Registration Information & Policies
Registration
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To register online
Call Mackenzie Newsome, 704-344-0795 ext 3
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• Weekly adult classes include
• 25lbs of clay
• a shelf to store your work in process
• access to open studio time
• access to a variety of slips and glazes
• Tuition does NOT include firing of work or use of glazes
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• Clayworks reserves the right to cancel any class with insufficient enrollment.
• Fees are 100% refundable if the class is canceled by Clayworks, 100% refundable up to two weeks (14 days) prior to the start of class, minus a $25 processing fee, if the student cancels. No refunds or tuition credits will be given with less than two week’s notice.
• There will be no refunds or pro-rating options for late registration or missed classes.
• Clayworks does not offer make-up dates for any individual student who is unable to attend a scheduled class.
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• Confirmations and notices for students are sent via email. Check your email regularly for important student information.
• If you unsubscribe from our emails you will not receive important information about your class or workshop.
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• If you would like to be added to the wait list for a workshop or class, click on the waitlist link associated on the class of your choice.
• When we get a cancellation for a class or workshop, we start by contacting the first person on the wait list and then contact people in order of when they were added to the wait list.
• We do get cancellations frequently, but we can’t guarantee that a space will open up.
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While we anticipate that your fellow students will conduct themselves in a mature and generous way, it is your responsibility to immediately report any incident or allegation of harassment, whether verbal, physical or visual, to the Clayworks Executive Director.
Clayworks prohibits harassment on any unlawful basis, including, but not limited to, race, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, etc. It considers harassment to be a major offense that can result in the termination of your studio rights. Clayworks will take such action and conduct such investigation as appears to be warranted under the circumstances and will take reasonable steps to maintain confidentiality and restrict access to information to persons who need to know. Clayworks' Executive Director has the responsibility of investigating and resolving complaints of harassment.
Anyone who has or uses illegal drugs on the premises will be asked to immediately leave the program. Clayworks will not tolerate possession of firearms on the property. Anyone found violating this policy would be asked to immediately leave the program. Clayworks reserves the right to terminate studio privileges for what it deems to be the benefit of the community.
The participant (Student or Artist) agrees that Clayworks, Inc. assumes no liability whatsoever for any death, injury or loss resulting from, arising out of, or connected with the activities of Clayworks, Inc., its officers, trustees, employees, agents or lessees or anyone in or about the premises, except for loss, injury or death directly resulting from the grossly negligent or intentional act and/or grossly negligent or intentional omissions of Clayworks, Inc.
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Clayworks reserves the right to use photographs and/or videos taken of adults during classes and other programs to market and promote Clayworks and its programs in print and online.
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To ensure a safe and peaceful environment at all times, Clayworks has adopted the following policy on drugs and alcohol consumption and distribution in or at its facilities and property:
In addition to illegal drugs, Clayworks prohibits the consumption and distribution of prescription medication that is not consumed under the advice of a physician.
Clayworks prohibits the consumption of alcohol for individuals under the legal age of 21. As a member of the Clayworks’ community, you agree to adhere to this policy and not distribute alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age.
Further, you agree to adhere to all policies regarding the consumption of alcohol at the Clayworks’ facilities and property. For those members of the Clayworks’ community who are over the age of 21, you agree to consume alcohol responsibly at all times, including at any events sponsored by Clayworks where alcohol may be served. You agree to only bring alcohol to Clayworks which you are able to consume responsibly at that time. You may use the kitchen facility and refrigerator to store alcohol while you are present at Clayworks, but shall remove all alcohol from Clayworks upon departure. Any alcohol left at the Clayworks’ facilities or property upon your departure is subject to removal. (It will be placed in a locked location).
Any violations of this policy shall be reported to the Executive Director of Clayworks, including any damages caused to Clayworks’ property and equipment, or members of its community. Clayworks reserves the right to suspend all rights and privileges of those who violate this policy. Clayworks is not liable for any drug or alcohol-related damages or injury that takes place outside of its facilities or property.
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Clayworks, Inc. forbids possession of firearms or concealed weapons on the property. Anyone found violating this policy would be asked to immediately vacate the premises.
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Students and Artists are responsible for helping to maintain the security of the building and should exercise responsibility and common sense in its maintenance.
Building Safety
• Please make sure that the door closes behind you when you enter the building. For EVERYONE’s safety, when you leave the building make sure that you lock all doors and the back door is shut and secure.
• Turn off ALL lights if you are the last one to leave.
