Open Studio Community Membership (Call 647 667 2259 for Availability)

Open Studio Community Membership - for experienced potters (those fully able to work - and clean - independently) with a communal bent.

Anyone interested in Open Studio Community Membership or must call before booking to discuss their ability to work (and clean) independently (647 667 2259). It is also very much our preference that interested parties also visit our studio first to check out the energy of our space and see if it is a fit for them.

The Cost

$125 (+HST) per month. Unlimited usage - if we are open, you are welcome.

The Idea

We hold a special place in our hearts - and in our studio - for Open Studio Community Members. We have made considerable efforts to create a physically and energetically warm atmosphere in our studio and consider Open Studio Community Members to be our partners in our ongoing commitment to maintaining the wonderful feel of our space. 

Open Studio Community Members, like regular Open Studio participants, are able to work (and clean) completely independently but also offer positive energy to the studio community through welcoming warmth to all visitors of our collective "third Space". [The term, “3rd space” is borrowed from the European-type description of a homey social setting beyond one's home and work spaces].

Community Members truly feel at home at Chromatic Earth Pottery and adhere to studio policies naturally, rather than dogmatically, in recognition that our policies have been developed to protect the integrity and atmosphere of our studio. Members are especially (and thankfully) encouraged to help us revisit studio policies to better serve the functionality and collective feel of our community. Members naturally lead by example in terms of maintaining the order and cleanliness of our studio, always leaving the space at least as clean as how they found it. We are intentional about keeping our studio free from signage: rather, it is our hope that participants will be as present with their cleaning activities as they are with their pottery activities due to their sense of collective commitment.

In many ways our studio was designed for Open Studio Community Members: besides a dozen wheels and copious hand-building and glazing/painting tables, we have a marble wedging table, a full slab roller, a cozy social lounge, a full kitchen and a private washroom. 

Community Members receive all the benefits of regular Open Studio participants and more:

• Unlike regular Open Studio participants, Open Studio Community members may often stay beyond Open Studio times and are encouraged to utilize our warm, comfy seating area for social connection outside of registered hours. 

• Members are also informed of any extra times the studio will be available on an ad-hoc basis ... that is, Mozhgan or Mark will send out last-minute notices to Community Members (and ONLY Community Members) when they will be at the studio outside of normal hours.

• for Community Members there is no limit to the number of times (with the possible exception of the evening timeslot on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays - see below) they may visit their "third space": they may come for multiple time slots per day and up to six days a week!

Community Members work alone or with other Open Studio participants without interrupting registered classes or workshops. Class students recognize the presence of Members as warmly encouraging rather than regularly vocally interactive.

 

Communal Space

Wheels, hand-building, wedging and glazing tables (with accompanying tools - that must be cleaned and returned to their original place) are all available for Open Studio participants. However, priority for firing, space and equipment goes first to our registered class students. The kilns and the kiln room are available only to employees – we fire everything for you! The rolling table may only be used alongside employees.

Our studio has a fridge, microwave and kettle. Please bring your own refreshment requirements and please leave our kitchen area and sink at least as clean as how you found it. We oddly have very little in the way of plates (but we are a pottery studio so we might change suddenly at any time) so please be aware of that. Tea/coffee/snack donations for the community are appreciated as formal tea-time is reserved for registered class/workshop participants. 

 

Clay and Kiln

Clay/glaze/firing must be purchased as a package (this package is available only to open studio students) for $90.40 ($80 + HST) for 1/2 block (6") of clay. Only pieces that take up large spaces in our kiln (pieces more than ¼ the inner working height of our large kiln or flat pieces such as plates/tiles/etc) will incur extra firing costs. Independent potters understand that heavy glazing or glaze that touches the bottom of the kiln can damage the kiln as can clay that contains bubbles or is very thick. Open Studio participants are responsible for kiln damage as a result of their pieces.

Please observe our firing policy/procedures on the "Firing Services" section of our website at your convenience. Please take only the amount of glaze you need and modifications of unapportioned glaze are, of course, not permitted. Outside clay is not permitted and outside glaze must be pre-approved before being used. Pieces taken home before completion may not be returned to our studio.  We do not allow the recycling of clay on an individual basis.

