pottery studio
guide & policies
Important studio information for students & members
Food & Drinks
are not allowed
in the studios
except
water bottles.
welcome to SCAA’s pottery studio
Where you’ll find everything you need to know for your class, how to use the pottery studio, how to work safely and respectfully in our shared space.
Please read through carefully and refer back as needed.
“Use it, Clean it, Return it. Clean as you go.”
But remember, no sweeping clay dust
Studio Basics
The SCAA Pottery Studio is a shared facility used by students, hobbyists, and professional potters. The same rules apply to everyone. Please be considerate, clean as you go, and help maintain a safe, welcoming environment.
Posted throughout the studio you’ll find our Code of Conduct, Safety Precautions, and General Operating Procedures — these guidelines are part of studio participation.
If you have any questions, you can email our Pottery Studio Manager, Todd.
It is essential to never touch clay work if it is not yours.
This is the most important rule of the studio along with cleaning your space.
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Clay fired in SCAA kilns must be purchased through the SCAA Pottery Studio
Each student/member is assigned a cubby for clay, tools, and supplies
Limit: 2 bags of clay per month
Pieces larger than 14” in any direction: one per month may be fired
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Payment is C.O.D. (cash, check, or credit/debit).
Write your name and date on the Clay Purchase Clipboard in the Glaze Room
Place payment (in an envelope) in the black box by the clay cage
You may also pay in the office or by phone.
Office hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 1–5pm
Once processed, your clay will be placed in your cubby
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Students may use the studio outside of class for up to 17 hours per week
Studio use is not permitted during scheduled pottery classes or events
If a class is in session, you may sign up to use the 2nd-floor workroom
Short workshops generally do not include open studio access
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Please allow 20–30 minutes at the end of each session for clean-up.
Before you leave:
Turn your wheel OFF
Clean all surfaces and equipment you used:
Wheel, floor, bats, wedging table, slab roller, extruder, work tables, sink
Clean Glaze Room tables, floors, buckets, and utensils
Empty water buckets and splash pans into Recycle Barrels
Sponge-clean clay residue from wheel surfaces
Damp-mop floors — do not sweep
Wash bats, tools, and studio materials
Return all tools and supplies to your cubby
(No tools may be stored upstairs)
Your instructor will review the full clean-up procedure during class.
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Wet / Drying Greenware
Stamp, inscribe, or carve your name or initials
Place on a wood ware board
Cover with plastic
Attach a clothespin labeled with your name to the plastic
Store on your class shelf
Bone Dry Greenware
Place on the Bisque Shelf for firing
Glazed Bisque Ware
Place on the Glaze Shelf for glaze firing
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You may complete unfinished work started during class
Do not begin new projects
You have two additional weeks to trim, glaze, and finish work
All shelves and cubbies must be cleared within two weeks
Unclaimed work, clay, or tools become property of SCAA or may be donated to the MAC Sale
what you need to know for class
studio rules & etiquette
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Do not touch other students’ or members’ work
Place work on shelves back to front to prevent handling
Accidents happen — if something breaks, notify the owner or leave a note
No assigned wheels, tables, or shelf space
Conversation is encouraged; please keep background noise minimal
Use headphones for music/videos; take phone calls outside
Be welcoming and supportive, especially to new students
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Reserve studio time online
Arrive no more than 10 minutes before your scheduled slot
Cancel reservations you cannot use
Sign in upon arrival and sign out when leaving
Only enrolled students and studio members may work in the studio
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No food or drink in the studio (water bottles permitted)
No children or pets allowed
Guests permitted for a $25 daily fee and must sign a waiver
No personal fragrances, please
-
If the studio door is locked:
Use the lockbox located next to the studio door
The lockbox code is provided on the first day of class
Follow the instructional video below
Return the key to the lockbox after unlocking the door
If you are the last person to leave:
Turn off lights, wheels, and fans
Lock the back door
-
Do not open, load, or unload kilns
Report broken or malfunctioning equipment to the Studio Manager or leave a note on the Talk Board
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Clean work areas with a wet sponge only
No sweeping — collect trimmings with a dustpan, then mop
Sand bone-dry or fired pieces outside
Do not wear contact lenses in dusty environments
Wear a smock or apron when working with clay or glazes
Wash hands thoroughly after working
Keep wheel foot pedals dry
Stop flywheel completely before getting on or off
Report all accidents immediately
If pregnant or allergic, be aware ceramics work may pose health risks
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Masks are optional. This policy may change based on public health guidance.
Student Quick Guide
View this quick guide online or download
a print version for easy access.
Studio Use
☐ Reserve studio time online
☐ Sign in and out
☐ No studio use during classes/events
☐ No guests without a fee and waiver
Clean-Up (Every Session)
☐ Turn wheel off
☐ Clean wheel, tools, tables, and floor
☐ Empty water into recycle barrels
☐ Damp-mop — no sweeping
☐ Wash and return bats and tools
☐ Store everything in your cubby
Caring for Your Work
☐ Wet work: labeled, covered, on class shelf
☐ Bone dry work: Bisque shelf
☐ Glazed work: Glaze shelf
Studio Etiquette
☐ Do not touch others’ work
☐ Shared space — no assigned spots
☐ Use headphones for music/videos
☐ No food, drink (except water), children, or pets
End of Class
☐ Finish work within 2 weeks
☐ Clear cubby and shelves
☐ Take all tools and clay home
Questions?
Contact the Pottery Studio Manager
studios@southcountyart.org
Clay Rules
☐ Max 2 bags of clay per month
☐ One piece over 14” per month
☐ Label all work clearly
Before You Start
☐ Read the Studio Guide online
☐ sign in when you arrive
☐ Know where your cubby is
☐ Purchase clay through SCAA only
Student waiver please make sure you have signed the student waiver agreement
I love the pottery studio, which is how I first became involved with SCAA. My grandmother, who passed away when I was in elementary school, was very involved in the pottery studio. She loved the space, and I like working in there because it makes me feel connected to her. I also love the resources and classes that the studio provides.
—Ellie Swanson 2024