• No one is permitted to give the entry codes to anyone without the executive director’s permission. Entry codes are changed no less frequency than once per session.
• Parking is permitted in front of the Gallery building, behind the Studio building, or along the driveway. Do not park directly in front of the courtyard or at the bottom of the ramp—these are loading zones. You may use them temporarily to load and unload, then move your car to a space.
• Do not leave any valuables in your car. Please be careful when going to and from your car and use the buddy system when you leave late at night.
• Clayworks is not responsible for any theft or injury that occurs on its premises.
• Fire extinguishers are located throughout the building. They are located in the following locations:
• Front entrance to the studio by the kitchen
• Classroom #1 by the exit
• Classroom #3 near of the glaze room entryway
• Glaze room- by entryway to the classroom #3
• Hallway by the entrance to the kiln room
• Kiln room beside the exit door
• The first aid kit is stored in the kitchen in a drawer/cabinet next to the refrigerator.
• A book of the hazardous materials in the building is available for anyone to look at in case of an accident. The book is stored in the tall white cabinet in the glaze area. Any chemicals in the building must have a MSDS sheet on file for OSHA. Please check with the studio manager to make sure the chemical sheet is on file prior to bringing them into the studio. MSDS sheets should be ordered from the manufacturer when the order is placed for the chemical.
Working Safety
• Wear protective equipment when necessary (respirators, safety goggles, rubber gloves, kiln mitts, etc.)
• When mixing glazes or clay a respirator must be worn at all times. Students, instructors or other artists cannot be in the area without the proper safety gear in place while glazes are being mixed.
• Proper attire must be worn while raku firing. Absolutely no sandals or shorts can be worn while firing. Only long pants and closed toe shoes are allowed.
• All artists will be required to wear the proper safety gear while in the studio.
• Never put your hands in the glaze material. Gloves are provided for everyone to use. They are located in a drawer in the glaze room.
• No open flames, heat guns, or torches are permitted in the Studio.
• Artists must store any flammable material in metal cans with lids.
• Emergency phone numbers are posted by the phone in the kitchen. If you suspect anything out of the ordinary, please call 911.
• Carolinas Medical Center and Novant Health are within miles of Clayworks. Additionally, the following Urgent Care centers are within close proximity to Clayworks:
Carolinas HealthCare Urgent Care - Eastland
5717 Albemarle Road
Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: (704) 563-2150
Carolinas HealthCare Urgent Care - Cotswold
231 S Sharon Amity Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 304-6400
Community
• There shall be no smoking in the Studio Spaces or anywhere in the building. Smoking is permitted outside the loading dock at Clayworks.
• Listening to music is fine when the instructor is not lecturing, but anyone has the right to veto it.
• Personal pets are not permitted in the Studio or anywhere on Clayworks property, with the exception of service animals.
• Any equipment problems should be reported immediately to the Studio Manager by filling out an equipment repair form located on the display case directly across from the larger metal board, by the front door of the studio. If any equipment seems to be broken do not use it.
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Clayworks, Inc. values and respects the privacy of its online visitors, e-list registrants, students, studio artists, event/workshop attendees and donors. Clayworks safeguards that information and how it is used.
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Since classes start promptly at their designated time, you may want to consider arriving a bit early, so that you can be set up and ready to go. Typically, instructors kick off the class with important announcements and demonstrations that set the tone for the class. Being on time prevents disruptions and more importantly, exhibits a respect for your instructor, your classmates, and their time.
If you plan to miss any classes, please inform your instructor as far in advance as possible. In addition, you may call the studio during office hours and your message will be given to your instructor. If you have a last-minute conflict, please call the studio at: 704.334.4842 to inform your instructor.
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• Students will be assigned a shelf space on the first night of class, you will be given a tag with your name and session you are enrolled in. Make sure that your tag is current to the session you are attending.
• Beginner students and students in Sculpture classes receive a half shelf (Sculpture students also have another area to store your project in process). Intermediate and Advanced level classes receive a whole shelf.
• Please keep all items on your assigned shelf. Clayworks suggests that you not store your tools and underglazes on your shelf, however, you may do so at your own risk.
• Students may NOT use any empty shelves for storage of work.
• Under no circumstances may students store work on the top of the shelving units. If you leave items on the top of the units, expect those items to be discarded the following day by our staff.
• At the end of each term, all work and tools must be removed from the studio if you are not enrolling in the next session. Clayworks is not responsible for personal items left after the last class. All projects, clay, tools, etc. remaining WILL BE DISCARDED OR DONATED.
