studio agreement
Our studio policy is for the safety of everyone.
Thank you for joining us at á la mud! We hold ourselves to high standards and we ask that you do the same. That means giving the studio and the people in it the care, attention, and respect that they deserve.
To participate in studio activities, you must sign the studio use waiver and will be held accountable for practicing the policies set forth. Those not adhering to the policies may be asked to leave the studio for the day or permanently, without refund.
1. Respectful Conduct 🤝
Be kind and considerate to fellow artists, staff, and guests.
Respect any ongoing classes—avoid interrupting instruction or crowding the space.
Keep noise levels low; use headphones for music and take phone calls outside.
No harassment, discrimination, or aggressive behavior of any kind.
No smoking, vaping, alcohol, or drug use in the studio or within 20 feet of the premises.
If you accidentally touch, bump, or break someone’s work, leave a kind note. Accidents will happen and honesty goes a long way.
2. Health & Safety 🧼
A clean studio is a healthy studio. Avoid creating dust and releasing airborne silica.
No food or drink in the glaze area.
Walk carefully—no running in the studio.
Wear gloves and goggles when working with glazes or stains.
Closed-toed shoes are required at all times.
Bring your own personal protective equipment (PPE).
Immediately report injuries, illness, or unsafe conditions to staff.
We have a first aid kit by the door.
3. Studio Etiquette & Responsibility 🧹
Clean your workspace to leave it better than you found it.
If unsure how to use equipment, ask for help before using it. We have helpful videos here.
If you’re the last person in the studio, turn off all the lights and lock up securely.
Say hello and goodbye, and help create a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
4. Materials & Equipment 🛠️
Community tools must be cleaned and returned after use.
Only cone 6 clay (not 06!) is allowed. If you don’t know the difference, we encourage you to join us for a 6 week course!
Recycle only unfired clay, and break it into small pieces before placing it in the reclaim bin.
Bone-dry clay should be broken up outside before transferring to the bin.
No plaster mold making is allowed due to contamination risk.
5. Kilns & Firing 🔥
Never touch, open, or unload the kilns—staff only.
Firing schedules depend on volume and readiness.
Cracked greenware or flawed glaze pieces will not be fired and will be set aside with a note.
Unclaimed work from firing racks will be discarded monthly; look out for emails and posted notices.
You are responsible for your own work. Kiln shelves cost $250 each, so if your piece causes kiln shelf damage, you must pay a $25 fee per affected shelf.
6. Studio Closures 🚪
Occasionally, the studio may close for cleaning, maintenance, workshops, or power outages.
These closures will be communicated via email as early as possible.
No financial reimbursement for members is offered for these interruptions.
Member access may overlap with classes or events—check the posted schedule and calendar. Members are still welcome to come, just be mindful of sharing our space.
7. Member Access & Usage 🔑
Members have 24/7 access using their unique phone key.
Always close the studio door fully behind you - even if another member is right behind you.
Only registered students and current members are allowed to use the space.
Members are not permitted to teach private lessons without approval—unauthorized teaching incurs a fee.
Children under 7 may not use potter’s wheels.
We are not responsible for supervising children, guests, or pets.
8. Membership & Payment Policies 💳
Memberships are billed monthly on the same calendar date as your original sign-up. For example, if you join on January 7, you’ll be billed on the 7th of each month.
A 5% late fee applies starting at noon the day after your due date.
You are responsible for completing the studio’s exit procedures and cleaning out your shelf.
Verbal cancellations must be followed up by email or by logging into your member account—we don’t cancel memberships retroactively.
A $25 processing fee applies to all refunds (if granted).
No refunds or make-ups for missed classes, one-time events, or workshops.
9. Emergency Procedures 🚨
In case of emergency, dial 911 first. Then alert studio staff—contact info is posted by the front door.
For non emergencies, email us.
Fire extinguishers are mounted near the restroom.
First aid supplies are available by the door for minor injuries.
In case of fire, evacuate the building unless it is safe to extinguish the flame.
During an earthquake, evacuate if possible or stay clear of tall racks.
Keep aisles and exits clear at all times.
10. Compliance with Laws 📜
Members and students shall, at their own sole cost and responsibility, comply with all applicable municipal, state, and federal laws, regulations, and ordinances, whether currently in force or enacted in the future, that pertain to their use of á la mud’s premises. A final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction, or an admission by the member or student in any legal proceeding—regardless of whether á la mud is a party—establishing a violation of any such law or regulation, shall be deemed conclusive evidence of that violation in any matter involving á la mud. In the event of such a violation, á la mud reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to terminate the individual’s access to the studio, revoke their membership or enrollment, and require them to remove all personal property from the premises.
11. Harassment & Discrimination Policy 🚫
á la mud is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone. Harassment and discrimination are not tolerated at á la mud. If you experience or observe harassment or discrimination, please alert a staff member right away. á la mud adheres to all applicable federal, state and local anti-discrimination and harassment laws and regulations. á la mud staff, contractors, vendors, visitors, members, and students are entitled to work or visit in an environment free from sexual harassment and a hostile or offensive environment. We recognize sexual harassment as unlawful discrimination, just as conduct that belittles or demeans any individual on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual preference, age, disability, or other similar characteristics or circumstances.
12. Liability Disclaimer, Assumption of Risk & Indemnification ⚖️
By entering á la mud and participating in any activity on the premises, you acknowledge that ceramic arts and studio work carry inherent risks—including, but not limited to: exposure to dust or chemicals, physical injury, burns, cuts, equipment-related accidents, and risks from shared materials or personal error. You voluntarily assume all such risks and agree that á la mud, including its owners, staff, contractors, and affiliates, shall not be liable for any injury, illness, property loss, or damage that arises from your use of the studio—unless such harm is directly caused by the proven gross negligence or intentional misconduct of á la mud staff. You understand that participation in studio activities is entirely voluntary and undertaken at your own risk. Ceramic work is inherently unpredictable—even for experienced artists—and á la mud cannot guarantee the outcome, integrity, or survival of any piece created in the studio. It is your responsibility to make informed decisions regarding your own health and safety while using the space. If you, your children, your guests, or your pets cause harm or damage that results in a legal claim or expense for á la mud, you agree to indemnify and defend á la mud, including covering all associated legal fees and court costs. Should á la mud need to retain legal counsel in response to your actions, you will be responsible for those expenses. In the event of a medical emergency, you authorize á la mud to seek treatment on your behalf. You are solely responsible for any related medical costs.
All studio users must comply with the policies and terms outlined in this agreement, which may be updated periodically. The most current version will always be available on our website.