Member Policies & Procedures 

Updated January 2026

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Tao of Clay 

www.taoofclay.com 

1012 Sicard Street

San Diego, CA 92113

 

Overview 

The Tao of Clay team aims to cultivate an environment that offers creatively motivated individuals a place to nurture their inspiration, knowledge, and expression through the ceramic arts. Membership in the studio is open to all, from beginners to advanced. 

Our studio is uniquely characterized by its alignment with the principles of Mindfulness, Organicity, Non-violence, and Mind-Body Holism within the ceramics process. Guided by this ethos, we have formulated the following policies to cultivate a safe and supportive community, empowering members to explore their creativity while fostering mutual respect for the space, one another, and themselves. 

We've created a well-equipped and energetically supportive environment that relies on members' adherence to these guidelines to uphold the studio's quality. While we've taken measures to minimize accidents, it's important to recognize that, given the nature of ceramic art, members use the studio at their own risk. 

We embrace diversity. We do not discriminate unlawfully based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, or disability, or based on any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. We prohibit conduct by our members that violates this principle. 

Communal Studio Use Agreement & Member Onboarding Training

This Policy and Procedure Handbook serves as a resource outlining Tao of Clay’s studio policies and operational procedures and is intended to work in conjunction with the Communal Studio Use Agreement.

All members must sign the Communal Studio Use Agreement and complete the required Member Onboarding Training before accessing or using the Communal Studio or Building.

In the event of any conflict between this Handbook and the Communal Studio Use Agreement, the Communal Studio Use Agreement shall govern and supersede this Handbook.

General Studio Policies 

Shared Spaces 

• Members must be 18 or older.
• All members are required to attend a Member Orientation and Training prior to using the Communal Studio space.
• Respect staff and fellow members by sharing tables and equipment, and cleaning up after yourself.
• Clean and return all communal tools to their designated storage areas.
• Minimize dust by wiping down surfaces after use; dry-sanding must be done only in the designated glaze area.
• Store work only on your assigned shelf. Personal items belong in your designated cubby.
• Do not store work or personal items anywhere other than your assigned storage areas or communal storage areas labeled as such.
• Do not enter staff-only areas unless explicitly instructed.
• Smoking is prohibited inside the building, in the glaze area, or within 20 feet of the entrance.
• Limit phone use in communal spaces; step outside for calls and keep headphones on if listening to audio.

Pets/Guests 

• Guests are not permitted without prior written permission from a member of the admin team.
• No Pets/Dogs on premises.

Equipment Usage

• Use only equipment you are trained on. Ask staff for demonstrations if needed.
• Do not remove tools, fixtures, or equipment from the studio.
• Members are responsible for any damage caused by the misuse of equipment. Fees for repair or replacement will be applied as appropriate.

Cleaning Policies and Procedures

• Members agree to comply with the cleaning policies and procedures outlined in the Member Onboarding Training and the Tao of Clay Cleaning Procedure document.

General Conduct 

• Do not engage in unlawful, dangerous, or unsafe activities in or around the studio.
• Report any damage, injury, or safety incident in writing to staff immediately. Members must email info@taoofclay.com of any incidents, damages or injuries.
• Notify staff promptly of changes to your phone number, email, mailing address, or emergency contact.

Accessibility & Accommodations

• Members may request reasonable accommodations to access the studio. Contact staff in advance to discuss your needs.

Restrictions 

• The Communal Studio is to be used exclusively as an artist’s workspace. 
• You may not offer classes or provide regular individual or group instruction in the Communal Studio or anywhere else in the building without Tao of Clay's written permission. Tao of Clay reserves the right to revoke any written authorization at any time. 
• You may not designate or claim any portion of the Communal Studio for your exclusive use or store anything in spaces not assigned to you by Tao of Clay.
• Each member is entitled to one shelf, one cubby, and one membership; shared shelves or memberships are not allowed. Membership and its benefits may not be assigned by a Member to any other person or entity. Unauthorized sharing of the Communal Studio with non-Members is prohibited and will result in membership termination. 

Membership Access Policies 

By providing unlimited access to the studio during open hours, we aim to create a flexible structure that allows members to use the space as needed, on their own schedule. By trusting each member with this access, we hope to cultivate a sense of ownership and pride in the space, which is vital to our community. 

• Membership access credentials are private and not to be shared with anyone. Any intentional sharing of door access codes will result in immediate termination of membership, no refund. 
• Immediately notify staff in writing via email at info@taoofclay.com if you have lost or misplaced access credentials or keys that grant access to the building. 
• Keep all doors closed unless staff have opened them. 
• While our team is committed to providing a flexible work environment that accommodates your schedule, we may occasionally need to restrict access to the space during special events, such as guest workshops, member markets, special events, and staff training. By becoming a member, you acknowledge that your access may be subject to change in such circumstances. We will make every effort to provide advance notice to members of studio closures. 