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Clayworks does not provide tools for students. You may purchase a pottery tool pack or a handbuilding tool kit from our online store.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE STUDENTS ALLOWED TO USE ITEMS FOM OUR KITCHEN FOR CLAY WORK.
Under no circumstances are students or artists allowed to remove any glazes, slips, equipment, bats, wear boards, books or materials belonging to Clayworks from the building.
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• Only students currently enrolled in classes may use Clayworks studio
• Children and friends of students are not allowed to work at Clayworks
• Animals are NOT allowed at Clayworks, except for service animals
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For information on class cancelations due to inclement weather:
Check the Clayworks website! The popup will inform you of cancelled classes.
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• Students must utilize our firing services to use our glazes, the cost of materials is calculated in the firing fees.
• Students that choose to provide their own glazes still have to pay the full firing fee
• Fees are calculated by cubic inch (length x width x height x $.07) for all firings. When delivering your artwork, Leave the pieces in the intake area and studio monitors will intake your work and email you an invoice.
• Please attach with your artwork: your full name, phone number AND email address at time of drop off.
• Invoices will be sent and are due upon receipt. We will only fire work after the invoice has been paid.
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Students are not allowed to remove any slips or glazes from the building or alter glazes or slips in any way.
Once you have retrieved your bisque work, it is time to glaze it.
Clayworks keeps careful controls of the glazes for consistency. Students should NEVER add water to glazes, if you suspect a glaze is thicker than it should be notify the studio manager.
Selecting Your Glaze
There are glazes available to students in the glaze room. Your instructor will provide you with specifics about each of the glazes.
• TIP: Early on, you may want to create your own set of test tiles, based on the ceramic body you are using and the glazes which most interest you. These will serve as your color palette. Clayworks does not charge a firing fee for test tiles (they must be test tiles and not small pots or napkin rings)
Preparing your work area
• Begin by gathering newspaper, so that the glaze table stays clean.
• Lay out the newspapers.
• Place your work on the newspaper.
Glazing Your Piece
• Wax all work and allow the wax to dry before glazing it. Use Mobil A wax for all clay bodies except porcelain. There is a special porcelain wax only for this clay.
• Apply wax. Do not use studio sponges to apply wax resist.
• Inspect the bottom after glazing to be sure it is clean/free of any glaze at least 1/8 inch from bottom of the piece. Your piece has to be clean and free of any glaze on the bottom, before it is glaze fired.
• This last step is very important. If the work is not clean, it will be returned to the "CANNOT BE FIRED" shelf for you to clean/fix later. Please understand that this will delay the firing process for you. We are very strict about this because we are trying to protect the longevity of our equipment. In a community setting, we need to be protective with what we have.
Cleaning Up Your Work Area
You are required to clean up after yourself and leave your area cleaner than how you found it. Wiping down excessively soiled surfaces, covering all glaze buckets and cleaning all of the utensils you use, put any tools back where you found them, including your own.
Conserve water as much as possible while cleaning up.
Glaze Firing
Once you have applied glaze to your piece, it is time to glaze fire it. Once your work is thoroughly clean, place it on the shelf area marked [GLAZE FIRING] in the kiln room.
Setting Your Piece on the Glazeware Shelf
Glazed, clean work MUST be placed on the appropriate glazeware shelves:
• For cone 5 ware, the shelves are adjacent to the greenware shelves.
• For cone 10 ware, the shelves are in the kiln room, next to the gas kiln.
• For Salt kiln, there are two carts labeled Salt kiln in the kiln area.
• To participate in salt firing you must sign up for a shift to work with loading, firing and unloading the kiln. We fire the salt kiln every quarter.
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Clayworks staff will load and glaze fire your work. It is fired at a high temperature. Though glaze firings occur regularly, please allow 2-3 weeks for the glaze firing process. As it is important that the kilns be full, the frequency of glaze firings vary according to the amount of work being produced.
• If your work is large or odd-sized, please expect to wait longer.
Frequency of Kiln Firings
Kiln firings occur as kilns can be filled. The number of firings is directly proportional to the amount of work available to fire.
While electric kiln firings occur quite frequently, the gas kiln gets fired every 6 weeks. The raku kilns are reserved for students enrolled in that specific class.
Salt firing happens every 12 weeks.
On average, we suggest you keep the following in mind:
• Please allow 2-3 weeks for the bisque firing process.
