Our Policies

Canceled/Rescheduling Bookings:

Bookings must be canceled/rescheduled 24-hours in advance. Our artists plan their schedules around bookings and are paid for their time (even no-shows).

Unused

• Contact us before the expiration,

  and we will transfer your casual to a coupon to use within one year on another casual pass or for gallery purchases. If your pass is already expired and you did not use it or contact us before the expiration, we will not transfer your casual package to a coupon.

Used

• Cancellation after 1st visit: We will issue a coupon with the remaining funds for gallery purchases to be used within one year.
• Cancellation after the 2nd visit: At this point, your work is almost done. We can glaze it for you, but we will not issue a refund or gift card for your remaining studio time.
• If the problem is that your time expires before you can return to glaze, let us know, and we will make accommodations for your work to be stored for up to a month.

Class Refund:

For a 95% Refund, you must cancel Classes 1-month before the start date.

A 50% Refund will be issued when canceled three weeks before the class start date.

We will not issue refunds for Classes that are canceled less than three weeks before the start date because filling your vacancy may not be possible.

100% refunds are unavailable due to the processing fees.

Moving to a later class: We will gladly transfer your class package with (at minimum) 1-month notice.

If you are three weeks from the start of your class, we will charge you an additional $100.00 to move to a later start date.

If your original class spot fills, we will issue you $100.00 in-store credit that can be used on gallery items or put towards other Classes/Encounters.

We will not accommodate moving classes to a later date with less than three weeks of notice because filling your vacancy may not be possible.

Class Minimums Occasionally, classes offered do not meet the minimum number of students required. When this occurs, the course is canceled, and students can transfer to a later class or be issued a 95% refund.

If you miss the first class;

1. Contact us BEFORE your first class.

2. We will provide a link to pay for and book a one-on-one makeup session.

This makeup session must occur BEFORE your second class.

*Communication is key; we cannot guarantee having an instructor available for makeup sessions, but we will do what we can to help. Most session times are Tue-Friday 9-5:30.

3. If you miss the first class and do not get a makeup class before your second class, you may be dropped without a refund (Communication is key)!

For classes 2-6, Makeup sessions are on a case-by-case basis.

If you cannot avoid missing a class, recognize you may not be able to complete your work.

Incomplete (For any reason):

We are sorry, but we cannot refund a class that you are unable to complete.

We will happily complete the work left on your shelf if you notify us within 24 hours of your first missed class.

If you would like to retake the class, we occasionally have classes that don't fill or have students cancel last minute. We can put you on a waitlist for this eventuality and put you in the class at a 50% discount on our regular price.

• We will be happy to transfer your class package with (at minimum) 1-month notice.
• If you are three weeks from the start of your class, we will charge you an additional $100.00 to move to a later start date.
• If your original class spot fills, we will issue you $100.00 of in-store credit that can be used on gallery items or put towards other Classes/Encounters.
• We will not accommodate moving classes to a later date with less than three weeks of notice because filling your vacancy may not be possible.

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This notice explains how we use your information when you communicate with us by text message.

What We Collect

We collect your name, mobile phone number, and email address when you book a class, appointment, or otherwise communicate with us.

How We Use Your Information

Your information is used only to:

• Send appointment and class reminders
• Provide scheduling updates
• Communicate directly about your studio participation

We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile number or personal data with third parties for marketing or advertising purposes.

Text Message Consent

By texting START, JOIN, or SUBSCRIBE to (406) 224-9229, you consent to receive text messages from us related to your classes, appointments, and studio communications.

What You’ll Receive

You may receive messages about:

• Class schedules and reminders
• Studio updates
• Appointment changes
• Direct communication with our staff

Message frequency varies.
Message and data rates may apply.

Opt-Out

You may opt out of text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message.
You can also get help by replying with HELP or contacting us directly.

Data Security

We use reasonable safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

Your Rights

You may request to review, update, or delete your personal information at any time by contacting us.

1. The Parties Agree As Follows:

The Member agrees to the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the following category of Membership:

Standard Studio Membership.

This membership is billed on a monthly basis and requires a minimum six (6)-month commitment. The membership includes studio access for ages 15+ during the access hours stated in Section 7.2(a), subject to the terms of this Agreement, Company Rules, scheduled programming, and temporary studio closures.

Open studio time is a self-paced, collaborative learning environment, with guidance from staff available during staffed hours and scheduled demonstrations from the development of basic techniques to the refinement of advanced skills.

