Who is your ceramics studio for?

Our ceramics studio is for anyone, just like the rest of Makerspace! We encourage people of any walk of life, skill set, and experience, to take advantage of our space, tools, and educational opportunities.

How do I get access to your ceramics studio?

If you are exploring clay for the first time, to have access to our studio you can take any of our 101 classes, either the 6 - 8 week session or a two day intensive. After your first two instances in the space under instruction, you are welcome to sign up for a membership, and access our wheels within your membership hours.

If you are experienced with clay, stop by for one of our drop in assessments, or schedule one with our instructor, and you may then sign up for a membership. You are not required to take any of our ceramics classes to have access to our equipment, provided our instructor deems you have demonstrated adequate understanding of the equipment, and safe usage of the tools.

Do you have ceramics specific memberships?

We do! For $60 a month, you may gain access to our ceramics studio from 6am to 2am. Adding a locker or studio to your membership would be an available option.

With a ceramics membership, you will only have access to our ceramics equipment, regardless of having taken other 101 classes throughout the space. If you are interested in using the rest of our equipment, upgrade your membership to a maker, or sign up for a studio space.

What equipment do you have in your ceramics studio?

As of currently, we have the following equipment:

- 8 Pottery Wheels

- Hydraulic Extruder

- Slab Roller

- Electric Kiln

- Pug Mill (Class Use Only)

- Variety of Small Hand Tools

- Rolling Work Bench

We do have some sponges and small tools available for use, though if you have specific requests or preferences, we encourage to bring your own.

Can i use the kiln to fire my pieces?

Kiln firing will only be set up by staff and trusted volunteers, but the kiln will be available for use through us for firing your pieces.

We will have kiln firing available for members. Included in your ceramics membership, you will have 4 free piece firings (some sizing restrictions apply).

All class students will have their pieces fired during the class period, included in the cost of the class.

For non members, kiln firing will be available on a case by case basis, depending on availability. Kiln firing will be given priority to members and class students.

What is your kiln firing price breakdown?

4x4x4 (piece): $5 per piece

8x8x8 (piece): $10 per piece

12x12x12 (piece): $15 per piece

Shelf (under 12” tall): $30

Shelf (over 12” tall): $45

Full Load: $55 - $65

Members receive 2 free pieces included in their membership cost. Members receive 10% off all further kiln firings.

Do you provide clay for members?

At this time, we are not providing clay for our members. Clay is only provided for students registered in a 101, 200, or 301 level class.

Our suggestion for a local clay seller is T&T Tree Pottery.

Do you have glaze available for members to use?

We do! We have 30 glazes in a variety of colours and types available to all of our members and class students.

Do you have storage for my glaze and clay once I am a member?

We don't have general storage, but if you are wanting to have somewhere to keep your glaze, clay, and tools, take a look at our available lockers and studios.

* With lockers, you must provide your own lock.

What do I do with my pieces while they are drying?

We have shelves inside our ceramics studio available for members and students pieces to dry. We have a labeling system in place to ensure pieces don't get misplaced.

This is a community space, and accidents can happen. Having your clay dry out in our communal space means you accept the risk that it could get bumped or broken in that process. If you aren't comfortable with that, we suggest looking into studios or lockers to ensure your piece's safety.

Am I responsible for cleaning my wheel/area after use?

Yes! As a non-profit, we rely on our members being respectful of the community and cleaning up after themselves. As with all areas in Makerspace, you are responsible for cleaning your wheel after use. Our ceramics sink has a clay trap. If you have no experience cleaning ceramics wheels, we can show you how!

Can I volunteer for my ceramics membership?

Yes you can! Our volunteer program is 1 hour of work a week in exchange for a free membership. We will have a variety of ceramics related volunteer positions available, if this is something you are interested in, please check out our volunteer page.