 

Schedule

With the exception of holidays and the odd private booking, the Open Studio schedule will generally be:

• Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-3:30pm, 3:30-6pm and, with somewhat reduced availability from 6:15-8:45pm (6-8:30pm on Fridays);

• Tuesday evenings (6:15-8:45pm);

• Saturdays and Sundays from 1-3:30pm and 3:30 – 6pm;

   

All times include 15 minutes of clean-up before time slots end and ALL Open Studio participants are required to leave the studio in the same - or better - state of cleanliness in which they found it so the rest of our community can have the same lovely experience they did. 

All open studio sessions are canceled during holidays and for private event bookings. We will do our very best to keep Couples Nights to Thursdays and will limit as best we can the cancellation of Open Studio on Friday evenings as a result of Couples Nights. Registrants will also receive communication whenever unforeseen circumstances occur that necessitate the closure of the studio (power outages, etc.)

Please note that the number of unclaimed slots may decrease (or increase) at any time due to bookings of private classes, workshops, etc.

Empty time-slots (times where no one has signed up) may be eliminated within 24 hours of when the time-slot is scheduled to begin: if no one has signed up, we’re taking a rest!

 

Booking Time Slots

Once registered for Open Studio Community Membership the new member shall receive the time-slot sign-up link as well as our members' WhatsApp group link to our behind-the-curtains community and the glaze-sharing program. 

Open Studio participants defer to instructional students for space, equipment, materials, lounge area and (especially) sink utilization. 

 

Next Steps

If Open Studio Community Membership feels like something you are interested in, the next step would be for you to come visit our studio to make sure it is an energetic fit for you.  Please call us at 647 667 2259 to let us know when you are coming.

 

 

Terms and Conditions of Membership at Chromatic Earth Membership

I agree that:

- I have taken at least three full sessions of instructional ceramics classes at full-service studios 

- I am currently fully able to create and clean independently without assistance from others

- I will not remove from the studio any tools, equipment, clay or anything else that isn’t mine

- I will not bring outside clay (or artwork) to the studio

- I will only place pieces for firing on the shelves allotted to me

- I will not provide access to the studio (including my door code) to any non-members 

- I will adhere to studio rules as indicated by staff members and studio policies

My membership may be terminated without refund if any of the above are not adhered to or if any of the provided information is erroneous.

Chromatic Earth Pottery acknowledges the above stipulations may need revisiting and are very open to discussing any of them further.

We also commit to providing notice to our members when the studio will be unavailable (for private events, some Couples Nights, repairs, unforeseen circumstances, etc.). Members able to work quietly without changing the energy of the studio may be invited to utilize the studio during many Couples Nights and Private Events.

 

MEMBERS RECEIVE: 24-hour access to our beautiful and energetic studio with its magnificent stations and equipment, an individual cubby, crates for clay storage, discounts on classes and workshops and participation in studio sales and monthly (at least) firings.

PRICE: $280 ($316.40 wHST) monthly – annual (one month savings): $3080 ($3480.40 wHST)

Clay: cost per sleeve (10kg): red clay - $48 ($54.24 wHST), black stoneware - $63 ($71.19 wHST), MCS white - $49 ($55.37 wHST)

- recycling: 3 clay bodies kept separate; individualized recycling of clay is not permitted

Firing: Monthly (bisque + glaze) or more frequently based on need. CEP is not responsible for undesirable outcomes from any part of the pottery process. Members are entitled to ½ shelf per month in our large kiln (for pieces 8” tall or less - negotiable). $25 for each extra ½ shelf extra.

Please provide us with as much notice as possible when purchasing clay. We will make it available to you as quickly as possible.

