Ceramics Policies and Procedures

The following information is provided for all program participants to understand the expectations and procedures for the ceramics studio. 

The Ceramics Assistant works in conjunction with staff members to run the daily operations of the ceramics studio. All studio participants work together to make sure a safe, healthy, and friendly studio environment is maintained. Our day time studio students are a wealth of knowledge and can answer basic questions about the studio. Please be respectful of their time as they are not meant to instruct or “fill in the gaps” of information missed from unattended classes.

Contact Information:

MCAC: (309)829-0011

Director of Programming: amy@mcac.org 

Ceramics Assistant: sarah@mcac.org

General Policies

Friends/family/pets may not visit students in the studios.

Food is allowed, but do not put food in the downstairs garbage cans. 

No alcohol is allowed in the studios except for special, instructor-led events.

MCAC is committed fully to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable federal, state, and local laws. Reasonable accommodation is available to any studio student, member and/or resident artist with a disability when the disability affects the ability to participate in a class or to create work in the studio. If you are currently disabled or become disabled, please contact staff to assist you with evaluating reasonable accommodations that may enable you to participate fully in the studio. Staff may require a physician’s note covering any restrictions to ensure that proposed reasonable accommodations meet your needs.

The studio is monitored by security cameras 24/7 to ensure the safety of all members, students, staff, visitors, and equipment.

The ceramics program includes an introductory series designed to give the community a well rounded introduction to basic skills and knowledge about clay, glazes, policies, and procedures. If you have no experience in clay we require new students to enroll in the following classes: Introduction to Throwing A, Introduction to Throwing B, and Introduction to Handbuilding. Completion of these classes will allow you access to open studio, intermediate, and advanced classes. If you have some experience in clay, enroll in any of the introductory series that you still need to build skills in. If you have experience in all aspects of ceramics we ask that you email our ceramics assistant to get a tour and overview of expectations prior to the first session. 

Waiver of Liability: By registering in any event you agree, have been informed of, and will be held accountable to the following guidelines and policies. You understand that there are certain dangers, hazards, and risks inherent in working in a ceramics studio. If tools and/or equipment are used improperly, they can cause personal injury or harm to another individual. The Mclean County Arts Center does not assume responsibility for any such personal injury or property damage including stolen personal items while on the property. In addition, by putting items in our kilns, you understand that there are intrinsic risks to the firing process and projects may get damaged. Those not adhering to the policies may be asked to leave the studio for a time determined by staff without refund.

Legal: In the event that Mclean County Arts Center is named as a party to any litigation as a result of the sole act of the member/student or the sole act of any person coming on the premises for the benefit of seeing the member/student, then the member/student shall provide to McLean County Arts Center at the member/student’s expense a complete defense to the action so filed and McLean County Arts Center in the event that the member/student does not provide such defense shall be authorized to employ attorneys of McLean County Arts Center choice and the member/student shall be liable to McLean County Arts Center for the costs of such legal representation. McLean County Arts Center shall be liable and responsible for its own acts and omissions and to such extent this indemnification.

Photo Release: By registering for any event, you grant the Mclean County Arts Center permission to use my likeness in a photograph, video, or other digital media (“photo”) in any and all of its publications, including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration.

You understand and agree that all photos will become the property of the Mclean County Arts Center and will not be returned. You hereby irrevocably authorize the Mclean County Arts Center to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute these photos for any lawful purpose. In addition, you waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein your likeness appears. Additionally, you waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of the photo. You hereby hold harmless, release, and forever discharge the Mclean County Arts Center from all claims, demands, and causes of action which you, your heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on your behalf or on behalf of your estate have or may have by reason of this authorization.

Community Guidelines

We strive to maintain an inclusive and welcoming facility. Hate speech, harassment, harm, or disrespect to staff, board members, instructors, interns, studio members, students, etc. is not tolerated. Please speak with a staff member immediately if you have any concerns or feel uncomfortable/unsafe in the studios. Please do not create a negative environment for other people in the space. Staff have the right to ask any person to leave and/or refuse access if they are negatively affecting the studio environment and/or safety at any time.

In the case that human error or a ceramic error happens, please be considerate to staff and fellow artists. MCAC staff work very hard to provide the most professional studio atmosphere possible. Staff are willing to discuss these situations in a professional manner. Hostile, accusatory communication is not acceptable.