Included with this membership is one (1) 25-pound bag of clay at the beginning of the Member's initial Standard Studio Membership contract or when a former Member, after ending Membership, later begins a new Standard Studio Membership. Automatic renewals, extensions, or consecutive replacement agreements do not entitle the Member to an additional included bag of clay.

Membership also includes use of studio glazes, standard firings for eligible pottery measuring up to eight (8) inches in its largest dimension prior to firing, and one shelf for storage of ceramic art. Pottery larger than eight (8) inches in its largest dimension may be subject to additional firing fees according to the Company's current firing fee schedule.

Members have access to designated community studio equipment, including pottery wheels, slab rollers, worktables, and common studio tools, subject to availability, Company Rules, equipment-specific training requirements, maintenance, and scheduled programming.

Members also enjoy discounts on select merchandise, clay, and after-hours classes and will be allowed early registration for classes and special events. Members will also have the opportunity to display their work in the studio gallery, subject to Company policies and available space.

2. Billing and Payment

2.1. Billing.

The Company shall bill Member $160.00 monthly on the due date.

2.2. Additional Fees.

Should the Member choose not to use automatic payments, an additional fee of $50.00 per month will be attached to each payment invoice.

2.3. Payment.

Member shall pay the amount owed on the due date. If the Member wishes to change the payment method, the Member must give Company 15 days' notice in advance. The Company and all its employees will keep bank and credit card information confidential.

2.4. Late Payment.

The Member understands that if he/she becomes 10 days behind on payment owed, he/she may be charged a late fee of $50.00 and may be asked to vacate the Company premises with all his/her supplies and equipment until he/she pays all amounts due and owing. All privileges will be revoked until all financial obligations are met unless special arrangements have been made with the Company's owners.

3. Changes to Membership

The Member may request a change of membership category at any time. Any changes in membership require an amendment to this contract or execution of a new membership agreement, as determined by the Company.

A Member enrolled in a Standard Studio Membership may upgrade to a Premium Studio Membership by completing the upgrade in person at the studio with an authorized Company staff member. Upgrades must be processed by Company staff to ensure that amounts already paid are properly credited and to avoid duplicate or additional membership charges.

When a Standard Studio Member upgrades to a Premium Studio Membership during the Member's current billing cycle, the amount already paid for the Member's Standard Studio Membership for that billing cycle will be credited toward the first Premium Studio Membership payment. The Member will be charged the difference between the amount already paid and the applicable Premium Studio Membership rate.

The Premium Studio Membership will begin upon completion of the required Premium Studio Membership Agreement and payment of the outstanding balance. Upon commencement of the Premium Studio Membership, the Member's Standard Studio Membership Agreement will terminate and will be replaced by the Premium Studio Membership Agreement.

Any other membership upgrade or downgrade will be subject to Company approval and may include a written financial agreement.

4. Term

4.1.

This Agreement will begin on the date Member pays his/her first membership fees and will continue for six (6) months from that date, unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement.

4.2.

This Agreement automatically renews every six (6) months for an additional six (6) months unless Member provides the Company written notice of intent to cancel by email a minimum of one (1) month prior to the end of the Member's current agreement in accordance with Section 5 of this Agreement.

Each automatic renewal constitutes a new six (6)-month commitment.

Cancellation is not effective unless the Member provides the required written notice by email to the Company. Canceling, stopping, disputing, blocking, or otherwise preventing automatic payment does not constitute notice of cancellation and does not terminate this Agreement or relieve the Member of any payment obligations under this Agreement.

5. Termination

5.1.

Either party may terminate this Agreement for any reason, with or without cause, at the conclusion of the membership category's Term.

5.2. Acceleration of Membership Category Balance Owed upon Early Termination.

If the Member terminates this Agreement prior to the conclusion of the membership category's Term, the Company may immediately bill or charge the Member for all or any portion of the remaining balance owed for the remainder of the Term.

The Company may, in its sole discretion, waive or reduce some or all of the remaining balance upon written request from the Member based on hardship, unexpected relocation, or other circumstances the Company determines warrant an exception.

Upon the effective date of early termination by the Member, the Company may immediately revoke the Member's access to the Premises and Membership privileges. Payment of any accelerated remaining balance does not, by itself, entitle the Member to continued use of the Premises or Membership privileges after the effective date of termination.

