Ceramics Studio Access

Access to the studio is available in the following ways:

Classes

Classes best meet the needs of makers who are new to clay and benefit from instruction before working independently. Most of our classes are beginner-friendly, but we also offer mixed and intermediate classes to support students ready to advance their skills.

Students enroll in a class which meets weekly for 6, 8, or 10 weeks in a row.
Tuition includes up to six additional practice hours each week that class is in session. Students can create their own flexible practice schedule during Staff Hours or Volunteer Hours. These hours are updated seasonally and posted in the studio and online.
Classes use reclaim clay (a blend of all studio clays) unless a specific clay body is requested by their instructor.

Basic and specialty tools are available to borrow during class sessions, but are shared with other students and members. We recommend purchasing an eight-piece pottery tool kit prior to the start of class.
Students may purchase extra clay from our reclaim supply for $1/lb. Surplus specialty clay bodies are available in limited supplies; e-mail Studio Manager Max Roy at ceramics@maxtmakerspace.org for an updated inventory and price list.
Students are assigned shared cubby spaces for the duration of their classes. Classes share firing shelves. Please remember to empty and wipe down your cubbies at the last class!
Significant tuition discounts are available to young students and others. Inquire with Executive Director Roy Schlieben at roy@maxtmakerspace.org for details.

Workshops

Workshops can serve as a quick introduction to ceramics for beginners, and/or provide instruction in special topics, techniques, and materials to makers at all skill levels.

Workshops meet 1, 2, 3, or 4 times.
Enrollment includes access during workshop sessions only; workshops are designed with the intention that all student work is completed during the scheduled meeting times.
Workshops use reclaim clay (a blend of all studio clays) unless a specific clay body is requested by their instructor.
Basic tools are available to borrow during workshop sessions, but students may need to purchase additional specific tools for their workshop, in which case a product link will be provided.
Workshops are assigned large shelves to share for the duration of the workshop.
Firing limits vary depending on the workshop; as with our longer classes, we encourage workshop students to fire only their favorite pieces.
The availability of extra clay for purchase depends on the workshop curriculum and schedule; typically workshop students will not need extra.

Punch Card Access

Punch Card Passes are available on a quarterly basis in limited quantities. The number of passes available varies depending on Member and Student enrollment each quarter. These passes are designed to meet the access needs of a few different types of makers:

Students who are taking a quarter off from classes but wish to keep their skills sharp
Members who find they are not visiting the studio frequently enough to make the most of regular membership benefits, but want to continue coming
Makers who are local only part of the year, or who have a specific project to complete in a short period of time
Former and prospective members who would like studio access while waiting for a regular membership position to open

Passes are available in two options:
5 visits, 12.5 lbs. of clay, and related glazing and firings, $125
10 visits, 25 lbs. of clay, and related glazing and firings, $250
A visit is defined as one day; the studio may be open for as few as 3 hours or as many as 9 hours, and individuals are responsible for knowing the schedule and managing their time accordingly.
Independent Access is not an option for Punch Card Pass Holders.
Basic and specialty tools are available to borrow during visits, but are shared with students and members. We recommend purchasing an eight-piece pottery tool kit.

Punch Card Pass Holders share storage space for works in progress and firing shelves.
Firings are scheduled at the time of purchase so that the Pass Holder can manage their own making cycle; Pass Holders are responsible for meeting their bisque and glaze deadlines.
Glazing happens during Staff Hours or, if scheduled in advance, on evenings or weekends with staff present. Pass Holders do not glaze independently unless a staff member signs off.
Passes expire 12 weeks after the date of purchase. Visits do not roll over.

Memberships

Membership is a fantastic option for makers who are confident in their skill set and want to work in a shared space without the structure of lessons. Members are comfortable working independently alongside others, demonstrate consistent ability to use the shared space safely, and understand best practices and studio policies. Many students are ready for membership after taking Beginning Clay and at least one All-Levels or Intermediate/Advanced class, though we love when new members continue to take classes!

Membership includes training on any equipment with which new members are unfamiliar, but does not provide regular instruction.
Members are welcome to simultaneously enroll in classes/workshops and receive a 33% discount on tuition.
Membership rates are $100 monthly or $1100 annually.
Members may use the studio during Staff Hours and during any Open Studio sessions. These hours are updated seasonally and posted in the studio and online.
Reclaim clay is always available ($1/pound) and Members can order their preferred clay bodies by adding to our seasonal clay orders. Prices vary depending on the clay body chosen. We fire to cone six and all clay used in the studio must be purchased through the studio to protect the work and the kilns.
Members may order up to six bags of clay (150 lbs.) each season without incurring firing fees; members working in larger quantities/at larger scale must plan kiln and storage rentals with staff to accommodate their higher usage of the studio’s storage and kilns.
Specialty tools are available to borrow while working - please see our Community Tools Policy before borrowing a shared tool. Members are expected to supply their own basic tools.

Members have priority over non-members for seasonal soda firings; these firings have fees are not included in the membership rate; fees TBD Summer 2025.
Each Member has a private cubby space (2’ x 2’) to store personal tools and materials. Please do not store personal belongings outside of designated areas without first checking with a staff member as other areas may be reserved for other members, students, and community resources.
Members may purchase out-of-studio slips and glazes, but must test these decorating materials on test tiles with documentation and staff approval prior to use on regular work.
Members can request Independent Access privileges after being a Member in good standing for 3-6 months, after taking at least two 10-week classes (or 3-4 shorter classes) and being recommended by their instructors, joining with prior experience in other studios, or some combination of the above.
Independent Access privileges allow Members to use the studio at any time outside of classes, workshops, Staff Hours, and Open Studio sessions.
Independent Access does not cost more than regular membership, but does require a deep familiarity with our studio’s policies and a willingness to uphold studio standards when staff and volunteers are not present.