Do not touch any other student’s shelf, tools, or artwork. Respect is essential in our

shared space. Please don’t risk accidentally breaking someone else’s hard work. In the event that staff, members, and/or students break or damage any personal property, including ceramic work, they must leave a note for the owner and we will do our best to notify you. 

Practice cell phone courtesy when in the studio and take any phone conversations outside of where others are working.

Be courteous and accommodating of any classes taking place in the studio. If a staff member asks you to clean up your work area to prepare for a class, please do so quickly and efficiently. Do not disturb instructors or students and try to keep noise to a minimum. Students enrolled in classes shall have the instructor’s full attention.

Leave the studio cleaner than you found it. If something is out of place, please pick it up. If it is dirty, please wipe it down. If you notice a fellow student/member struggling to clean up on time ask if they would like help. 

Be respectful of instructors and staff members' time.

Classes/Workshops/Intensives/Events:

Registration: You must pre-register for all classes, workshops, intensives, and paid events. No drop-ins allowed. Registration is available online at mcac.org 

What to Bring: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy in. For safety, be mindful of any accessories or jewelry that may get dirty or get caught in the clay. Also, if you have long hair, it is recommended that you wear it away from your face. Close toed shoes are preferred. Feel free to bring a change of clothes.

Parking: Parking is available on Mulberry St. If that lot is full, street parking and the East St. parking lot are available.

When you arrive: Enter through the classroom entrance located on Mulberry St. Please ring the doorbell as the door is always locked. The bell can be heard throughout the classrooms and an instructor will be available to let you in the building. Be respectful of instructors' time and don’t arrive more than 10 minutes early and be ready to exit the building by the end time.

Schedule

Cancellations: 

MCAC reserves the right to cancel classes or workshops due to the minimum number of students not met. Registrants will be notified at least 24 hours in advance to the first session. In the event of a whole class cancellation a refund will be issued.

Inclement Weather Cancellations:

You will be notified by the instructor if a class is cancelled via email. Instructors will schedule the make-up class, if programming allows but is not guaranteed.

Missed Class Policy:

MCAC is not responsible for changes in students’ personal schedules. If a class MUST be missed, no refunds or credits for class will be given for missed classes. You may reach out to your instructor to see if they have space in a different class or time but there is no guarantee that they can offer you a makeup class.

Open Studio:

Open studio hours are available to all students that are enrolled in an advanced class or other proctored open studio sessions. These hours are provided to give registered students an opportunity to continue their practice or complete a project. All advanced classes have one week past the last scheduled class to finish projects.

Open Studio Hours:

Monday -10 AM–5 PM

Tuesday - 10 AM–7 PM

Wednesday - 10 AM–5 PM

Thursday - 10 AM–5 PM

Friday - 10 AM–5 PM

Saturday - 9 AM–1 PM

Sunday - Closed

When you arrive please enter through gallery doors and sign in on the stairwell before you enter the studio. 

Students must be cleaned up and leave the premises by posted times.

Do not drop in to classes you are not enrolled in to finish up work or use as open studio time. You may use the studio outside of open studio time if the desired studio space is empty and class in the other classroom i.e there is a painting class, you may use the ceramics rooms and vice versa. 

Studio Expectations

Studio Storage

The ceramics studio has a limited amount of storage space available for each student. 

Students will be able to pick a shelf at the beginning of each class/open studio session.It is the student’s responsibility to claim their own shelf space on the first day of class. It is first

come, first served.

All personal tools, clay, and pieces must be stored on your shelf. 

Overflow onto other shelves or common use spaces is at the discretion of the ceramics assistant. If you require a unique storage space please contact the ceramics assistant or instructor prior to leaving work. Please label any work that is not in your assigned space. The ceramics assistant reserves the right to remove unlabeled projects not on assigned shelves. It is your sole responsibility to make sure your space is cleaned out so that MCAC can offer the space to the next round of students/members. Returning students/members that are registered for the next class/ open studio session may keep their work on the shelf. 

All work, clay, and tools must be removed from storage spaces the Saturday before Christmas to allow for yearly deep clean. 

MCAC is not responsible for personal items left in the studio.

Studio Safety

If there is an emergency, call 911. Notify the instructor of your injury. There is a first aid kit located above to sink in the handbuilding room. 