At the Member's request, the Company may, in its sole discretion, permit continued studio access for some or all of the remaining Term when the Company determines that continued access is appropriate and in the best interests of the Company and its studio community.

5.3. Compliance with Company Rules and Policies.

The Member agrees to comply with all posted or published Company Rules, Policies and Expectations, safety requirements, and studio procedures.

The Company may restrict or suspend specific studio privileges when reasonably necessary to address safety concerns, rule violations, or required training. Serious or repeated violations may result in suspension or termination of Membership.

The Company reserves the right to take immediate action when reasonably necessary to protect the safety of Members, guests, staff, property, or studio operations.

Termination or suspension of Membership under this Section does not, by itself, waive amounts already due or other financial obligations arising under this Agreement. If Membership is terminated by the Company for serious or repeated violations prior to completion of the Member's current Term, the Company may accelerate all or any portion of the remaining Membership balance for the Term. The Company may, in its sole discretion, waive or reduce some or all of the remaining balance based on the circumstances.

6. Supplies

6.1.

The Member shall provide his/her own tools, supplies, and specialty glazes with the exception of clay, common tools, and studio glazes, which Company shall provide Member based on each membership category:

(a) Standard Studio Membership. One (1) 25-pound bag of clay is included at the beginning of the Member's initial Standard Studio Membership or when a former Member, after ending Membership, later begins a new Standard Studio Membership. Automatic renewals, extensions, or consecutive replacement agreements do not entitle the Member to an additional included bag of clay. Additional clay must be purchased separately. Use of studio glazes is included.

Standard firing is included for eligible pottery measuring up to eight (8) inches in its largest dimension prior to firing. For purposes of this Agreement, "standard firing" means the Company's regular bisque and glaze firing services using Company-designated firing schedules and temperatures. Eligibility for firing is subject to Company firing policies, guidelines, and safety requirements.

Pottery larger than eight (8) inches in its largest dimension may be subject to additional firing fees according to the Company's current firing fee schedule.

Firing turnaround shall occur based on the availability of Company resources. Special firing events will be posted online and at the Premises, and reservations will be made available to Members.

The Company may establish additional firing requirements or restrictions related to the size, weight, construction, materials, glaze application, kiln loading, or safe firing of Member work.

6.2.

The Member shall not use other members' tools and supplies without the express permission of the owner. The Member may be held responsible for repair or replacement of any tools or supplies that they may damage or use without permission. Resolution of any disputes between members in this regard will be made by the Company, at its sole discretion.

7. Studio Access and Use

7.1. Premises.

The portion of the Company's commercial property located at 608 W Griffin, Units A & B, Bozeman, MT 59715, to which the Member shall have access includes common-area studio space (the "Premises").

Member access is limited to areas designated by the Company for Member use.

7.2. Access to Premises.

(a) Standard Studio Members are granted studio access during the following hours:

Sunday through Wednesday: 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Access is subject to this Agreement, Company Rules, scheduled programming, emergency or temporary closures, maintenance, safety restrictions, and any areas restricted by the Company.

Equipment and table space are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be guaranteed. During scheduled classes or other programming, Member access to equipment, tables, tools, workspaces, or studio areas may be limited or restricted.

(b) Standard Studio Members may access the Premises only during the access hours stated in Section 7.2(a), unless otherwise expressly authorized by the Company. Standard Studio access hours may include periods when Company staff are not present.

Any Member with access when staff is not present will not permit studio access to anyone without complying with the Company's guest policies. Members shall not share any physical key, entry code, card, tag, or other means of access to the Premises.

(c) Members may bring guests onto the Premises in accordance with Company Rules. All guests must be signed in upon arrival and must complete and sign the Company's Liability Waiver, Release, and Consent Agreement upon arrival and before entering or using the studio.

The Member is responsible for ensuring that their guest complies with all Company Rules, safety requirements, age requirements, and studio-use policies while on the Premises. The Member is responsible for the conduct of any guest they bring onto the Premises.

Guest access does not confer Membership privileges. Guests may use studio space, equipment, tools, materials, or services only as permitted by Company Rules or with Company authorization.

(d) Memberships have set age requirements for the safety of participants and the protection of studio equipment. The Company reserves the right to ask any Member or Member's guest for an ID if proof of age is required. If proof of age cannot be provided, the Company reserves the right to ask the Member or the Member's guest to leave until age requirement is met and/or said proof can be provided.

7.3. Use of Premises.

(a) The Member must abide by all posted or published Company Rules for use of the Premises and Company equipment.

