Capital Clay Studio Practices
Our vision for Capital Clay is to be a welcoming and inclusive studio to explore the art and science of clay - where people can learn confidently, create bravely, and build community through craft. These studio practices support a positive culture and learning environment for everyone in our creative community.
1. Code of Conduct
We are committed to a collaborative atmosphere where every maker feels welcome, safe, and respected.
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Dignity & Respect: Treat everyone with kindness and respect. Use the names and pronouns shared by each person. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or disruptive behavior of any kind will result in an immediate loss of studio access.
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Community Spaces: Keep conversations considerate and appropriate for a shared learning environment.
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Creative Autonomy: Ask before giving feedback on someone else's work. Never touch, move, or alter another person’s pieces.
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Accessibility: Keep aisles, sinks, and exits clear.
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Accountability: If an issue arises, speak with a staff member promptly; concerns are always handled privately and respectfully.
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Community Standards & Studio Access: To ensure a positive experience for our entire creative community, we reserve the right to cancel an active enrollment or restrict future class registrations if an individual's conduct is disruptive, unsafe, or inconsistent with our Studio Practices. In the rare event that a student is asked to leave, any remaining tuition will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
2. Materials, Glaze & Firing
To protect our equipment and ensure successful firings, we maintain strict material controls.
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Tools & Supplies: Capital Clay provides clay and all essential tools for each student. You are welcome to bring personal tools, towels, or an apron, but please take them home after each class.
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Studio Clay Only: All clay must be provided by or purchased through Capital Clay Co. Clearly label your clay and store it on the bottom shelf of your ware-board rack.
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Studio Firing Only: We only fire work produced inside our facility. Outside projects cannot be accepted.
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Glaze Compatibility: Use only studio-provided glazes and underglazes unless you have prior written approval for a specific, compatible alternative.
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Kiln Authority: The kiln loader has full authority over firings and may postpone or decline any work that risks damaging equipment or other pieces.
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Pick-Up Timeline: Finished work and ware boards are held for 6 weeks from the date labeled. Unclaimed items will be discarded.
3. Studio Health, Safety & Etiquette
A clean studio is a safe studio, and maintaining a healthy environment is a shared responsibility for everyone in our community.
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Dust Mitigation: Always clean with a wet sponge or wet-cleaning method. Never sweep or use dry methods that create airborne dust.
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Workspace Turnover: Leave wheels, tables, tools, and shared areas completely clean and orderly for the next maker. Wipe down sinks and splash zones after use.
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Food & Drink: Covered drinks are permitted. Keep all food entirely out of clay, glaze, and production areas.
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Devices & Privacy: Keep calls and media quiet. Headphones are welcome, provided you can still hear staff announcements. Areas behind closed doors are strictly employee-only.
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Parking: Park only in marked spaces in front of the studio. Do not block the studio loading doors.
4. Enrollment, Attendance & The "Flex Class" Model
We design our scheduling with modern flexibility in mind, offering built-in options to balance your practice with a busy calendar.
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The Flex Class Benefit: Every multi-week course registration includes 2 complimentary Open Studio sessions. This allows you to make up for up to two personal absences on your own schedule, or simply use the time to work independently and hone your skills.
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Absences: Because the Flex Class benefit is automatically built into your course fee, we do not offer individual instructor-led makeup classes or credits for missed sessions.
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Refund Policy: Cancellations made within 2 weeks of the start of class are subject to a 50% fee. Your course fee is non-refundable once your first class session begins.
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Arrival Window: Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled adult class. To maintain safety and privacy standards during our youth programs, adults may not enter the studio while youth classes are in session.
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Studio Closures: If Capital Clay must cancel a class due to severe weather or an emergency, the class may be rescheduled over an Open Studio period.
5. Support & Accommodations
We are here to help you learn confidently and create bravely. If you need assistance, would like to request an accommodation, or want to share feedback, please speak directly with your instructor or contact the studio administration.