Open Studio Info & Guidelines

We build our Atelier as a space where creativity meets fun, as a space where you can slow down, play around, experiment, disconnect from the noise and find your inner messy, quiet self.

The idea is that you can enjoy the space creatively at your own peace. Open studio members must be 18 years of age or older and have a level of experience that allows them to work independently since instruction is not provided. Open studio is also a space that will allow members to focus on personal projects while practicing, improving or trying new techniques, but it is not a space for large-scale production. 

What's included: During your open studio time you will have access to the studio equipment and tools. You will have an assigned space to store your personal belongings and work in progress. 

During open studio hours, a team member will be on-site to answer quick questions or help you find tools, but please note that this is non-instructional time rather than a structured class. You’re welcome to bring in your own tools, in which case we recommend you label them and pay attention not to forget them in the sink or tables since we can not take responsibility for any loss.

Open studio memberships run monthly for four sessions of 3 hrs each every month, during the 4 first weeks of each month. Unused studio hours do not roll over to the next month.

Firings and glazes: Our team will take care of firing all of your pieces. Please allow 2-3 weeks for pieces to be fully fired through the bisque and glaze stages. We fire kilns as they fill up.

When your pieces are dry and ready for a bisque firing you can place them in the assigned shelf. Please, make sure they are dry since wet pieces will not be fired. 

All glazed pieces should leave a 3 mm unglazed area in the base. If we find that the piece is not suitable for firing, we will return them to your shelves so you can take care of them. 

We are currently developing our own line of studio glazes; in the meantime, we offer a curated assortment of commercial options. You are welcome to bring your own mid-range glazes and underglazes, provided they are reviewed and approved by our staff prior to use. As part of our studio etiquette, we ask that all members thoroughly sieve and mix our dipping glazes before each use. To prevent cross-contamination, all tools and buckets must be thoroughly washed before and after use. Please sieve the glaze into a spare bucket, wash and wipe down the original bucket, and then return the sieved glaze to its original container. All necessary tools are provided for you in the studio.

Please, be aware that if you layer glazes dripping may occur affecting the kiln shelves. To avoid any damage we highly recommend either limiting layering to the top ⅓ of your piece and /or using your own cookies underneath your pieces (if you want us to place a piece in a cookie, just leave it in the glaze shelf and we’ll accommodate it as it is in the kiln). Note that this is extremely rare, but if a kiln shelf or parts of the kiln or kiln furniture is damaged for problems related to dripping and glaze application, a replacement and/or repair cost for what has been damaged will be charged to the studio member whose piece caused the damage. If you need assistance regarding making your own cookies, let us know and we will help you.

We recommend identifying your pieces so when they are ready we can return them to your shelves.

We do not take responsibility for lost, broken, or forgotten pieces and maintain the right to refuse firing any pieces that are cracked or may crack in the firing process. 

Clay: We can provide a variety of clay options. If there is not availability for a specific kind of clay you would like to work with, please let us know and we will do our best to provide it. The cost of 10 kg of clay varies between 45 and 60 $ and includes the cost of firing. For kiln safety, outside clay is not permitted without prior staff approval. 

Membership renewals: Once you sign up for an open studio membership, it will automatically renew, and your payment method will be charged on the 1st of every month. If you can no longer participate in open studio, we kindly ask that you let us know a month beforehand.

To cancel your membership, members must notify Atelier Ceramikerie at least 30 days in advance by sending a written cancellation request to ceramikerie@gmail.com. Cancellation requests received less than 30 days before the next billing date will take effect the following month.

Cancellations made through the online customer portal without prior written notice do not constitute a valid cancellation and will not be processed until the 30-day notice period has been fulfilled.

Use of the space: Our atelier is built as an inclusive space looking to accommodate to the best of our possibilities everyone’s needs. If you feel like you need to contact us, please don’t hesitate. 

We trust our community to treat our studio and equipment with respect and care. While we expect normal wear and tear, any damage to major studio equipment (including pottery wheels, tables, and machinery) caused by misuse, negligence, or failure to follow studio guidelines will be the financial responsibility of the individual who caused the damage. In such events, a repair or replacement fee will be assessed accordingly.

Our atelier is a creative and relaxed space reserved for members, so we can not accommodate visitors.

It is important to respect opening and closing times for the open studio. For this purpose we recommend cleaning 30 min before the closing time. 

Studio Safety & Dust Control: To keep our studio as safe as possible for everyone, please follow these essential dust control guidelines. Minimizing airborne dust helps protect our lungs from harmful silica particles.

Daily Cleaning & Prevention:

• No dry sweeping: Never use a broom to sweep clay dust. Only use wet mopping techniques to clean the floors without stirring up particles.

• Wipe down surfaces: Always clean tables, bats, and boards using clean, wet sponges or cloths.

• Wash equipment: Clean all pottery wheel parts, tools, and sponges thoroughly with fresh water.

• Manage fabrics: Do not shake out dusty aprons or studio towels inside. Shake them outside or wash them to keep dust out of the air.

• Prevent buildup: Avoid letting dry scraps or trimmings accumulate on surfaces.

• Maintain your space: Periodically wipe down and clean your personal shelves.

Working with Dry Clay and  glaze:

• No dry sanding: Never sand or scrape dry pieces in the open studio. You may sand underwater or with a very wet sponge only.

• Glaze removal: When wiping dry glaze from the base of your pieces before firing, always use a wet sponge directly over a water container so that the glaze particles drop straight into the water instead of the air.

Note: We keep HEPA air filters running constantly to help maintain healthy indoor air quality.

Health, Safety & Release of Liability: By participating in any class, workshop, or open studio session at Ceramikerie, you acknowledge that working with pottery tools, equipment, glazes, and physical materials carries inherent risks. Participants agree to follow all posted safety rules and instructor guidelines.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Céramikerie and its staff are not liable for any personal injury, loss, or property damage occurring on the premises or during studio activities. Attendees participate voluntarily at their own risk.