Studio Rules

1. Definitions

Claymore (Studio Workshop Collective LLC)

Claymore is a brand operated by Studio Workshop Collective LLC, a limited liability company. Any reference to "Claymore" in this Membership Agreement refers to Studio Workshop Collective LLC doing business as Claymore. This Membership Agreement is entered into between the Independent Study Member and Studio Workshop Collective LLC.

Claymore Staff

Claymore Staff refers to the individuals employed by Claymore who are responsible for managing and overseeing the operations of the pottery studio. This may include administrative staff, technicians, and other personnel involved in studio management and maintenance. Claymore Staff are authorized to enforce the rules and regulations outlined in this Membership Agreement and to provide guidance and assistance to studio members as needed.

Independent Study Member

An Independent Study Member refers to an individual who has enrolled in a membership offered by Claymore, granting them access to the studio facilities and resources for the purpose of conducting independent pottery projects. Independent Study Members are responsible for adhering to the rules and regulations outlined in this Membership Agreement.

2. Responsibilities

Independent Study Member

• Adhere to Rules. Members must fully comply with all rules and regulations outlined in this Membership Agreement, including but not limited to guidelines for equipment usage, studio hours, and guest policies.
• Respect Studio Property. Members are responsible for treating studio property, equipment, and resources with care and respect. Any damages or malfunctions must be promptly reported to studio staff to ensure timely resolution and prevent further damage.
• Follow Staff Instructions. Members must follow all posted notices and verbal instructions provided by studio staff regarding studio operations, equipment usage, safety protocols, and any other relevant matters.
• Maintain Cleanliness. Members must maintain cleanliness and organization in their workspace and shared studio areas, including cleaning up after themselves and returning tools and materials to their designated storage locations. Members are prohibited from using the mop for cleaning. Instead, they must use the floor squeegee, wet sponging, and the dustpan for solid waste removal. This includes wiping down work surfaces, clearing excess clay or debris, and leaving the area tidy and presentable for the next user.
• Practice Safety. Members are responsible for practicing safe working habits, following all safety guidelines and protocols provided by studio staff, and using equipment and materials in a manner that minimizes the risk of accidents or injuries.
• Respect Others. Members must treat fellow studio members and staff with kindness, respect, and consideration at all times, and promptly address any conflicts or concerns in a constructive manner.
• Comply with Payment Obligations. Members are responsible for ensuring that membership fees are paid on time and in full according to the terms outlined in this Membership Agreement. Failure to comply may result in loss of access to studio facilities or termination of membership.

Claymore Staff

• Maintain Facilities. Staff ensure that studio facilities, equipment, and resources are adequately maintained and in good working condition for the benefit of all members.
• Enforce Rules. Staff will enforce the rules and regulations outlined in this Membership Agreement to maintain a safe, orderly, and productive studio environment for all members.
• Communicate Changes. Staff will communicate any changes to studio policies, procedures, or operating hours to members in a timely and transparent manner. This may include sending notifications by email, posting notices in the studio, or updating information on the studio website or social media so that all members are informed of any updates.
• Maintain Cleanliness. Staff will ensure that the studio premises are kept clean and organized to a reasonable extent. This includes regular cleaning of common areas, such as workspaces, tables, and sinks, to maintain a hygienic environment for all members.

3. Membership and Payment

• Membership at Claymore is month to month. There is no long term commitment. By signing this agreement, the member agrees to pay the monthly membership fee for as long as the membership remains active.
• The monthly membership fee is $195. Studio clay is billed separately at $1 per pound for the clay the member uses.
• Full membership payment is due on the 1st of every month.
• Any membership payment that remains unpaid more than 10 days past the due date, meaning after the 10th of the month, will be considered late. A late payment will result in termination of membership and loss of access to studio facilities.
• Memberships are limited in number. When the studio is full, new members are admitted from the waitlist as spaces open.

4. Studio Clay Usage

• Only clay provided by Claymore is permitted for use in the studio or for firings. This policy is essential to prevent potential damage to studio equipment, particularly the kilns, and to ensure compatibility with studio glazes. Outside clay has not been tested for compatibility with our equipment or glazes. Adhering to this policy safeguards the studio equipment and maintains consistency in firing results for all members.
• Claymore stocks two studio clay bodies at this time, with more coming soon. All studio clay is fired to Cone 6.
• Studio clay is sold in 25 pound allotments at $1 per pound. Additional clay is available for purchase from the studio as needed.
• Members found using unauthorized clay may face disciplinary action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of studio access privileges, or termination of membership. Any damages resulting from the use of unauthorized clay will be the responsibility of the member.
• To keep the studio fair and focused as a community space rather than a large scale production operation, members may not fire more than 50 pounds of clay in a single month. This ensures all members have equitable access to kiln firings and studio resources. Any concerns regarding clay or firing volume should be reported to studio staff for resolution.

5. Equipment Usage and Storage Space

Storage Shelf

• Keep your assigned personal storage space reasonably tidy and clean.

Slab Roller

• Use canvas on both sides of the clay between the rollers to prevent sticking and tearing.
• Scrape the canvas on both sides if needed after use, store it properly, and clean the equipment after use.

Work Tables

• Remove all items from the table after use and clean the surface.
• You may use as much space as you like when the studio is not busy, but please be accommodating when the studio is busy.

Banding Wheels

• Clean and store banding wheels after use to maintain functionality and prevent damage.

Hand Tools

• Clean and return hand tools to their designated areas after use so they remain in good condition and readily available for others.

