Membership Information

Atacama Clay Studio Memberships

We offer three membership types to suit your needs.

Membership Policy

• Membership fees are due no later than three (3) full days before the 1st of the month or on the 1st. of each month.
  
  

• Payments are currently accepted via Venmo.
  
  

  • Beginning January 2026: All memberships (and firing fees) will be billed automatically to a card on file.
    
    

• Memberships are monthly subscriptions, like a gym membership.
  
  

• A 30-day cancellation notice is required.
  
  

• We recommend a minimum membership duration of three (3) months.
  
  

  • Beginning January 2026: A 3-month commitment receives a 10% discount off the monthly fee. No cancellations accepted under this plan.
    

One-Month Members (month to month)

If you remain for only one month, you are responsible for completing both bisque and glaze firings within your membership period.

• Any unfired work left past your month will incur a $0.10 per cubic inch/cm storage/firing fee.
  

Skill Level

Memberships are designed for intermediate to advanced potters who can work independently and navigate the studio on their own.

• A one-time orientation is required before starting.
  

Membership Options

🔹 In-Studio Full Time — $250/month

• 24/7 studio access
  
  

  • Beginning January 2026: Hours will be 7am–11pm (door closes 11pm)
    
    

• Includes a private shelf
  
  

• 3-month commitment: Beginning January 2026, $225/month (10% discount, no cancellations accepted)
  
  

🔹 In-Studio Part Time — $175/month

• Weekday access only (no weekends)
  
  

• Up to 2 visits per week (8 visits per month)
  
  

• Includes a private shelf
  
  

• Beginning January 2026: Fee increases to $185/month; hours 7am–11pm (door closes 11pm)
  

🔹 In-Home Membership —$150/month

For potters who prefer to work at home.

• 12.5 lbs of studio clay each month
  
  

• Option to schedule glaze time at the studio
  
  

• No personal shelf included
  
  

• Only projects made with studio clay may be fired at our facility
  

What’s Included in All Memberships

• Use of studio equipment: wheels, extruder, professional wedging table, slab roller, and more
  
  

• Access to dipping glazes (20+), underglazes, slips
  
  

• Shared bisque & glaze shelving
  
  

• Tools*
  
  

* As of January 2026: Tools will no longer be included. A set may be purchased at the studio for $20.

What’s Not Included

• Apron
  
  

• Reclaim bucket(s)
  
  

• Washcloth
  
  

• Clay (available for purchase):
  
  

  • $13 / 12.5 lbs — Brown Speckle
    
    

  • $13.50 / 12.5 lbs — White Buff

• No outside clay is permitted in the studio
  
  

• Firing fees:
  
  

  • $0.05 per cubic inch/cm (covers both bisque & glaze)
    
    

  • As of January 2026: Measurement starts at 1 cubic inch/cm (currently starts at 0.5).
    

Take a Tour

Interested in joining?
Email us at atacamaclaystudio@gmail.com to schedule a studio tour.

Atacama Clay Studio Guidelines

We’re all in this together! Maintaining a clean and safe space is everyone’s responsibility. Please follow these guidelines to help keep our studio in great shape for all members.

Studio Access

• Always return the key to the lock box after unlocking the studio door.
  
  

  • Coming soon: we will transition to a digital access code for entry (date to be announced).
    
    

• When closing, pull the door shut behind you and double-check that it is fully closed and secure.
  
  

• Guests:
  
  

  • No guests are allowed without:
    
    

    1. Prior notice in the WhatsApp group
       
       

    2. Approval from the studio manager and/or owner
       
       

    3. Payment of the $59.50 guest fee per person
       
       

       • (30% discount from a One-Time Adult Wheel class)
         
         

  • Guest fee includes studio reclaim clay and studio dipping glazes.
    
    

  • Members are responsible for trimming and glazing guest work and filling out a measuring slip with their name and guest name(s).
    
    

  • Children are not permitted as guests for safety reasons.
    
    

Before You Leave

Take a moment before walking out the door:

STOP and check:

• Is everything clean?
  
  

• Are all lights turned off?
  
  

• Are all AC units turned off?
  
  

Conserving Water & Clay

We are committed to sustainability—please help us conserve resources and protect our pipes:

• Do not let water run unnecessarily.
  