(b) The Member shall use the Premises only for personal art creation and other authorized studio activities. The Premises may not be used for unrelated personal, household, commercial, residential, storage, social-event, or other non-studio purposes without the Company's prior authorization.

(c) Standard Studio Members may access and use the Premises only during the access hours stated in Section 7.2(a), subject to the terms of this Agreement and Company Rules.

During scheduled class times or other programming, Members' use of studio space may be restricted to equipment and areas not being used for scheduled programming, at the discretion of the instructor or Company.

During class times, the instructor retains the right to require a Member to relocate, discontinue an activity, or leave the affected studio area if the Member's presence, conduct, noise, use of equipment, or activities are disruptive to the class.

(d) The Member shall only use preapproved equipment and common tools in and around the Premises and shall comply with any equipment-specific training or authorization requirements established by the Company.

(e) The Member shall not use the Premises' garbage dumpster and receptacles for personal or household use unrelated to authorized studio activities.

(f) The Member will keep his/her workspace reasonably clean and shall clean his/her workspace, tools, equipment, the floor, and the immediate area around the Member's workspace.

The Member shall comply with all posted or published Company procedures related to cleaning, clay-body separation, reclaim, rinse systems, glaze use, dust control, and contamination prevention.

7.4. Additional Terms.

(a) Damage to Premises or Equipment. The Member may be held responsible for the reasonable cost of repair or replacement of the Premises or Company equipment for damage caused by the Member or the Member's authorized guests, excluding ordinary wear and tear. The Company will determine and arrange for any necessary repairs or replacement.

(b) Kiln shelf glaze spills. Member will pay a $5.00 fee per shelf for any glaze spills that occur with his/her pottery during any glaze firing.

(c) Member's Personal Property. The Company assumes no responsibility for loss of or damage to Member property at any time while such property is on the Premises, including during the Membership term and after termination or expiration of Membership.

(d) Property and Shelf Condition Upon Membership Termination. Upon termination or expiration of Membership, the Member is responsible for completely clearing their assigned shelf of all personal property, tools, supplies, clay, artwork, and other items on or before the Member's final day of Membership.

The Member must also leave the assigned shelf clean and ready for reassignment. The shelf must be wiped down with a sponge and then cleaned with a clean, damp microfiber cloth on or before the Member's final day of Membership.

Any personal property or Member work remaining on the assigned shelf after the effective end date of Membership may be removed by Company staff. If Company staff are required to clear or clean the Member's shelf, the Member will be charged a $25.00 shelf-clearing and cleaning fee.

Property removed by Company staff may be held by the Company for up to thirty (30) calendar days following the effective end date of Membership. If Company staff remove and retain Member property after Membership has ended, the Member will be charged an additional $25.00 storage and handling fee. This fee covers storage and handling for up to thirty (30) calendar days, regardless of the length of time the property is stored within that period.

The Member is solely responsible for remembering to remove or retrieve their personal property. The Company is not responsible for contacting or reminding the Member about property left on the Premises before charging applicable fees, removing items from the Member's shelf, or treating unclaimed property as abandoned in accordance with this Agreement.

Any property not retrieved within thirty (30) calendar days after the effective end date of Membership will be considered abandoned and may be disposed of, recycled, reclaimed, donated, or otherwise handled at the Company's sole discretion.

8. Representation and Warranty

The Member represents and warrants to the Company as follows, acknowledging that the Company is relying on this representation and warranty:

8.1. No Infringement.

The Member shall not infringe, misappropriate, or violate any intellectual property or other right of any person or entity.

9. Indemnification

9.1. Indemnity.

The Member shall indemnify the Company and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates, against all claims, liability, costs, and expenses (including attorney's fees) arising from any third party claim or proceeding against the Company that alleges any negligent act or omission or willful conduct of the Member.

9.2. Notice of Claim.

The Company shall promptly give Notice to the Member of any claim or potential claim for indemnification under this Agreement.

10. General

10.1. Entire Agreement.

This Agreement, the Company Rules, and Liability Waiver, Release, and Consent Agreement contains all the terms agreed to by the parties relating to its subject matter. It replaces all previous discussions, understandings, and agreements.

10.2. Amendment.

This Agreement may only be amended by a written document signed by both parties.

10.3. Binding Effect.

This Agreement benefits and binds the parties and their respective heirs, successors, and permitted assigns.

