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 appropriate for beginners, but we also offer mixed-ability classes to support intermediate and advanced students.

  • Students enroll in a class meeting weekly in our studio (6-10 weeks in a row). 

  • Tuition includes one additional Open Studio session per week of class.  Open Studio times can be found on our calendar here: https://www.maxtmakerspace.org

  • Students can attend additional Open Studio sessions at the regular rate of $20/3 hours.

  • Classes use reclaimed clay (a mixture of all studio clays) unless a specific clay is requested by their instructor.

  • Basic tools are available on our Community Tools shelves, but students can bring their own as well.

  • We encourage students to focus on skill-building over production and fire only their favorite pieces.  A student may fire up to 25 lbs. of work finished by their class firing deadlines.  Extra work can be fired at the rate of 3¢ per cubic inch for bisque and 5¢ per cubic inch for glaze.

  • Extra clay is available at the rates of $1/pound for reclaim and $40 for a 25 lb. bag of new clay (available in limited supply).

  • Students are assigned shared cubby space for the duration of the class.

  • Significant tuition discounts are available to younger students and others.  Inquire with 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 levels.

  • Workshoppers enroll in a workshop meeting 2-3 times at the ceramics center.

  • Enrollment provides studio access during workshop sessions only; workshoppers may attend Open Studio sessions at the regular rate of $20/3 hours, but sessions attended must run before the workshop’s firing deadlines.

  • Workshops use reclaimed clay (a mixture of all studio clays) unless a specific clay is requested by their instructor.

  • Basic tools are available on our Community Tools shelves, but workshoppers may be asked to purchase additional specific tools for their workshop - a link will be provided.

  • Workshops are assigned shared large shelves for the duration of the workshop.

  • Firing limits vary depending on the workshop; as with students, we encourage workshoppers to focus on skill-building over production and fire only their favorite pieces.

  • The availability of extra clay for purchase depends on the workshop curriculum and schedule; typically workshop participants will not need extra.

  • Extra work can be fired at the rate of 3¢ per cubic inch for bisque and 5¢ per cubic inch for glaze.

Significant tuition discounts are available to younger students and others.  Inquire with Roy Schlieben at roy@maxtmakerspace.org for details.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is a fantastic option for makers who are confident in their skillset and want to work in a shared space without the structure of lessons. Members are comfortable working independently alongside others and demonstrate consistent ability to use the shared space safely and with respect.

  • Membership includes training on any equipment with which they are unfamiliar, but does not provide instruction. Members can simultaneously enroll in a class/workshop.

  • Members pay $50-$70/month for membership (sliding scale available in exchange for volunteer commitments) and can join on a month-to-month basis or seasonally.

  • Includes a 20% discount on all class and workshop tuition.

  • Includes access to the Center during any Open Studio sessions at no additional charge.

  • Members may use reclaimed clay ($1/pound) or buy new clay with a $5 discount ($35/25#).

  • Basic tools are available on our Community Tools shelves, but members can bring their own as well.

  • Firing fees are waived for the electric kilns unless working in large quantities/at large scale; firing fees can be negotiated with studio staff in these cases.

  • Members have priority over non-members for seasonal gas firings.  Gas firing fees are $75/shelf, not included in membership cost.

  • Each member has a private cubby space (2’ x 2’) to store personal tools and materials.

  • Members can use in-studio clays and glazes or have the option of supplying their own, pending staff approval.

  • Members can request Independent Access privileges after a) being a member in good standing for 3-6 months, b) taking at least two full-season classes (not workshops) and being recommended by their instructors, c) joining with prior experience in other studios, or some combination of the above.

    • Independent Access privileges allow members to access the studio at any time outside of classes, workshops, and Open Studios.

    • Independent Access does not cost more than regular membership, but does require a volunteer commitment; Independent Access members demonstrate familiarity with our studio’s policies and a higher skill level than the majority of the student/member body.  Giving back as a volunteer is an integral part of the Ceramics Center’s community-building efforts.

INTERNSHIP

Internship makes the most sense for people who have some experience with clay and want to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes while gaining work experience. Interns are often high school or college students, but anyone looking to gain hands-on experience in studio operations can apply by contacting Max Roy at ceramics@maxtmakerspace.org.  Interns may commit for a season or longer, depending on availability and studio needs.  Our interns:

  • Work part-time, 6-12 hours per week, and are paid $10/hour.

  • Receive 25 lbs. of clay and free bisque and glaze firings as part of compensation; can purchase additional clay at the member rate or can use their own clays and glazes pending staff approval.

  • Use basic studio tools, but can bring their own as well.

  • Assist studio staff with all aspects of daily studio operations: cleaning and maintenance, inventory, clay reclamation, glaze monitoring and mixing, kiln loading and unloading, running an Open Studio session, prep for classes and workshops, TA-ing for instructors if needed.

  • Potentially earn college credits for the internship; please speak with college staff and studio staff before beginning the internship if this is a goal.

  • Can take one class or workshop with discounted tuition during each season as an intern.

  • Have Independent Access to the studio during their internship.