  

• Use the 1–3 bucket system when cleaning:
  
  

  1. Fill a bucket with clean water.
     
     

  2. Use a sponge to clean tools, equipment, and surfaces.
     
     

  3. Replace dirty water as needed.
     
     

➡️ Never pour clay water down the drain.

• Empty clay water into the large buckets in the sink.
  
  

• Over time, clay will settle to the bottom, leaving clean water on top.
  
  

• You may gently pour off the clean water, being careful not to disturb or pour out clay.
  
  

• Any excess clay from cleaning should go into your personal reclaim.
  
  

Cleaning Guidelines

1. Work Areas

• Clean wedging boards, tables, tools, and wheels.
  
  

• Return all tools/boards to their proper place. (Nothing should be left by the sink to dry.)
  
  

• For wheels: wipe splash pan, wheel head, inside/outside of wheel, legs, and foot pedal.
  
  

2. Floors

• Mop all areas you used, including:
  
  

  • Front table area
    
    

  • Wheel area
    
    

  • Glazing room
    
    

  • Your shelf area (if clay spills occurred)
    
    

Glazing Room Care

The glazing room requires extra attention to avoid contamination:

• Wipe all tools, bucket lids, counters, and surfaces immediately after use.
  
  

• Ensure sponges are glaze-free before using them for cleaning.
  
  

• Mop the floor around glaze buckets after use.
  
  

• Consider using newspaper to protect tables while glazing.
  
  

By working together and following these steps, we can keep Atacama Clay Studio a welcoming, safe, and inspiring space for all.

If you have any questions about cleaning protocols, please contact the studio manager.
Thank you for your care and attention!

1. We Treat One Another with Respect

At Atacama Clay Studio, we believe all people have inherent value, regardless of their status or circumstances. We ask everyone in our community to extend the same patience, courtesy, kindness, and politeness that you would wish to receive.

2. We Foster Open Communication

If you have concerns, we encourage you to first bring them to the studio manager. If further discussion is needed, the studio owner is available to help. We are committed to maintaining transparency in all communications.

3. We Respect Creative Expression

We honor and celebrate the unique creative expressions of every individual. At Atacama, we avoid placing hierarchies on artistic work and instead support one another’s endeavors. If inspired by another’s work, we approach them respectfully and communicate our intent to work with that inspiration.

4. We Are Committed to Inclusion

We strive to create an environment that is anti-racist, anti-classist, and affirming of all identities, including queer identities. Discrimination or harassment of any kind—such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, or classism—will not be tolerated.

5. We Care for Our Space

We recognize the importance of working in a well-maintained and inspiring environment. As a community, we take responsibility for treating the studio space, materials, and tools with care and respect. This includes maintaining our individual workspaces and contributing to the upkeep of shared areas.

6. We Prioritize Sustainability

At Atacama, we take pride in being resourceful and environmentally conscious. We aim to minimize waste and utilize natural resources—such as water and clay—responsibly. Together, we prioritize recycling, upcycling, and effective use of materials to reduce our environmental impact.

Agreement to Uphold Community Standards

By being a member of Atacama Clay Studio, you agree to these community agreements.

Thank you for helping us maintain a vibrant, inclusive, and respectful community at Atacama Clay Studio!

Firing Fee

Each piece glaze fired in the kiln will incur a fee based on the following formula: Firing Fee = Height (in inches) × Width (in inches) × Circumference (in inches) × 0.05. Starting January 2026, the reassuring start will be 1 inch.

• Members are responsible for calculating the fee and completing a Firing Fee Slip for each item. (Slips are available on the studio table.)

• Please ensure your signature stamp or initials are visible, and use the same ID across all your work. Items without a name/stamp will not be fired.

• Please place the completed slip-on top of your piece. Items without slips will not be fired.

• Firing fees apply to the glaze firing of each month, you do not need to fill out slips for bisque firings.

• Height maximum is 9 inches and a LONG WAIT may apply until other height-like work is included.

• For a detailed look at how to fill out firing fee slips refer to this video.

Billing Process

• Request for payment will be sent together with your next monthly dues, dues are due during the last 3 days of the month or at minimum first day of the month.

• Payments should be sent together with your membership monthly dues (if cancelling your next month, we require a full 30-day notice ).

