Studio Handbook Guidelines

Lore Ceramics Studio Handbook & Guidelines

Welcome to Lore Ceramics! Our goal is to create a welcoming, respectful, and creative environment where everyone feels safe to learn, experiment, and enjoy ceramics.

All students and members are expected to follow these guidelines. Failure to do so may result in removal from the studio without refund.

 

 

Community Expectations

Lore Ceramics is a space where everyone should feel welcome and respected.

We have zero tolerance for:

  • Harassment or discrimination

  • Offensive, hostile, intimidating, or vulgar language

  • Behavior that makes others feel unsafe or uncomfortable

Please treat staff, students, members, artwork, tools, and shared spaces with care and respect.

 

 

General Studio Rules

Because this is a shared workspace, everyone is responsible for helping keep the studio clean, organized, and functional.

Please:

  • Respect other people’s work, shelves, tools, and space

  • Do not touch or use another person’s belongings without permission

  • Keep your work contained to your assigned area

  • Silence your phone and take calls outside

  • Clean up after yourself promptly

  • Report accidental damage by leaving a note for the owner of the piece

Only registered students and active members may use the studio and equipment. Guests are not permitted.

Lore Ceramics is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.

 

 

Firing & Turnaround Times

Firing turnaround times typically range from 1–3 weeks depending on kiln schedules, workload, and drying time.

Pieces that are not fully dry or need corrections (such as glaze on the bottom) will be returned to your shelf with instructions.

Make sure every piece has your maker’s mark clearly stamped on the bottom.

 

 

Open Studio & Class Policies

Open studio is for independent work only. No instruction or demonstrations are provided during open studio hours.

Please check the studio schedule for updated student and member open studio hours. 

If you miss a class, your instructor will help catch you up during the following class session.

 

 

End of Semester Procedures

Students continuing into the next semester may:

  • Keep work on their shelves

  • Receive early registration access

Students not continuing should:

  • Finish glazing existing work during the final class

  • Avoid starting new projects at the end of the semester

Unclaimed work may be discarded or donated 2 weeks after classes end and work is completed.

 

 

Clay, Glazes & Materials

Lore Ceramics is a mid-fire Cone 6 studio.

Clay

  • No outside clay is permitted

  • Clay purchased from the studio includes firing and glazing costs. Firing fees only apply to oversized pieces. 

  • Put your name on your clay bag

Clay Pricing

  • Students and Members must purchase clay through the studio. Check with the studio for updated prices. 

 

 

Reclaim

Students may recycle their own clay using the provided cement board surfaces.

Please:

  • Keep reclaim in labeled bags or buckets on your shelf

  • Use communal reclaim buckets for unwanted trimmings or slurry

  • Rinse tools in rinse buckets before using sinks

If reclaim is abandoned or moldy, the studio may dispose of it.

 

 

Glazes

The studio provides:

  • Homemade dipping glazes

  • Limited commercial glazes, underglazes, and/or slips

Outside glazes must be Cone 6 compatible and approved before use.

 

 

Cleaning Procedures

Dry clay dust can be hazardous when airborne. Please wipe up clay messes with a wet sponge/ mop. 

Please:

  • Wipe down wheels, tables, tools, and nearby floors after use

  • Clean spills immediately

  • Use rinse buckets before washing tools in sinks

  • Return all tools to their original locations.

  • Rinse glaze tools in the glaze slop bucket before cleaning. 

Do not ever dump clay or glaze directly into sinks.

 

 

Membership & Cancellation Policies

Semester Classes

  • 14+ days before class: Full refund

  • 7–14 days: 50% refund

  • Less than 7 days: No refund

Registrations cannot be transferred to another semester. 

 

 

Workshops & Try Nights

  • 48+ hours notice: Full refund

  • Less than 48 hours or no-shows: No refund

 

 

Memberships

Memberships are sold in 8-week increments. 

To cancel, please provide notice before the returning student sign-ups for next semester. 

 

 

Studio Disclaimer

Ceramics is an unpredictable process. Cracking, glaze issues, firing accidents, or kiln problems can occur despite everyone’s best efforts.

Lore Ceramics is not responsible for damaged or unsuccessful pieces, though staff are always happy to help explain what happened and how to improve future work.

The studio may photograph artwork or studio activities for social media and promotional use.

 

 

Questions & Feedback

We welcome respectful feedback, questions, and suggestions.

If you have concerns about the studio experience, please speak directly with staff or management so we can help address them.