• Please allow 1-2 weeks for the electric glaze firing process.
• Please allow 6 weeks for the glaze firing process for gas and 12-weeks for salt firings.
Predictability & Serendipity
Unlike the predictability an electric kiln offers, the gas kiln and the salt kiln, by nature, is more organic and unpredictable. The weather, the way the kiln is stacked, the types of glazes used and the amount of reduction all affect the kiln's internal environment and the resultant pots. We strive to have some consistency in the gas kiln, however, the classroom situation makes this very difficult. Though we regularly check the cone 10 glazes with a hydrometer (a device to check the water content in the glazes), we cannot control how individual students may apply their own glazes.
If you are looking to achieve consistency in your results, cone 5 firings in the electric kiln will be your best choice.
If, however, you are an Intermediate or advanced level class student, and you want to leave a bit up to serendipity, please experiment with the cone 10 glazes and the gas kiln as well as the salt kiln.
Operation of Kilns
Kilns are NOT to be opened, tampered with, loaded or unloaded by ANYONE but Clayworks staff.
Clayworks Kiln firing policy
Personal work of registered students, studio artists, and instructors are given priority in our kilns.
Clayworks does offer outside firing services for community members.
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Beginning level students will receive one bag of recycled clay for your class. If you would like a different clay, you must purchase it.
Intermediate and advanced level classes will be given a bag of stoneware. You may receive a bag of porcelain or Brown Bear for a $5 upgrade.
Students must take their clay that is included in the tuition by the third week of class. After the third week, students forfeit their class clay.
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Students are not to video tape instructors without written consent from the instructor.
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Clean Up Guidelines
Ideally, the condition of the studio upon your departure should be equal to or better than the condition of the studio upon your arrival. Please allow sufficient time for cleanup. Thirty minutes is normal.
Thoroughly wipe clean your area and equipment, including the following, plus any other tools or areas utilized. Store all your work and tools on your shelf.
Equipment
• Your Wheel and Stool (top, sides, splash pans & surrounding table)
• After using a wheel, turn it off, clean all parts of it and replace the splash pan.
• Put stool and pedal on top of wheel
• Your Bats & Boards
• Tools should 1st be rinsed in prewash buckets in the sink and then under fresh water. We need to conserve water.
• Studio Implements used
• Rinse & squeeze excess water from the sponges & bristle brushes
Work Areas
• The Floor (sweep excess clay debris or mop excess glaze debris)
• Brooms, dustpans are located in each classroom and a mop is in the unlocked storage closet just past the common area in classroom #2.
• Your Table Space (where you wedged your clay & worked, etc.)
• Clean off wedging board and tables immediately after using them.
• The Plaster Slabs, where you dry out your clay
The Glaze Room
• wipe down the counters around the glaze buckets you used, the glaze table & the floors; toss all newspapers
• rinse whisks and any containers used and return to their proper spots
• The Sink Area (using sponge, wipe excess debris from sink & squeeze into the clay barrel, rinse sponge)
Tools/Objects
• Wash the studio tools after using them and put back in their proper place.
• Once clean, return all objects to the place they belong, such as:
• Splash pans to wheel
• Bats to bat area by sink
• Your tools to your shelf
Clay
• Place clay and sludge in the large blue reclaim clay bins (All discarded clay is remixed and used for sale or our Community Engagement Programs)
• Do NOT put clay in the garbage can, it makes the garbage too heavy to lift.
• If you have clay, bisqueware or glazeware to throw away, please take it out to the dumpster in the back-parking lot.
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• Do your part in keeping the Kitchen clean. If you use any of the dishes you are responsible for washing them and putting them away.
• If you make coffee in the coffee pot you will be the one responsible for turning it off and cleaning it out.
• You are welcome to put items in the refrigerator however please mark each item with the tape provided with your name and date. The refrigerator is cleaned out weekly.
• DO NOT USE ANY KITCHEN ITEM FOR CLAY WORK
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Several times a year there is a Community studio Clean-up day!
This is a time where the staff, teachers, and studio artists gather for a few hours to do a deep clean of the studio. Students are invited to join us! The more the merrier (and the quicker the deep clean-up goes).
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Student Guide
We are happy that you have chosen to spend some time working at Clayworks, the largest nonprofit teaching facility in the southeast.
The studio environment has been successful due in large part to the conscientiousness of its students and artists.
We ask that you join us in respecting your new environment and those with whom you work, by observing the following policies.