including the use of tools, kilns, chemicals, and machinery.