Students are not allowed in the kiln room or any store closets without a staff member. Only staff is allowed to operate the pugmill. Only employees of MCAC are allowed to load, unload, or operate the kilns. If you are interested in kiln operations in order to fully understand the full ceramics process, please ask the ceramics assistant. The opportunity to help alongside the ceramics assistant is always appreciated.

Spills must be cleaned up immediately and staff must be informed of any accidents that could be unsafe and any large spills of materials that cannot be recovered.

Do not prop open the classroom door. Propping open the door leaves yourself and MCAC vulnerable to intruders. If you need to use this door, it has a door bell that can be heard in all classrooms. 

Do not use any equipment you have not been properly trained on.

Only employees wearing appropriate PPE are allowed to touch any dry glaze

.

Do your part to prevent airborne clay dust:

• Clay and glazes contain materials that can be harmful if inhaled

• If you absolutely need to sand a piece of ceramic please do so outside and wear a dust mask

• Do not sand or stir up dry clay dust in studios. NO BROOMS! Only use the squeegees to slowly collect trimmings. 

• Use wet sponges or rags to clean surfaces.

• Refer to the cleaning instructions in the classrooms and guidelines below.

Cleaning

This is a wet cleaning studio and all members and students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves in accordance with the following guidelines:

• Pick up and dispose of any clay scraps on the floor. Any clean clay scraps can be recycled.

• Common areas such as the wedging table, sink area, work tables, wheels, etc. must be wiped down and cleaned with clean water immediately after use.

• Clean your table work space, wheel, and floor area prior to the end of every class.  Wipe down any surfaces you used. 

• Clean all studio tools, buckets, bats, wareboards, etc. and return them to their designated area prior to leaving. Only the small glaze containers may remain in the drainers next to the sink. If you are unsure of where something goes, please ask your instructor or staff member. 

• Check for tools before dumping water and clay from throwing buckets into reclaim buckets. 

• Glaze tools must be cleaned thoroughly in between glazes and after use. Contamination can lead to an entire batch of glaze being ruined and disrupt use for other artists in the studio. If glazes are ruined you may be charged for materials and time it takes to replace it.

• Washing off wax brushes with dish soap to remove any remaining wax.

• When you're done using the wheel, turn the wheel off, place the stool upside down on the wheel head, and the pedal on the deck. Please return bricks to the end of the throwing table by the reclaim buckets.

• Final cleaning must be completed with fresh water and clean sponges. Using dirty sponges will leave clay residue which will evaporate and leave dust.

• Do not let large amounts of water sit on table tops or any other wood surfaces as it will warp the wood.

• Absolutely no clay or glaze materials are to be washed down the bathroom sinks. Use the studio sinks for filling buckets, cleaning, and anything clay/glaze related. Wash any clay/glaze from your hands before entering the bathroom.

• Limit any action that creates dust.

A fee may be charged to cover any mess left behind, damage, or loss resulting from improper studio use. 

Equipment, Tools, and Materials

Clearly label all of your tools, clay, and personal glazes with your name in permanent marker.

There is no use of plaster without prior arrangements unless it is during a supervised class.

Do not use equipment or tools unless you have been instructed on how to properly use them. If you have any questions please ask your instructor, ceramics assistant, or staff member. If you need a refresher on any equipment please reference the equipment guide.

Clay

Each student enrolled in a regular class or open studio session receives one, 10lb bag of clay. Workshops and other special intensives may vary for specific projects.

Additional clay may be purchased for $20/10 lbs- Standard 105, and 105 with grog and $25/10 lbs of Standard 225

Make sure all “solid” clay placed in the reclaim buckets is broken down small. No paper (newspaper, paper towels, etc.) or powders (baby powder, corn starch, flour, etc.)  should be on this clay as this weakens the composition of our reclaimed clay.

Your clay is your responsibility. Please label your bag, make sure you bag is sealed tightly and

do not leave your clay out. The Mclean County Arts Center will not be responsible for replacing lost or dried out clay.

Any outside clay must be approved by the ceramics assistant prior to use. Please use a testing ticket located to the left of the kiln room door.

Prerequisites for outside clay bodies:

• It must be rated for cone 04, or cone 6 to use for prescheduled firings. Anything outside of these temperatures, must go through our kiln rental services. To inquire about kiln rental, please contact the ceramics assistant. 