Pottery Wheels

• Clean wheel heads and pans after each use to remove excess clay and water.
• Clean the floor and the space around each wheel of any excess water or clay.
• Turn off wheels after use.

Sinks

• No solid clay in the sinks. Put clay slurry in the appropriate reclaim bin to avoid clogs.
• Ensure sinks are cleaned after use.

Studio Glazes

• Do not contaminate the glazes. Allow a glaze layer to dry before applying another layer.
• Inform staff if a glaze bucket is empty or low.
• Wipe down table tops after use.

6. Kiln Firing and Glaze Usage

Authorized Operation and Handling of Kilns

Only staff members are authorized to operate or handle the kilns. This ensures proper operation and minimizes the risk of accidents or damages. Claymore operates two kilns dedicated to supporting members, fired to Cone 6.

Work Signatures and Firing Areas

All work intended for firing must be clearly signed. Unsigned work will not be fired and will be set aside. Items designated for bisque and glaze firing must be placed in designated areas, which will be marked with posted signage for easy identification.

Usage of Outside Glazes

Independent Study Members may use outside glazes; however, they must first have their glazes approved by studio staff. This approval will be provided in writing, and verbal approval will not be considered valid. Even with written approval, Independent Study Members are fully responsible for any damages to kiln shelves and kilns incurred by the use of outside glazes. Members are not responsible for any damages to kilns or kiln shelves while using studio made glazes.

Glazing Requirements and Discard Policy

Work must be adequately glazed to be fired. Pieces with glaze on the bottom or with questionable thickness will not be fired. Such work will be set aside in a designated area. Bisque and work that does not meet glazing requirements and is left unaddressed for 30 days will be discarded. Staff will make reasonable efforts to notify members before any work is discarded.

Kiln Damage Notice

Any damage to kiln shelves resulting from the use of unapproved glazes or clay bodies will result in fines imposed on the responsible member. These fines are intended to cover the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged kiln shelves and ensuring the continued safe operation of the studio firing equipment. Members are expected to adhere to all firing procedures and guidelines provided by Claymore to minimize the risk of damage to studio equipment. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of studio access privileges, or termination of membership.

7. Access to the Space

• All Claymore Independent Study Members will have 24 hour access to the studio, seven days a week. However, members acknowledge and agree that access may be temporarily restricted or limited to accommodate necessary construction, maintenance, or cleaning activities. Claymore will make reasonable efforts to notify members in advance of any such restrictions, and alternative access arrangements may be provided where feasible.
• Each person exiting the facility is responsible for locking and securing the premises. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to warnings, fines, or suspension of studio access privileges. Additionally, the member may be held liable for any damages or losses incurred due to the premises being left unsecured, including theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access. It is imperative that all members follow this rule to ensure the safety and security of the studio and its occupants.

8. Guest Policy

Claymore is a members only open studio. To keep the space calm and uncrowded and to protect the experience of paying members, guests are not permitted in the open studio at this time.

• Members may not bring guests into the studio to work, observe, or otherwise use the space or its resources.
• This policy may change as the studio grows. Any updates to the guest policy will be communicated to members in advance.
• Members who would like friends or family to try pottery can ask staff about current options outside the open studio.

9. Cancellation and Storage

• To cancel a membership, members must send an email to claymorechicago@gmail.com. We ask for at least one week of notice before the next billing cycle, which begins on the 1st of the month, whenever possible. This allows us to offer the open space to the next person on the waitlist. Confirmation of cancellation will be provided upon receipt of the request.
• All personal items must be removed from the member storage shelf, and the shelf must be cleaned, by the end of the final paid month. Failure to do so will result in a $50 cleaning fee.
• Any work, clay, or tools left in the studio 15 days past the last paid period will be subject to removal. Claymore will make reasonable efforts to notify members before removing their belongings. It is the responsibility of the member to ensure that all personal belongings are removed from the studio in a timely manner to avoid disposal or loss. Storage options may be available upon request, subject to availability and additional fees.

10. Theft or Broken Items

Claymore prioritizes the safety and security of all studio members and their belongings. While every effort is made to maintain a secure environment, members are reminded that Claymore is not liable for any damaged, lost, or stolen items within the studio premises. It is the responsibility of each member to take reasonable precautions to safeguard their personal belongings.

11. Video Surveillance Notice

For the safety and security of all members and the protection of studio property, Claymore uses video surveillance within the studio premises. This surveillance may include, but is not limited to, common areas, entryways, and specific areas within the studio facility.

The purpose of video surveillance is to:

• Deter and prevent unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities.
• Assist in the investigation and resolution of any incidents or disputes that may occur within the studio premises.
• Ensure compliance with studio rules, regulations, and safety protocols.
• Monitor the kilns during firings.

By entering the studio premises and using the facilities, members acknowledge and consent to being recorded by video surveillance cameras. The recorded footage may be used for security, safety, and operational purposes as deemed necessary by Claymore.

12. Termination

Claymore reserves the right to terminate the membership of any member at its sole discretion, with or without cause, at any time. Termination of membership may occur for reasons including but not limited to violation of studio rules and regulations, disruptive behavior, failure to adhere to payment obligations, or any other conduct deemed detrimental to the studio community or its operations.

In the event of membership termination, Claymore will provide written notice to the affected member specifying the reasons for termination and the effective date thereof. Termination notices may be delivered in person or sent by email or registered mail to the member last known address on file.

Upon termination of membership, the member shall forfeit all rights and privileges associated with studio membership, including access to studio facilities and participation in studio activities. Any outstanding fees or dues owed by the member at the time of termination shall become immediately due and payable.