Open Studio Membership Terms & Conditions

Below are the guidelines, policies, and expectations for all Open Studio members. By purchasing a membership, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms.

1. Firing Guidelines

Included Firing
• One full glaze-firing shelf per month (maximum height of 8 inches)

Firing Add-Ons
Additional firing space beyond the included monthly shelf is available at the following rates:
• Quarter shelf: $13
• Half shelf: $22
• Full shelf: $45

Height Surcharge
• Pieces taller than 8 inches (20 cm) are subject to a $5 surcharge for every additional 4 inches of height.

Firing Process and Turnaround
• Firing turnaround time may take up to 3 weeks and may be longer during peak periods.
• A firing request form must be submitted to the studio technician prior to firing any piece.
• The studio is not responsible for breakage, cracking, explosions, or final firing results.
• Fired work must be collected promptly. Unclaimed pieces left longer than 4 weeks may be discarded.

2. Glazing Guidelines

• Do not alter or modify studio glazes. Report any concerns to a team member.
• Members may bring their own glazes; however, all glazes must be tested with a tile before firing. Test tiles must be approved by the studio team.
• Outside clay and unapproved glazes are not permitted.
• Keep bottoms of all pieces clean — $10 cleaning fee applies for glaze drips.
• Use a cookie or stilt when testing runny or unknown glazes — $10 cleaning fee applies if drips occur.

3. Clay Guidelines

• Clay sold in-studio: $45 per 10 kg sleeve
• Members may bring their own mid-fire (cone 6) clay — Tuckers or PSH recommended upon approval
• Other clay brands must be approved by the studio technician
• Black and red clays are not permitted.

4. Storage Guidelines

• Membership includes one personal storage shelf measuring 80 × 50 cm.

• An additional half-shelf may be available for $25 per month, subject to availability.

• All in-progress work must be stored on your assigned shelf.

• Finished pieces must be picked up within 1 week to maintain proper shelf rotation.

• Members are responsible for thoroughly cleaning their station after each session.

• The studio is not responsible for lost, misplaced, or discarded pieces.

• In the event of missing pieces, the studio will make reasonable efforts to locate them. Members are responsible for clearly labeling their work to prevent mix-ups.

5. Membership Commitment and Billing Policies

• A minimum 3 month commitment is required.
• Memberships are billed monthly through an automated payment schedule.
• A minimum of 30 days’ notice is required to cancel after the initial 3 month commitment is completed.
• Membership fees are non-refundable.
• Membership hours do not carry over from month to month.
• Missed sessions are not credited or refunded.
• Memberships are non-transferable and may only be used by the registered member.
• The studio reserves the right to terminate a membership after two warnings in accordance with studio policies and the membership agreement.

6. Studio Conduct & Responsibilities

• Members are responsible for cleaning their wheels, tables, tools, splash pans, and workstations after every session.

• Membership access is limited to one studio location only, either Richmond or Dundas.

• All pieces must be clearly marked with a personalized stamp, initials, or name. Unmarked work may be recycled into the Pottery Heaven bin.

• The studio is not liable for breakage, cracking, firing defects, lost, missing, or damaged items.

• The studio is not responsible for delays due to kiln loading schedules, repairs, volume, or technical issues.

• In the event of product mix-ups or missing pieces, the studio will make reasonable efforts to locate items. Members are responsible for clearly labeling their work to prevent mix-ups.

7. Kiln Use & Damage Policy

• Any member action that results in kiln damage (misuse of materials, unapproved glazes, etc.) may result in fees or suspension.
• Final terms to be updated upon technician approval.

7. Studio Access Policy

Upon completing the required orientation, members will be provided with a lockbox access code for studio entry.

• Studio access is only permitted during the Open Studio hours outlined in your membership package. Access outside of these hours is strictly prohibited.
  

• Access is granted solely to the registered member and may not be shared with non-members under any circumstances.
  

• Lockbox access codes are confidential and for individual use only. Sharing or misusing access codes may result in immediate suspension or termination of membership without refund.
  

• Members are responsible for ensuring the studio is securely locked upon entry and exit, particularly when arriving or leaving during unstaffed hours.
  

• Any lost, compromised, or misused access codes must be reported to studio staff immediately. The studio reserves the right to change or update access codes at any time for security purposes.
  

• Failure to follow studio access policies, safety guidelines, or community standards may result in revocation of access privileges.
  
  

Access to the studio is a privilege. Respect for the space, equipment, and fellow members helps maintain a safe, creative, and welcoming environment for all.

9. Required Agreements

• Studio Membership Agreement: By purchasing a membership online, you acknowledge and agree to all studio terms, policies, and guidelines listed above