10.4. Assignment.

Neither party may assign this Agreement, or any of their rights or obligations under this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the other party.

10.5. Third-Party Beneficiaries.

The Indemnification terms of this Agreement confer rights and remedies upon the Company's officers, directors, employees, agents, or affiliates. No person has any rights or remedies under this Agreement other than those beneficiaries and the parties themselves.

10.6. Notices

(a) Form of Notice. All notices and other communications between the parties must be in writing.

(b) Method of Notice. Except for notices of membership cancellation, notices must be given by (i) personal delivery, (ii) a nationally-recognized, next-day courier service, (iii) first-class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or (iv) electronic mail to the party's address specified in this Agreement, or to the address that a party has notified to be that party's address for the purposes of this section.

Notice of membership cancellation must be provided to the Company by electronic mail at studio@bckstudio.com. Canceling, stopping, disputing, blocking, or otherwise preventing automatic payment does not constitute notice of cancellation and does not terminate this Agreement or relieve the Member of any payment obligations under this Agreement.

(c) Receipt of Notice. A notice given in accordance with this Agreement will be effective upon receipt by the party to which it is given or, if mailed, upon the earlier of receipt and the fifth day following mailing. Notice of membership cancellation will be effective upon receipt by the Company at studio@bckstudio.com.

10.7. Remedies Cumulative.

The rights and remedies provided to a party under this Agreement are cumulative and in addition to, not exclusive of or in substitution for, any rights or remedies otherwise available to that party.

10.8. Survival.

The Indemnification terms survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

10.9. Severability.

If any part of this Agreement is declared unenforceable or invalid, the remainder will continue to be valid and enforceable.

10.10. Waiver.

No waiver of a condition or nonperformance of an obligation is effective unless it is in writing and signed by the party granting the waiver. No waiver by a party affects the exercise of any of its other rights or remedies. Any failure or delay in exercising any right or remedy will not constitute, or be deemed to constitute, a waiver of that right or remedy. No single or partial exercise of any right or remedy will preclude any other or further exercise of any right or remedy.

10.11. Injunctive Relief.

The Member acknowledges that his or her breach or threatened breach of any obligation under this Agreement would not be susceptible to adequate relief by way of monetary damages only. Accordingly, the Company may, in that case, apply to court for any applicable equitable remedies (including injunctive relief), without the need to post any security.

10.12. Disputes; Mandatory Mediation; Jurisdiction.

(a) If a dispute arises concerning this Agreement, the parties will first attempt in good faith to settle it through mediation conducted by a mediator to be mutually selected. The parties will share the cost of the mediator equally. The parties will cooperate fully with the mediator and will attempt to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution of the dispute.

(b) If the dispute is not resolved within 60 days after it is referred to such mutually selected mediator, then either party may file suit solely in any court of competent jurisdiction in Gallatin County, Montana.

10.13. Attorney's Fees.

With the exception of mediation as required by Section 10.12, the parties agree that if any legal action is necessary to enforce either party's rights under this Agreement, to recover property, collect any amounts due under this Agreement, or correct a violation of any term of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall have the right to collect from the other party its reasonable costs and necessary disbursements and attorneys' fees incurred in enforcing this Agreement.

10.14. Governing Law.

This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Montana, without regard to its conflict of laws rules.

10.15. Interpretation

(a) References to Specific Terms

(i) "Including." Where this Agreement uses the word "including," it means "including without limitation," and where it uses the word "includes," it means "includes without limitation."

(ii) Statutes, etc. Unless specified otherwise, any reference in this Agreement to a statute includes the rules and policies made under that statute and any provision that amends, supplements, supersedes, or replaces that statute or those rules or policies.

(iii) "Timely written request". The phrase timely written request, when used by the Company in this or other written or verbal agreements, is a notice or request given a period of time thirty (30) days or more prior to the end of an agreement term or other designated deadline. When providing the Company with notice or requests, any period of time less than thirty (30) days, or one (1) calendar month, may be considered insufficient.

(iv) "Specialty glazes". Specialty glazes refers to any glazes not provided by the Company. Any specialty glazes must be approved for use by an authorized member of the Company and have a visible BCK tag or stamp proving said authorization.

(b) Number and gender. Unless the context requires otherwise, words importing the singular number include the plural and vice versa; words importing gender include all genders.

(c) Headings. The headings used in this Agreement and its division into articles, sections, exhibits, and other subdivisions do not affect its interpretation.