Membership Benefit Policies 

• As a member, you will enjoy a variety of perks, including:
• Studio access during open hours
• 25 lbs of free firing credit per month
• Discounted firing rate of $3.00/lb on additional firing
• Discounted Courses and workshops: 
  • Member 6 Week Course Discount: Deduct $275 from any 6 Week Course registration once per calendar year
  • 10% off all courses and workshops, excluding Guest Artist Workshops
• 10% off in our kiosk store
• Invitations to member events
• One Buddy Pass per month
• Personal storage cubby & 2-shelf ware board storage for ceramics
• Membership Pause: You may pause your membership for up to one month per calendar year without losing your studio space. Access is not allowed for that 30-day period.
• Discounts and benefits are non-transferable. Sharing discount codes or rates will result in immediate termination without refund.

Student Access Policies 

As a Member, you should be aware of the student access policies. Students have access to the studio for limited hours during their paid course. Their access is restricted to the classroom space and, occasionally, to one portion of the member studio, ensuring there are always wheels available for Members. Students can access the studio for practice during open hours when no other class is in session.

Firing Policies 

Kiln Policies 

Our studio uses electric kilns to fire cone 6 mid-range ceramics. While we strive for consistent, timely firings, all kiln firings carry inherent risks, including variation, defects, or potential failure. The studio is not responsible for unexpected outcomes, delays, broken work, or accidents involving glaze or firing. Improper glaze application that affects the finished piece is the maker's responsibility.

As a communal studio, we prioritize efficient kiln loading and firing schedules. We are unable to accommodate special firing timelines, production volumes, or custom firing requests.

Improper glaze application that results in damage to studio equipment may incur charges for repair and/or replacement. Standard fees apply for glaze drips that damage kiln shelves and will be automatically applied to the member’s account. Fees vary based on the extent of damage and are subject to change. Damage beyond kiln shelf repair will be assessed accordingly, and related costs will be applied to the member’s account without advance notice.

Firing fees include two firings per piece: bisque and glaze. These fees cover materials, labor, equipment use, and utilities required for firing. Current firing rates are listed on our website and are subject to change. Members receive a set amount of firing credits each month; firing beyond the allotted credits will incur additional fees.

Clay 

We offer unlimited studio clay to encourage experimentation and give members and students the freedom to practice their craft. Because clay use is unlimited, studio clay may not be removed from the studio unless it has been purchased.

Clay is available for purchase in 25 lb bags, with current pricing listed in our online shop.

Members may remove finished work from the studio only after the piece has been paid for through firing fees or covered by available firing credits. Any work removed from the studio must have the firing fully paid prior to removal.

Outside clay is permitted in the studio with prior written approval via email. Each clay body must be approved before it is brought into or used in the studio.

Tao of Clay provides a designated slop bin for outside clay. Once placed in the slop bin, all outside clay becomes the property of Tao of Clay and may be used at the studio’s discretion.

Firing Procedure

All firing fees must be paid through our online firing store. Payment is required at the time an item is submitted for bisque firing and covers both bisque and glaze firings. A receipt ticket must accompany the ware when submitted to the shelf for firing at the greenware stage.

A receipt is not required for the glaze firing unless the piece is being submitted for a glaze refire, which carries a separate fee and must be purchased through the firing store.

For additional guidance on firing procedures or purchasing, please contact info@taoofclay.com.

Glaze 

We provide a curated selection of glazes specifically formulated to perform well in our kilns and on our clay bodies. Any clay or glaze not supplied by the studio must receive prior approval from the Studio Manager via email before being used on work fired in our kilns. Verbal communication is not an acceptable form of approval.

To request approval, please submit a special request by emailing info@taoofclay.com.

General Firing Policies 

• Outside clay or glaze may only be used with prior staff review and written approval via email. Verbal approval is not valid.
• Only work made by you may be submitted for firing. Do not submit work that does not belong to you.
• The use of low-fire or otherwise incompatible clay bodies or glazes may result in charges for any damage incurred.
• Studio-provided clay and glazes are for on-site use only and must remain in the studio at all times. Removing unfired clay or glaze from Tao of Clay is grounds for immediate termination of membership without refund.
• Before submitting work for firing, ensure all glaze is fully wiped from the bottom of the piece to prevent kiln shelf damage. Pieces must be completely dry before placement on firing shelves. All greenware submitted for firing must be bone-dry.
• Tao of Clay is not responsible for damage, defects, or unexpected outcomes that occur during firing. Refunds will not be issued for work damaged during bisque or glaze firings.
• All work is inspected by staff prior to firing. Pieces deemed defective or unsafe for firing will not be fired, and a note will be left indicating the issue. If you are expecting work to be fired and it has not moved through the firing process, please check the greenware or glazed carts for a note before contacting staff.