• If you plan to use red clay, you must bring your own wedging boards and canvas sheets for the slab roller to not stain our equipment.

We only reclaim clay purchased for MCAC - Standard 105, Standard 105 with grog, and Standard 225. Any other pre-approved clay must be conditioned by hand and remain on your shelf.

Glazes

Guidelines for Studio Glazes:

• Stir glazes thoroughly. Use drill attachment for all dipping glazes.

• Do not leave any glaze containers open. 

• Make sure any unused glaze gets returned to the proper container.

• Please wipe all lids and place back on the container tightly when finished with glaze.

• Let an instructor or staff know if any glazes seem off or the quantities are getting low. 

• Never add water to any glaze on your own.

Outside Glaze Testing Procedure

To protect our equipment, MCAC reserves the right to restrict use of any outside glazes in our studio at any time. The following guidelines aim to ensure the quality of finished work.

All outside glazes must be tested and approved by the ceramics assistant before use.

Glazes must be rated for our firing temperatures: low-fire (cone 04) or mid-fire (cone 6) depending on the clay you are using.

You must submit a glaze testing ticket to the ceramics assistant prior to use. Testing tickets are located:

Testing tickets are reviewed the following week after submission. You will be notified via email if tests are approved.

If approved for testing:

Glaze tests must be done on 3”x3” tiles and on the same clay body you intend to use. Testing must be done on each clay body if you intend to use multiple bodies. Please use separate tickets for each clay body.

All tests must include a cookie or drip tray for testing. Cookies must be at least 1” around the tiles and marked with your name/initials, and bisqued prior to testing. Tests will not be fired without this protection.

After firing, submit your fired tiles for final review with the ceramics assistant. 

If approved, a sticker will be placed on the glaze container. If not approved, the ceramics assistant can discuss reasoning with you and if further testing should be done before final approval.

Glazes Not Approved

Mayco/Ritual Glazes: Puff, Mini Puff, Foam, Gloop, Suckerpunch, Melt Gloop, or Supergloop

Firing

Kilns are fired according to the needs of the entire studio. They will be fired when there is enough work to fill a kiln. Rush firing requests will be considered but it is the prerogative of the ceramics assistant to determine the firing schedule. 

The kiln firings are recorded on the kiln room door. The record will show if the kiln is loaded with  cone 04 bisque, a hybrid of cone 04 bisque and low-fire glaze, cone 04 low-fire glaze or cone 6 glaze and when the operator is expected to unload the kiln.

Large pieces that do not fit on a single shelf take longer to fit in the firing schedule. Ask your instructor or the ceramics assistant for guidance as needed. Work larger than 16”x16”x16” must be approved by the ceramics assistant or instructor. 

Sign every piece clearly with your initials or maker's mark to prevent confusion. Keep record of your work with notes, drawings, photos etc. MCAC is not responsible for lost or stolen work. 

Place your work on the shelf in the orientation it should be placed in the kiln. If you have any special firing requests, please include it on the firing sheet.

We reserve the right to refuse to load ware that has not been properly prepared for the kiln. This includes pots with glazed bottoms that have not been appropriately cleaned. If you deem it necessary to glaze the bottom of your piece you must get approval from your instructor or ceramics assistant. No-name pieces without an appropriate firing slip or signature will not be fired.

Rejected work will be placed on the second chance shelf and you will receive an email with an explanation of why it was not fired.

Be aware that kiln firings can have unpredictable results and, as such, we cannot guarantee the final product. Damage and/or unwanted results during the entire loading, firing, and unloading process are not the responsibility of the studio. 

If it is determined that a member’s piece is the cause of any damage to the kilns, shelves, or any other kiln furniture, that member may be charged for the replacement of the items and/or the time it takes to clean them.

You must pick up your work within 30 days. All work after 30 days will be placed on the shelf in the hallway. At the end every term (May 1st, Sept 1st, and Jan. 1st. All work left on all post firing shelves or abandoned personal storage shelves will become property of MCAC and discarded or recycled unless prior arrangements have been made.

Any kiln/firing questions can be directed to the ceramics assistant.

MCAC reserves the right to update the policies at any time and take effect immediately after posting. Any large changes to policies will be communicated by email.