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STUDIO POLICY

We understand that although we offer a wonderful workspace, our policies might not align with your needs. These have been put in place to maintain a safe and collaborative space for all makers! 

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1.  Member Eligibility & Orientation

  • New members must have prior experience with pottery. This includes understanding basic studio tools, clay preparation, glaze application, and studio safety.

  • Our memberships are not suitable for production potters due to kiln limitations.

  • All new members must attend a mandatory orientation session before beginning independent work.

  • All new members must attend a mandatory orientation at a cost of $80 for a 1-month membership or $40 for a prepaid 3-month membership. However, the fee for the mandatory orientation may be waived for new members that have completed a recent 4-6 week course at La cabane à poterie.

 

2. Health & safety protocols

  • Studio layout and equipment usage policy

  • Cleaning and closing procedures

  • Clay, glaze, and firing policies

  • Members are expected to be independent. 

  • Studio rules

 

3. Clay & Glazes

  • Only cone 6 clay purchased through the studio may be used. No outside clay bodies are permitted unless written approval is given by studio management. This policy ensures compatibility with our glazes and firing schedules and reduces the risk of kiln damage.

  • A selection of studio glazes are provided. Glazes brought into the studio must be suitable for cone 6 mid-fire firing. 

  • Cross-contamination of studio dipping glazes ruins a glaze for all.

  • It's recommended that new glazes or glaze combinations be tested on test tiles, which the studio will provide. If members choose not to test and a glaze runs onto the kiln shelves, a fee will be issued to cover the removal cost. This will vary according to the damage or labour involved. If you doubt a glaze’s stability, we strongly recommend using cookies.

 

4.  Studio Etiquette & Cleanliness

  • Each member is responsible for cleaning their workspace. This includes tools, tables, floor, and sink after each session. This can take up to 30 minutes before your session ends. All tools must be returned to their original place. 

  • All members must adhere to the new cleaning protocols – clay and slip must never be emptied into the sink due to the age of the building. A designated bucket for clay slurry will be available. Video instructions on how to clean are courtesy of Danielle, “The Clay Lady”: How To Clean Your Wheel with The Clay Lady

  • Respect shared spaces and others’ work in progress.

  • Never touch another’s work without their permission. All work in the studio must be treated with care — If you need assistance, speak with a staff member or leave a note.

  • Authorization to bring guests to the studio must be requested in advance

  • No instruction or teaching is allowed unless authorized by studio staff.

  • Only staff are allowed to touch the kilns.

 

5.  Firings & Piece Size Limits

  • Piece size limits are specified with your membership level

  • Work must be clearly labelled with your initials.

  • Kiln loads are scheduled regularly; timelines may vary based on volume.

  • Each member is provided with designated shelf space for work in progress.

 

6.  Payments & Membership Duration

  • Payment is due in advance for monthly, quarterly, or annual memberships.

  • Under exceptional circumstances where a membership is paused, access to the studio and shelf space will be suspended. Personal items must be collected within one week.

  • Unused hours do not carry over to the following month

 

7.  Supervision (Amis de la cabane) & Keyholder Access

  • Your studio runs with member supervisors called “Amis de la cabane”. Amis de la cabane with keyholder access privileges are offered by invitation only and require a fixed weekly shift commitment. Cancellations may affect privileges.

 

8.  Liability & Conduct

  • Members must follow all safety procedures and respect studio guidelines.

  • Although we do our best to avoid accidents, La Cabane à Poterie is not responsible for any loss or damage to member work due to handling, firing issues, or storage. Kiln outcomes can be unpredictable, and by working in a shared studio, members acknowledge this risk.

  • La cabane à poterie is not liable for injury.

  • La cabane à poterie is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged items. However, to improve security, we’ve added cameras and specialized door locks.

  • Disregarding policy or misconduct may result in membership suspension, suspension of independent studio access, or termination.

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9.  Studio holiday schedule and closures

The Studio will be closed each year on the following statutory holidays, subject to the availability of our “Amis de la Cabane” membership. The studio reserves the right to make closures for repairs. Advanced notification will be announced to members when possible.

  • Good Friday and Easter Monday

  • The Monday preceding May 25 (National Patriots’ Day)

  • June 24 (Québec’s National Holiday / Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day)

  • July 1 (Canada Day)

  • The first Monday in September (Labour Day)

  • The second Monday in October (Thanksgiving)

  • 2 weeks of christmas day and New year’s day

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