Code of Conduct

Respect

Members and students are expected to treat each other with kindness and respect. This is a community space where everyone is welcome to explore their craft. Racism, discrimination, bullying, aggression, harassment and hate speech of any kind will not be tolerated and could lead to termination of membership.

Materials

We ask that you do not bring outside clay into the studio, and all new glaze recipes must be approved and tested by studio staff. If you want to bring outside tools and equipment, please store them in your locker unless you’re OK with other members using them.

Cleanliness

All members and students are responsible for the cleanliness of the studio. Not only is it a matter of consideration but is paramount for health and safety as well. All work areas, spills, tools and equipment must be wet washed when you are finished for the day. Tools to be dried and returned to their appropriate caddy. Please leave the studio cleaner than you found it. Do not leave clay out to dry, this includes trimmings. Dispose of them appropriately before they dry out. Floors are never to be swept – wet mop only.

Health & Safety

All health and safety policies must be adhered to. This includes cleaning, glazing and kiln room policies. Policy details are posted in each area for your information and safety. Glaze mixing and running of kilns will require specialized training. Open-toed shoes are not permitted in studio. Please bring indoor shoes to be worn in the winter or on rainy days.

Food & Drink

Food and drink must be kept in the kitchen, away from workspaces. Please dispose of any food leftovers and wrappers responsibly. Follow compost and recycling guidelines as per the Island Waste Watch program. Clay and glaze are to be kept away from eating areas.

Studio Space & Safety

Respect the space and equipment. Damage incidents are to be reported immediately. If applicable, damage will be repaired at member’s expense. Do not touch the work of other members without permission and please respect their intellectual property. Theft of property, materials or equipment will not be tolerated and will lead to termination of membership.

Kiln Room Safety

Please follow the rules and procedures outlined in the kiln room. Only authorized persons are permitted inside the kiln room. Never load, unload or run the kilns without authorization from staff or management. Never touch or tamper with a kiln that is running.

Studio Security

Never share your access credentials with anyone, or leave doors propped open. The space is available to paying guests only. Unauthorized visitors are not permitted. Members who provide access to unauthorized individuals will risk losing Club privileges.

Disruption

Avoid disrupting and distracting others. Please either listen to music on headphones or keep studio speaker turned on low volume, in consideration of others sharing the space. Please keep conversation quiet. This is a place of enjoyment, but also a place to relax, learn, contemplate and explore. Please be mindful of those around us and their creative process. Guests and/or children are not permitted in the studio, unless express permission has been given by management. Pets are not allowed.

Identification of Work

We require all work to be identified and dated, when transferred to the pre-kiln area. (For both glaze and bisque firing.) Apply a maker’s mark to all pieces and place note with date of completion inside, underneath or attached to piece. Work will be loaded into the kiln in order of when it was submitted. Wares that are not identifiable or date stamped will not be fired. Finished pieces that are not claimed within 1 month of firing will be disposed of or set aside to be sold at a future sale, with proceeds going to The Club.

Washrooms

Please keep washrooms clean. Consider wiping sink and counter after use, to make everyone’s visit more pleasant. Do not dispose of sanitary napkins, paper towels or other bulk items in the toilet. Please use waste cans provided for this purpose.

Outcomes of Work

All students and members should be aware of the risks and unpredictability of the ceramic process. Studio staff will not be held responsible for damage to wares, or for undesirable clay and glaze outcomes. Any work on firing carts will be loaded by staff/approved members. If you do not want staff to load your wares, you must store work on your shelf and be present during loading so staff may supervise or assist you.

Reporting

All members and students ß are responsible for upholding the Code of Conduct. If you see anyone being mistreated or disrespecting the studio, please let us know so we can resolve the issue.

Waiver of Liability

You are entering the facility at your own risk. By signing below, you are indemnifying Alley Street Clay Club and its affiliates, staff and owners of any and all liability due to injury or harm while on the premises.