Catoctin Creek Pottery

Student Agreement, Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Catoctin Creek Pottery! Our goal is to provide a safe, creative, and enjoyable learning environment. By enrolling in classes, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the following terms and conditions.

1. Enrollment & Class Fees

Enrollment reserves my space in a small-group pottery class. Tuition covers instruction, use of studio equipment and tools, approved studio materials, clay (unless otherwise noted), glazing, and kiln firings as outlined in the class description.

Tuition is non-refundable once a class session begins unless otherwise determined by Catoctin Creek Pottery.

2. Attendance & Missed Classes

Because class size is intentionally limited, my enrollment reserves a space that cannot be filled if I miss class.

·       Missed classes are non-refundable.

·       Makeup classes may be offered at the instructor's discretion based on studio availability but are not guaranteed.

·       Classes canceled by Catoctin Creek Pottery will be rescheduled.

3. Completion of Projects

Students work at different speeds, and some projects may require additional time to complete.

If I do not finish my projects during my registered class session, I understand that completion may require:

·       enrolling in another class session,

·       scheduling a private lesson, or

·       paying any applicable open studio fee (if offered).

The instructor cannot guarantee that unfinished work can be completed after my class has ended.

4. Approved Materials

To protect the studio's kilns and the work of other students:

·       Only clay provided or approved by Catoctin Creek Pottery may be used in class.

·       Only studio-approved glazes, underglazes, slips, stains, and other ceramic materials may be applied to work intended for firing unless prior approval has been given.

·       Any work determined to contain unknown or unapproved materials may be refused firing.

5. Firing Policies

I understand that pottery is a handmade and kiln-fired process.

Work may occasionally crack, warp, explode, blister, craze, pinhole, discolor, stick to kiln shelves, or otherwise become damaged during drying or firing.

Pieces that are excessively thick, improperly constructed, contain trapped air, unstable attachments, or are otherwise likely to damage the kiln or surrounding work may not be fired.

The instructor reserves the right to refuse firing of any piece that could present a risk to studio equipment or the work of others.

6. Handmade Nature of Pottery

I understand that pottery is an artistic and handcrafted process.

Variations in color, glaze movement, texture, shape, surface finish, and firing results are expected and contribute to the uniqueness of each piece.

Perfect or identical results cannot be guaranteed.

7. Care of Student Work

Catoctin Creek Pottery will exercise reasonable care in storing, handling, glazing, firing, and caring for student work.

However, because ceramics are fragile and kiln firing involves inherent risk, Catoctin Creek Pottery, its owners, instructors, assistants, and representatives cannot guarantee the successful completion of every piece.

Except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, I agree that Catoctin Creek Pottery shall not be responsible for damage, defects, loss, or breakage occurring during any stage of the ceramic process.

8. Studio Safety

Pottery involves the use of tools, pottery wheels, kilns, glazes, chemicals, and other equipment.

I agree to:

·       Follow all instructor directions and studio safety procedures.

·       Use equipment only after receiving proper instruction.

·       Wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.

·       Tie back long hair and avoid loose jewelry when operating equipment.

·       Report damaged or unsafe equipment immediately.

·       Use all tools responsibly.

·       Help maintain a clean and safe studio environment.

9. Clay Dust & Health

I understand that ceramic dust may contain silica, which can present a health risk if inhaled over time.

I agree to follow all studio cleaning procedures, including using approved wet-cleaning methods when instructed, rather than creating unnecessary airborne dust.

10. Studio Conduct

Catoctin Creek Pottery is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful, and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Students are expected to:

·       Treat instructors, classmates, and studio equipment respectfully.

·       Follow instructor guidance.

·       Refrain from disruptive, abusive, or unsafe behavior.

Catoctin Creek Pottery reserves the right to dismiss any participant whose behavior jeopardizes the safety, enjoyment, or learning experience of others. No refund will be provided in such cases.

11. Age Requirements

Regular pottery classes are intended for adults.

Students ages 16–17 may participate only when registered with and accompanied by a participating parent or legal guardian unless otherwise approved by Catoctin Creek Pottery.

12. Storage & Pickup of Finished Work

Due to limited studio storage space:

·       Finished pottery should be picked up within 30 days of notification unless prior arrangements have been made.

·       Unclaimed work after 30 days may be discarded, recycled, donated, or otherwise disposed of without compensation or liability.

13. Personal Property

Catoctin Creek Pottery is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings brought into the studio.

14. Photography & Media Release

Unless I notify Catoctin Creek Pottery in writing before class begins, I grant permission for photographs or video of myself and/or my completed pottery to be used for educational, promotional, website, print, and social media purposes without compensation.

15. Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability

I understand that participation in pottery classes is voluntary and involves inherent risks associated with working with clay, pottery wheels, tools, glazes, kilns, and other studio equipment.

I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation.

Except where caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct, I release and hold harmless Catoctin Creek Pottery, its owners, instructors, assistants, volunteers, agents, and representatives from any liability for injury, illness, property damage, loss, dissatisfaction with artistic results, or other claims arising from participation in pottery classes.