(d) Internal References. References in this Agreement to articles, sections, and other subdivisions are to those parts of this Agreement.

10.16. Counterparts.

This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original and all of which, taken together, will constitute one single document.

10.17. Background Check.

In an effort to maintain the safety and security of the Premises and its occupants and guests, the Company may, at any time during the Term, conduct a background or reference check (or both).

(a) The Company will provide the Member with a consent form. The form will contain (i) what check is being completed, (ii) the name and contact information of the company being used, and (iii) outcome(s) that may result in denial of membership or continued membership.

(b) Membership, or continued membership, is contingent upon Company's approval of results.

(c) Member is responsible for the cost of the check, up to $30.00. The Company may, at its sole discretion and under the condition of satisfactory results, choose to attach the cost to the Member's monthly installments.

BOZEMAN COMMUNITY KILN

MEMBER POLICIES & STUDIO EXPECTATIONS

Welcome to Bozeman Community Kiln. BCK is a shared community studio, and every member plays a role in keeping the space safe, functional, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.

By using the studio, members agree to follow these policies, posted studio instructions, required training procedures, and reasonable directions from BCK staff.

STUDIO ACCESS

Standard Members

Standard Members may access the studio during the following hours:

Sunday–Wednesday: 6:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 6:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

These hours may include periods when staff are not present.

Members must complete cleanup and leave the studio by the end of their permitted access hours. Members who remain in the studio beyond their permitted access hours may incur late fees.

Premium Members

Premium Members age 18 and older receive 24/7 studio access, subject to scheduled programming, maintenance, temporary closures, safety restrictions, and restricted areas.

Scheduled classes, workshops, events, rentals, maintenance, or other studio activities may temporarily limit access to equipment or areas of the studio. During scheduled classes, six pottery wheels in the main studio are reserved for Premium Members on a first-come, first-served basis.

GUESTS

Any non-member entering the studio with a member must be signed in as a guest using the QR codes located in the Member Lounge or Gallery.

Each member receives three complimentary guest passes, valid during staffed hours only.

Weekend and after-hours guests must be paid for.

Once complimentary passes are used, guests may still visit at the current guest rate.

Guests may only visit during the hosting member's permitted access hours.

Guests who are not participating in studio activities or using studio materials or equipment may visit at no charge.

All guests must complete BCK's Liability Waiver, Release, and Consent Agreement and remain the responsibility of the hosting member.

SHARED STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY

BCK is a community workspace. Please leave each area ready for the next person.

Members are responsible for:

• Cleaning all tools and equipment they use.

• Cleaning their workspace and immediate floor area.

• Returning community tools and equipment to their designated locations.

• Following posted cleaning and equipment procedures.

• Respecting scheduled classes and other studio programming.

• Following staff directions intended to protect safety and studio operations.

Only designated community equipment and common tools are available for general member use.

Do not use unfamilliar equipment unless you have received any required demonstration, training, or authorization.

Offices, staff work areas, red carts, and other designated restricted areas are not for general member use.

Studio Ware Boards

Studio ware boards are shared community equipment and may be used to support work while it is drying and during transport within the studio.

Once work has reached leather hard and can be safely moved, it must be removed from the ware board and the ware board promptly returned to its designated storage area. Leather-hard work should not remain stored on studio ware boards, including on member shelves, as doing so unnecessarily removes shared equipment from circulation.

Before returning a ware board, members must scrape off any remaining clay and wipe the board clean using approved wet-cleaning procedures. Clay residue must not be allowed to dry and accumulate on ware boards, as dried clay can contribute to airborne silica dust and negatively affect studio air quality.

SAFETY & OPEN FLAMES

Open flames and flame-producing tools, including torches, are prohibited in the studio.

Heat guns may be used in accordance with posted safety requirements and staff instructions.

Raw chemicals and minerals may only be handled by authorized BCK representatives unless specific authorization and appropriate training have been provided.

CLEANING & SILICA SAFETY

Ceramic materials can create hazardous silica dust. Wet-cleaning methods are required throughout the studio.

Always:

• Clean clay and glaze residue using approved wet-cleaning procedures.
• Clean your tools, equipment, workspace, and immediate floor area.
• Follow posted procedures for studio rinse, reclaim, slip, and glaze-cleaning systems.
• Blue microfiber cloths are designated for clay cleanup.
• Green/teal microfiber cloths are designated for glaze cleanup.
• Wet sand when sanding is necessary and feasible.

