Studio Policies

Kindness matters: We’re in a shared environment, and as at most studios, space is at a premium. Please be aware and considerate of others. It’s much more fun that way.

For everyone: Gather welcomes people of all skill levels and walks of life. Our diverse perspectives and experiences challenge and enrich conversations and foster creativity and growth. In a world of differing opinions, we remind you again that at Gather, respect and kindness matter.

Space considerations: Membership includes a cube-type 15x13-inch shelf as well as an 18x18-inch space on a shelf intended for work in progress and as a drying rack. Additional space can be purchased for a monthly fee. Students do not have dedicated individual space, but day-cubes are available, and work will be stored and dried on dedicated class shelves.

Firing limits: Gather is designed for individuals who pursue ceramics as a passion or a hobby. While we have three kilns, we do not have unlimited capacity. We don’t weigh or measure pieces, but we ask for your understanding as it will likely take longer to accommodate larger pieces or higher production levels. If you are a production potter or rely on ceramics as your livelihood, our studio is not designed for you. Should we find that any one potter’s production level exceeds our general community standards, please anticipate that we’ll have a conversation about it. While less convenient than in-studio, Seattle Pottery Supply offers kiln firing for a fee, as an alternative.

Cleanliness: Clay is a messy business, which for most of us is part of the fun. As a general rule, leave the studio cleaner than you found it. Cleaning up after yourself is basic studio etiquette. It’s also important for safety. Clay dust is the primary hazard in a studio, and the cleaner we keep surfaces, the more we limit clay dust. Wipe down your work area, including the floor, with damp sponges and mops.

Ask for help: Clay is heavy. Shelves can be hard to reach. Maybe you’re not feeling well and need to leave without cleaning? Just ask us for help. That’s what community is all about.

Outside materials:  We fire bisqueware to cone 04, and glaze fire to cone 5. The mid-range clays we offer for sale are ideal for these temperatures. Our studio glazes, which are available to all students and members, are also formulated for those temperatures. If you wish to use your own clay or glazes, you must ask for permission first.  We want to avoid kiln issues, and we want to be safe.  For safety reasons, luster glazes are not permitted.  

Classes: Students get priority on workstations, wheels, and other equipment when classes are in session. We have a dedicated class area for wheel classes, and there are other wheels located throughout the studio for members to use while classes are in session.

Wheels, slab roller, and extruder:  All wheels, the slab roller and extruder are available for use and require instruction prior to first use. However, only employees may load, unload and operate the kilns. We know it’s endlessly tempting! But for the sake of your work and the work of others, we only allow employees to touch the kilns.  

Finished work: Please bring home your finished work and move your bisqueware to your shelf as soon as you can. Pieces that are not picked up within 30 days of a kiln unloading will be donated or may be used by the studio for glaze testing.

Payment Policies

Memberships

Membership at Gather Pottery has lots of benefits. You can play with clay in the studio any time we are open, use our studio glazes, have all your work fired, and get assigned storage space. Members will also get half off most classes.

We ask for a 3-month commitment to start your membership. You will not be charged until your membership is confirmed. We then bill at the end of the month for the following month. After 3 months, memberships are month-to-month. You can cancel at any time before the beginning of the month. We are unable to prorate if you cancel after the start of the month.

Classes

Taking a class at Gather Pottery is a great opportunity for hands-on instruction. And you’re invited to show up early and stay after class to hone your skills. Students get a 25-pound bag of clay at the start of each class and have full use of studio tools and glazes. There is also additional studio time available during Student Open Studio hours.

We ask for full payment at the time of registration.  Unfortunately, we don't offer enough classes yet for makeup classes to be a realistic option, but we hope you can make full use of Student Open Studio hours. 

Refunds

Classes

Cancellations will be refunded in full up to two weeks before the class starts. We cannot offer refunds if you cancel less than two weeks before the class start date unless we are able to fill your slot. Please reach out to us directly for a conversation should you need to cancel.  Email: hello@gatherpottery.com

Memberships

Due to their nature, memberships are nonrefundable.

Goods

If you are unhappy with an item you purchased online or in-store, we are happy to accept returns within 60 days of your purchase date for a full refund, exchange for an item of equal value, or store credit. Items returned after the 60-day return period are not eligible for a refund or exchange. Items must be returned in undamaged and clean condition. Contact us to arrange a return or exchange at hello@gatherpottery.com or in person at the studio.