Gardiner Museum Studio Policy
- Participants must abide by the studio rules, policies, and the Museum’s Code of Conduct
- Participants are expected to follow instructions for safe use of studio materials and equipment shared by Gardiner Museum staff.
- Use of tools and equipment in the class may present risk of injury. Students are to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. Loose or dangling clothing can be a safety hazard when using the pottery wheel.
- Use of the pottery wheel may be harmful to a person who has a pacemaker. Serious injury or death could occur.
- Participants are responsible for cleaning up all work stations and replacing all tools, glazes, and other equipment. The class time includes time for participants to set up and clean up as guided.
- The nature of clay, glazes, and kilns can result in unexpected outcomes. The Gardiner Museum is not liable for any works damaged or broken in the firing process.
- Participants are not permitted to take any tools or materials belonging to the Gardiner Museum outside of the studio.
- Outside pieces and materials are not permitted in the studio and will not be fired. This includes any clay bodies, glazes, or other materials brought from outside the Museum.
- The Museum reserves the right to refuse to fire any work not adhering to class and firing guidelines for the safety of the kilns and other equipment. No works brought in from outside the studios will be fired.
- Any works exceeding 10” in any direction will not be fired. Please use the rulers provided to measure and trim your works accordingly.
- Only registered participants and registered chaperones and support persons are permitted in the studio. They are not permitted to participate in the clay class
- Participants can access the ceramic studio only during the class time and never in the absence of an instructor or other Gardiner staff.
- Participants are not permitted in the kiln room, pugging area, or any other ‘staff only’ zones at any time. No exceptions.
- Works made in Gardiner classes would only be considered food safe once correctly glazed and fired, to be used at the participant’s discretion. Any cracks or chips may make works unsafe for food.
- There is no sanding in the studios, including the use of sandpaper and Dremel tools.
- Participants must clearly label or mark works and take photos when possible. Label any clay bags for reuse as guided. Any unmarked works or clay may be reclaimed.
- Food and drinks are not permitted in any of the studio spaces.
- The Museum is not liable for any lost property. Please ensure valuables are kept on your person or left at home.
- Participants are responsible for picking up their completed works as notified. The Museum is not responsible for any unclaimed works after the notice period.
- There are no make-up classes, refunds, or credits offered for participant absences.
Additional Policies for Single Classes
- Our Single Classes provide access to low fire clay and glazes only. There is no access to underglazes or dipping glazes.
- Only works made during a Single Class will be fired. Only works made in a previous Single Class can be glazed, within two months of the first class. Please note that any works that have left the Museum cannot be brought back to be glazed or fired.
- All projects must be completed by the end of each class. Participants are not permitted to store any works in progress.
- A wheel ticket only permits use of the wheel. A hand building / glazing ticket permits you to build, glaze, or both during the class time.
- All completed works are fired at the same rate, regardless of size.
- Participants are permitted the use of a maximum of 2.5kg of clay per class. All works made during a Single Class can either be fired or reclaimed. Participants may also choose to take any unfired pieces home, knowing they cannot be safely used.