Never:

• Dry sweep clay dust.
• Use cleanup methods that create airborne dust.
• Sand, file, grind, trim, carve, or otherwise manipulate dry clay or ceramic materials inside the studio in a manner that creates airborne dust.

Activities that intentionally create airborne ceramic dust are prohibited inside the studio.

Any dry sanding, filing, grinding, trimming, carving, or other dust-producing process must be performed outside or in another appropriately controlled environment.

When performing these activities, appropriate respiratory protection, such as a properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator, is strongly recommended.

CLAY, RECLAIM & CONTAMINATION

All clay used or fired at BCK must be purchased through BCK.

BCK's shared reclaim, slip, and rinse systems are intended only for the main studio clay body, Wally's Blush. Members are responsible for preventing contamination of studio clay systems.

Members must thoroughly clean equipment, tools, and workspaces after use, leaving no clay residue that could contaminate another member's clay body.

Alternate Clay Bodies

Alternate clay bodies may be used only after BCK approval and completion of any required Alternate Claybody Certification or training.

Alternate clay users must follow all designated alternate-clay procedures, including using their own clay-dedicated cleanup supplies and keeping their clay, scraps, slurry, slip, and cleaning materials separate from shared studio clay systems.

Never place alternate clay into BCK reclaim, slip, rinse, or other shared clay-processing systems.

Important: Contamination

If alternate clay, slurry, or slip is accidentally placed into a shared reclaim, slip, or rinse system, notify BCK staff immediately.

If you discover shared equipment or a workspace that appears to have been improperly cleaned and may cause clay body contamination, notify BCK staff.

GLAZE USE

Studio glazes are available and included with your membership.

Outside or specialty glazes must be approved by BCK before being used in the studio or applied to any work that will be fired by BCK. Glaze and underglaze use is restricted to designated glaze areas unless the work surface is covered with approved protective plastic. When using protective plastic on studio tables, place the black side down and the white side up, with your work placed on the white side.

Do not use the clear studio plastic provided for covering and protecting pottery as a glaze work-surface covering. Follow posted BCK glaze-cleaning procedures.

Glaze-contaminated water, tools, sponges, or cleaning materials must never enter clay reclaim, slip, or clay rinse systems.

Members are responsible for properly applying glaze and preparing work for firing. Damage to kiln shelves caused by improper glaze application may result in applicable repair or replacement fees.

FIRING GUIDELINES

BCK manages kiln loading and firing schedules at its discretion.

membersip-included firings apply to eligible pottery measuring up to 8 inches in its largest dimension before firing. Work larger than 8 inches incurs additional firing fees.

All work submitted for firing must:

• Have a recognizable Maker's Mark.
• Be made from an approved clay body purchased through BCK.
• Have glaze at least 1/4 inch above the foot or kiln-contact area.
• Have no flaking or peeling glaze.
• Be no thicker than your thumb.

BCK may refuse, delay, remove, or return work from the firing rotation when its size, weight, construction, materials, glaze application, firing temperature, moisture level, contamination risk, or other safety concerns make firing inappropriate.

Work placed on the bisque cart that is determined to be too wet for safe firing may be returned to the drying shelves or the member's assigned shelf. Large pieces and high-volume work may take longer to move through the firing rotation.

BCK does not allow kiln cookies, firing coasters, or stilts. This policy is not subject to individual exceptions; please do not ask staff to approve their use.

Personal or dedicated kiln firings are not included with memberships.

Finished Work

Bisque-fired and glaze-fired work should be collected as soon as possible after firing to keep pickup areas available for incoming work.

Work left in the pickup areas too long may be moved to the designated storage area under the drying shelves. If it is not collected from there, it may be moved to the Orphans Shelf.

Work that remains unclaimed on the Orphans Shelf may be discarded, donated, repurposed, or otherwise handled at BCK's discretion.

BCK may post general reminders or warnings to the Discord server before clearing the Orphans Shelf, but members remain

responsible for collecting their work and should not rely on individual or studio-wide reminders.

Work already accepted into the active kiln rotation may continue through the firing process after a membership or class ends.

YOUR SHELF & PERSONAL PROPERTY

Members are responsible for keeping their assigned shelf reasonably organized, within the space provided, and dust free.

Studio ware boards may not be stored on member shelves once work has reached leather hard and can be safely moved.

On or before the final day of membership, members must:

• Remove all personal belongings, tools, clay, and work from their assigned shelf.
• Clean the shelf with a sponge.
• Finish cleaning with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.