Firing Schedule

• Both Bisque and Glaze firings will run once or twice per month, depending on volume.

• Firing dates will be posted on the studio chalkboard.

• A reminder may be sent via WhatsApp.

Tip: To stay organized, we recommend adding firing dates to your calendar.

Preparing Your Work

To ensure your pieces are fired without issues:

1. Wipe all glaze completely off the bottom and lower edges of your piece, exposing the clay:

• Pieces with glaze on the bottom will not be included in the kiln.

• The studio will not send reminders for unfinished work.

2. Sign your work visibly:

• Please ensure your signature stamp or initials are visible, and use the same ID across all your work. Items without a name/stamp will not be fired.

• Unsigned pieces will not be fired unless approved by the studio manager.

3. Allow time for work to fully dry before bisque firing:

• Time your work for firing readiness. Most work takes 5-7 days from trimming to be fully bone dry. If the work is not bone dry, it will not be fired.

• Feel free to place your pieces on the shelf as soon as they are ready to fire, however keep in mind that work cannot be bisque fired until it is fully bone dry.

4. Avoid damage to kiln shelves:

• Pieces stuck to shelves will incur a $20 charge, with a photo sent to document the damage.

• Severe damage to a shelf will result in a $65 charge.

5. Limit your stilts:

• Stilts are allowed only once per month with prior approval from the studio manager.

6. Studio-only work:

• Only pieces created in the studio will be fired (except for in-home member work).

Glazing Guidelines

No Stroke & Coat on greenware:

• Stroke & Coat is for Glaze-fired work only.

• If Stroke & Coat is used on greenware it will run in the bisque firing and result in damaged kiln shelves.

Underglaze use:

• Underglazes are provided for details or small pieces.

• For large or repeated use, you may be asked to provide your own pint of underglaze.

By following these guidelines, we can keep our studio running smoothly and create a great experience for everyone. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

Thank you for being part of our creative community!

Atacama Clay Studio

Membership Application Form

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of Atacama Clay Studio! Please complete this application. Once reviewed, we will contact you with next steps. Fully complete the form, print and bring it along for your orientation.

Applicant Information

• Full Name: ___________________________________________
  
  

• Preferred Name (if different): ___________________________
  
  

• Email Address: ________________________________________
  
  

• Phone Number: ________________________________________
  
  

• Address: _____________________________________________
  
  

Membership Selection

Please select one:

• ☐ Full-Time In-Studio — $250/month (month-to-month)
  
  

  • 3-month commitment option: $225/month (10% discount, no cancellations/as of Jan.2026)
    
    

• ☐ Part-Time In-Studio — $170/month ($185/month as of Jan. 2026)
  
  

  • Weekday access only, 2 visits/week (8 per month)
    
    

• ☐ In-Home Membership — $150/month
  
  

  • Includes 12.5 lbs of clay and glaze scheduling at studio (no shelf included)
    

Studio Orientation

All new members are required to attend a one-time orientation before beginning.

• ☐ I agree to attend orientation prior to using the studio.
  
  

Policies & Agreements

Please initial next to each:

_____ Membership fees are due no later than three (3) days before the 1st of each month.

_____ Beginning January 2026, all payments and firing fees will be processed automatically via card on file. At this time requested via Venmo.

_____ A 30-day notice is required for cancellations. (No cancellations allowed with discounted 3-month commitment.)

_____ I understand that membership is designed for intermediate to advanced potters who can work independently.

_____ I agree to follow all studio rules, cleaning guidelines, and access policies as outlined in the Studio Handbook.

_____ I acknowledge that firing fees ($0.05 per cubic inch/cm, min. 0.5 until Jan. 2026, then min. 1 inch/cm) and clay purchases are not included in membership.

Liability Waiver

I release Atacama Clay Studio, its owners, staff, and affiliates from any responsibility for injury, loss, or damage while participating in studio activities. I agree to abide by all safety rules and assume all risks associated with ceramic studio use.

Signature: __________________________________ Date: ____________

Office Use Only

• Orientation Date: ________________________
  
  

• Membership Start Date: ___________________
  
  

• Key/Access Code Issued: ☐ Yes ☐ No
  
  

• Shelf Assigned: __________________________Item description