Pottery Classes – Need to Know

Here is some important information before you begin class:

Confirmations

In addition to your purchase receipt, you will receive a welcome email from me about a week before class starts. It will include my address and other important information. If you have a question before then you can email pottery -at- craigfairley -dot- com

Refund schedule

  • At least two weeks before first class: full refund less a $25 admin fee
  • Within two weeks: no refund
  • No partial refund for missed classes

For your best experience

  • The goal is to have fun and make a few pots in the process!
  • Fee includes your first bag of clay, glazes, decorating materials and firings. You will receive a 10kg bag of clay for a 6-week wheel throwing class. That will be plenty for a beginner class; you may even have some left over. Additional clay is available for purchase for keeners. For hand building workshops, you will receive the appropriate amount of clay for the project.
  • Wheel-throwing students need to have their own basic tool kit (I can sell you one). I am happy to lend you my tools/stamps for decorating. Tools are provided for hand building workshops.
  • You can carry over unused clay to the next session you might attend, but cannot accumulate beyond that. Clay will keep indefinitely. Keep it wrapped air tight and keep it from freezing.
  • I do not fire pieces made outside of class after the session/workshop ends.
  • There are no outcome guarantees when it comes to making pottery, even for experienced potters. Pieces can fail at any stage of the making process. I try very hard to make sure you to succeed and have pots to take home at the end, but mishaps may happen.
  • Pottery is messy. Be prepared to leave with clay on your clothes, but a smile on your face. Wear old clothes. Clay usually washes out well, but some materials can stain. Bring an apron or towel if you wish.
  • Finger nails need to be trimmed, or you will constantly gouge your clay. It’s also a good idea to remove jewellery (especially rings and bracelets) before class.
  • Health and Safety:
    • Long hair must be tied back, for your safety
    • Wet clay is safe to use, however dry clay and glaze dust can be dangerous if inhaled. For this reason, it is important to keep the studio clean. It is the responsibility of everyone who uses the studio to keep it clean.

Studio etiquette

  • My classes are intended as an open and accepting space for all. No offensive language, discriminatory, demeaning or aggressive behaviour or comments are permitted. Offenders will be asked to leave and not return, without refund.
  • Please be prompt for the sake of other participants.
  • All students are expected to clean their workspace and help clean common work spaces before leaving at the end of class. We normally start cleanup 30 minutes before class ends.
  • Remember, you are entering my home. I hope you will treat it as you would your own.

Emergency closure

  • I will notify you as early as possible about any class cancellation because of weather or other emergencies.
  • I will do my best to accommodate students if I need to re-schedule a class because of emergency/weather closure.

My home studio is not, unfortunately, wheelchair accessible.

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