BCK is not responsible for contacting or reminding former members to retrieve items left behind. Think of your shelf as a rental home: when your membership ends, you no longer have rights to that space.

If BCK staff must clear or clean the shelf, applicable clearing, cleaning, storage, or handling fees may apply as outlined in the member's agreement or current studio policies.

Personal property cleared from a former member's assigned shelf and not retrieved within 30 days may be considered abandoned and may be disposed of, recycled, reclaimed, donated, or otherwise handled at BCK's discretion.

BCK assumes no responsibility for loss of or damage to personal property left on the premises.

General Lost and Found items may be kept for up to two weeks. After that time, unclaimed items may be donated, repurposed, discarded, or otherwise handled at BCK's discretion.

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS

BCK is a shared, family-friendly community studio used by members as young as 15. Members & guests are expected to:

• Treat others respectfully.

• Respect personal space and shared studio areas.

• Avoid handling another person's work, tools, or supplies without permission.

• Keep music, phone calls, conversations, and devices at a level that does not disrupt others.

• Follow staff directions related to safety and studio operations.

Bullying, harassment, threats, intimidation, discriminatory conduct, or behavior that creates an unsafe or hostile environment will not be tolerated.

Members and guests may be asked to relocate, stop an activity, reduce noise, or leave an area when their presence or conduct interferes with scheduled programming or studio operations.

ALCOHOL, DRUGS & IMPAIRMENT

BCK does not sell, serve, furnish, or provide alcohol.

Members and guests must remember that BCK is a family-friendly studio used by minors.

Alcohol consumption is permitted when it does not interfere with safe equipment use, judgment, cleanup, scheduled programming, or the comfort and safety of others.

Recreational drug use and unlawful possession or use of controlled substances are prohibited.

No member or guest may use the studio while impaired in a way that creates a safety risk.

Lawfully prescribed and necessary medications may be carried and responsibly used by the person for whom they are prescribed.

FOOD & BEVERAGES

BCK cannot guarantee an allergen-free or nut-free environment.Food and beverages must be kept away from areas where contamination or safety concerns may arise.

BCK keeps snacks, water, and electrolyte drinks available for members on a donation-supported basis. When you take an item, please contribute to the collection box so we can continue replenishing these supplies for the community.

ANIMALS

BCK welcomes well-behaved dogs in the studio with staff permission.

Before bringing a dog into the active studio space, members must obtain permission from BCK staff and should check with those working nearby and make reasonable efforts to ensure the animal's presence is comfortable for others.

Dogs must remain quiet, well behaved, and non-disruptive. The member bringing the dog is responsible for supervising and controlling the animal at all times.

If an animal becomes disruptive or interferes with the comfort, safety, or use of the studio by others, the member will be asked to take the animal home.

Other animals require prior approval.

Nothing in this policy is intended to limit rights related to trained service animals.

RETAIL GALLERY

The Retail Gallery is available for purchases only when BCK

staff are actively working and the Gallery door is open.

The presence of a staff member in the studio does not necessarily mean that retail services are available. BCK staff members also use the studio for their own personal or creative work and should not be expected to provide retail assistance when they are not actively working. After-hours studio access does not include access to retail sales or purchases.

RESTRICTED AREAS

Members and guests must respect all posted barriers, signs, and staff instructions regarding restricted areas.

Restricted areas may include:

• Kiln Room
• Mixing Room
• Offices
• Staff work areas
• Temporarily restricted spaces

Access to these areas requires BCK authorization.**
**

POLICY ENFORCEMENT

BCK may respond to policy violations based on the seriousness and frequency of the behavior.

Responses may include reminders, retraining, warnings, restriction of specific privileges, suspension of equipment or guest privileges, restricted studio access, or suspension or termination of membership.

Members may be held responsible for the reasonable cost of repair or replacement for damage to BCK property or equipment caused by the member or their authorized guests, excluding ordinary wear and tear.

Serious safety concerns may result in immediate removal from the studio.

Suspension or termination of studio privileges does not automatically eliminate financial obligations under an applicable membership agreement.

These Member Policies & Studio Expectations provide the core rules members use most frequently while working at BCK.

Additional safety procedures, equipment requirements, firing guidelines, certification requirements, cleaning procedures, and program-specific policies may be posted in the studio or provided during required training. Members are responsible for following those procedures when applicable.

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