Studio Rules & Etiquette - Studio Access Membership
Dame Errant is more than just a clay studio.
Upholding studio etiquette and cleanliness not only demonstrates our respect for one another but also forms the cornerstone of our ceramic practice.
1 Entry and Ettequitte
Members are asked to preregister with your hours via our member portal and when you arrive check in at the front desk. You can do this up to the minute before the start time.
We have some events that use the entire classroom, you will notice that there may be up to an evening a week that is not available. Additionally, sometimes we will close open clay to the public, but leave it open to our members that can be sensitive to the etiquette of the studio if it is an event that would allow so. Check the monthly studio calendar to see what is happening in the classroom.
While we encourage a peaceful and meditative atmosphere, we aim to strike a balance that fosters a serene environment without feeling overly stifled. Please refrain from engaging in loud or disruptive conversations, as we value the tranquil nature of our space. However, there's no need to whisper during regular conversations. Our studio serves as a place for introspection and creative expression in proximity to others. Kindly note that during our workshops, there may be increased activity and the carrying of instructors' voices. Additionally, we kindly request that you refrain from giving unsolicited advice to others.
2 SAFE SPACE
At our studio, we strive to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where every individual feels valued and respected. We encourage all members to approach their interactions with mindfulness, acknowledging their own perspectives and privileges, and refraining from any entitled behavior. Our commitment to learning and growth is anchored in mutual respect and understanding. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any form of disrespectful conduct, discrimination, or micro-aggressions. We reserve the right to uphold the safe space we strive to create.
No phone conversations. If you need to make a brief phone call please make it in the back workshop.
Please keep music in headphones unless doors to classroom are closed and you check that the music isn’t bothering others working in the space. This is subject to change.
3 CLAY
We have 3 clay bodies available in house at approximately $25/ per bag.
For safety of our kilns and student/member work, clays bought elsewhere are not allowed.
4 CLEANING YOUR AREA
Please leave work stations better than you found them. Always use a clean sponge or mop to wipe down all surfaces and areas you worked on. Wipe down the wedging table, wheel, and splash pans thoroughly after use.
5 RECLAIM and TRIMMING
We have two buckets for reclaim- Wet and Dry
Wet: anything wetter than slip can go into the wet bucket
Dry: Anything that holds its form should be broken in to pieces and go into the Dry Bucket (It will dry to bone dry and then be easily broken down with water, wherein if it were added to the wet it would keep it’s form.
Please do not put any fired pieces (bisqued or glazed) and swept trimming from the floor in the trimming buckets– those belong in the garbage as we cannot recycle them!
To maintain a clean and safe environment, we ask that you refrain from dry trimming as it can create excessive clay dust. If necessary, please sweep clay trimmings off the floor while they are still damp and dispose of them in the garbage. In the event that the trimmings become dry, lightly spray them with the provided sprayers before sweeping. Alternatively, you can lay newspaper on the floor before trimming and use it to gather and dispose of the trimmings afterward.
6 SANDING & DUST
Please refrain from any dry sanding activities. When sanding is necessary, we require all sanding to be done wet, over a basin of water, and with the use of a mask. As ceramics is a lifelong passion for many of us in the studio, we prioritize minimizing dust inhalation to ensure the long-term health of our lungs. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
7 WATER AND CLEAN UP
It is much more efficient to clean up at your station using a rag or sponge to remove clay residue from your tools and hands, utilizing the reclaim water in the sink bins. If needed rinse quickly with clean water from the faucet. Please ensure that water is not left running unnecessarily.
8 GLAZING
Outside glazes are prohibited unless approved in writing by a staff member!
If you have a glaze request please let us know - Our glazes are subject to change with the availability of materials and we usually add or change up a glaze approximately quarterly.
Please do not alter glazes! If there is a problem with consistency, please tell one of the staff.
Members are responsibly for understanding how thick a glaze needs to be, wiping back the glaze to the appropriate height, Member work that runs and destroys kind shelf or work is subject to fines up to the cost and labor of damaged items.
9 NO PRODUCTION POTTERY
As a small studio, we are unable to accommodate production pottery in our memberships. We aim to ensure equal opportunities for all students and members to have their pieces included in our firings.
10 TOOLS & ITEMS
Please clean community tools thoroughly and put them back where they belong.
For personal tools, please make sure they are labeled with your name on it and stored on your shelf. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Do not touch other members’ work or tools without direct permission from that person. Permission granted on one day does not confirm permission at another time.
11 GUESTS & VISITORS
Kindly note that our priority at Dame Errant is to maintain an peaceful environment conducive to the creative process. While we appreciate visitors, it is often a disruptive energy to have onlookers walking through a creative space. The best approach is to invite curious friends and family to attend an open clay sphere session where they can create alongside you in the classroom.
12 FOOD
Do not store any food on your shelves. No eating in the glaze area please! We understand emergency snacks may be needed, but ask that members avoid pungent foods as we have an aspect of aromatherapy in our classroom.
13 KILN, VAULT, Resident artists
For the safety of everyone, only staff members are permitted to access the kiln area and vault.
Additionally we have three semi private workspaces that belong to our resident artists- These are completely off limits.
14 SAFETY FIRST
For your safety, please refrain from using any equipment you haven't used before without first asking one of our staff members to provide guidance. Although we expect members to be self guided, please don’t hesitate to ask if you are unaware about a piece of equipment.
15 MAKE UP CLASSES
Please note that we do not offer make-up classes due to our limited class sizes. However, we are more than happy to provide you with additional informational resources covering any missed topics or techniques. Alternatively, if time and availability allow, our instructors may offer a brief refresher during your next scheduled class.
16 MEMBERSHIP CANCELATION
If members want to cancel their membership, they are responsible for doing so before the monthly auto charge. No exceptions. Members are responsible for clearing out their shelf space by the end of their membership.
These rules are subject to adjustment and changing