 

 

 

 

CEP POLICIES - Open Studio Community Membership

Chromatic Earth Pottery (CEP) asks its Community Members to:

- sign up (using “SignUp”) each time they plan on arriving at the studio;

- wet-clean all messes made (including the walls/floor) without creating dust and turn off plugged-in items when finished with them;

- be intentional about limiting any studio actions that create dust;

- NOT sand pieces inside the studio space (outside is possible but water and masks are recommended);

- avoid smoking or creating smoke in the studio (our heat/fire sensors are sensitive);

- practice cell phone courtesy when in the studio;

- refrain from entering the office/kiln room without specific, time-sensitive invitation;

- utilize the pre-wash station (when available) and limit time spent at the sink;

- use the slab-roller only once you have been fully trained on it to a staff member’s satisfaction;

- not unplug lights/wheels in the throwing area (if you need to plug in a heat gun, etc., please set yourself up close to one of the extension cords made available for such purposes);

- avoid using the “Couples Night” lights;

- break down discarded greenware to no larger than, approximately, 1” in diameter of clay;

- not contaminate the recycling buckets in any way;

- occupy the 4 wheels reserved for members first and only utilize the “class” wheels outside of scheduled class hours;

- work without interrupting registered classes or workshops, affecting them only with your positive energy (energetically respectful members may - at times - be permitted to utilize the studio even during some Couples Nights);

- use “cookies” for glaze firings (the current price for glaze damage to shelves is $65 - other causes of damage incur different costs). Outside glaze must be pre-approved before use;

- store your personal items only in your allotted shelf(shelves)/cubby - not in communal places (items stored improperly, unlabeled, or taking up additional space in any studio areas are subject to removal at the studio’s discretion);

- treat others in the studio with kindness and respect and protect the positive environment of the studio. Discrimination (of any sort), harassment, bullying or disrespectful behaviour will result in expulsion from the premises (temporary/permanent, depending on severity) without reimbursement.

Statement: Members ideally feel at home at Chromatic Earth Pottery and adhere to studio policies naturally, rather than dogmatically, in recognition that our policies have been developed to protect the safety, integrity and atmosphere of our studio. Members are encouraged to help us revisit our policies to better serve the functionality and collective feel of our studio. We are intentional about keeping our studio free from signage: rather, it is our hope that participants will be as present with their cleaning activities as they are with their creating activities.

Risk of injury: as experienced potters know, the ceramics process involves the use of wheels, sharp tools and other items that may cause injury if improperly used.  CEP is  not responsible for any injuries, damages or harm caused during or as a result of your ceramics practice.

SAFETY: With Member safety in mind, the owners of CEP: set up high-resolution cameras; require members to re-lock the keypad door upon entry when staff are not present; require members to book their arrivals (so we know who is at our studio and when);  make themselves available by phone (647 667 2259); limit airborne silica dust hazards by forbidding the sanding of pieces inside the studio and making “shop-vacs” available to members (in lieu of sweeping).

Filming: Members, along with their art, may sometimes be part of group pictures or videos and, when agreed upon, be recorded individually. CEP will only use these images in its website or for promotional campaigns. CEP does not allow the filming of instructional classes and will always view individual member artistic processes and styles as proprietary.

Pausing Membership: CEP does not offer the option to pause memberships. If members want to take a break from studio membership, they can give one month’s cancellation notice (see “Cancellation of Membership” below) and add their names to the membership waitlist.

Cancellation of Membership: members must give one month’s notice (by email) to cancel. Memberships cannot be cancelled midway through a billing cycle. Members are asked to complete and take home all projects, clay and cubby contents before their membership ends. Any clay or unfinished pieces remaining after a membership expires will be recycled or donated. Regular Members (24/7 member firings take place only during their membership) must pick up their fired pieces within one week after the final firing of their pieces.

Communal/Private Tools/Space: 1) Wheels, hand-building, wedging and glazing tables (with accompanying equipment) are all available for Open Studio participants. However, members are required to bring their own throwing/sculpting tools and cloths (bathroom/kitchen paper towels are not for clay). Kitchen dishes, equipment, etc. may not be used as tools for ceramics. 2) Our studio has a fridge and microwave. Please bring your own dishes/cutlery and refreshment requirements and please leave our kitchen area at least as clean as how you found it. Formal tea-time is reserved for registered class/workshop participants. 3) Priority for sink, space and equipment goes first to our registered class students. The kilns and the kiln room are available only to employees – we fire everything for you!  4) Our studio/building recycles. Please keep your garbage and recyclables separate. And, of course, empty your beverages in the sink before recycling/binning your containers.

Disregard of staff instructions or failure to adhere to studio policies may result in the termination of membership.

All ceramics participants at CEP will be asked to sign a Liability Waiver.