Firing Pricing 

Firing Fees

Members are required to submit pieces for firing through our online firing shop that covers both bisque and glaze firings. Firing purchases must be submitted online at the bisque fire stage and can be tracked through the member’s account page. Fees cover clay, glaze, labor, electricity, and equipment maintenance. Members receive a set number of firing credits per month based on their membership benefits.

• Standard Firing Rate: $5.00 per pound
• Member Monthly Credit: 25 lbs per month
• Member Firing Rate: $3.00 per pound beyond the credited amount

Oversize Surcharge

Pieces over 14” in any dimension are subject to an oversize firing surcharge, which must be purchased at the time of firing submission. Oversize surcharge details and fees are available in the firing shop:

Oversized Piece Surcharge Pricing:

• 14-18 inches any dimension: $10 surcharge per piece
• 18-24 inches any dimension: $20 surcharge per piece
• Over 24 inches any dimension: subject to a custom surcharge fee. Members must contact staff before submission.

Tao of Clay reserves the right to change firing fees at any time.

Billing Policies 

Membership Subscription Fee and Billing

The Monthly Membership fee is $325 per month

Membership is billed monthly. Annual memberships are available at a 10% discount when paid in full.

Recurring membership charges are processed automatically through our online payment portal and will continue until canceled in accordance with our cancellation policies. Membership fees are subject to change at any time.

Legacy Members and Founding Members may have rates that differ from standard membership fees; these rates are also subject to change at any time.

Current membership pricing is available on our website.

Late Membership Payments

A late fee of $50 will be applied to any membership payment that is not successfully processed on the scheduled billing date.

If membership dues remain unpaid for 7 days or more, Tao of Clay may, at its sole discretion, terminate the Membership Agreement and immediately revoke access to the Communal Studio and the Building. Termination for nonpayment is considered a staff-initiated termination and is effective immediately.

If termination occurs due to nonpayment, the Member will have 2 business days to clear and clean their personal storage areas during regular studio hours. If the space is not cleared within this timeframe, Tao of Clay will clear it, and a $25 cleaning and clearing fee will be charged. Any unclaimed items become the property of Tao of Clay.

Reinstatement of a terminated membership for nonpayment is not guaranteed and, if approved, requires full payment of all outstanding balances, including late fees, before regaining studio access.

Firing Fees and Kiosk Purchases

Members and students are billed for firing fees and Kiosk purchases at the time of purchase through our website.

• All purchases must be completed online to be processed
• Transactions can be tracked through your member account

Cancellation Policies 

Members may terminate their membership at any time by providing written notice via email to info@taoofclay.com. Members are responsible for canceling recurring subscription payments through the online portal.

Members must clean and clear their storage areas before the last day of paid membership, during regular studio hours. A $25 fee will be applied if staff must clear the space. Tao of Clay does not retain members’ work; any unclaimed items become studio property.

If Tao of Clay staff terminate a membership, it is canceled immediately. Members have 2 business days to clear their personal storage; after that, staff will clear the space, and a $25 fee will apply.

Membership may also be terminated immediately for:

• Breach of rules regarding hazardous substances or unsafe activities
• Failure to follow respectful conduct policies
  
  

Memberships may be terminated at any time, for any reason or no reason, at the sole discretion of Tao of Clay.

Annual memberships are non-refundable, and no prorated refunds are offered for partial months.

Membership Pause

Members may pause their membership once per calendar year by providing written notice via email to info@taoofclay.com. Members are responsible for pausing their subscription through the membership portal.

Attempting to pause membership more than once per year may result in termination. In such cases, Tao of Clay will contact the member to determine if payment for the additional pause period can be processed; if not, membership will be terminated.

Tao of Clay reserves the right to update or modify its cancellation policies at any time. Members are responsible for reviewing policies for updates.

Emergency & Safety Procedures

• Report all injuries, spills, or hazardous incidents immediately to staff.
• In case of emergency, follow staff instructions and evacuate if necessary.
• Hazardous materials (e.g., glazes, chemicals) must be used in accordance with staff guidance and MSDS instructions.

Privacy & Data Handling

• Tao of Clay collects and stores personal information solely for studio management, billing, and communications.
• Members must update contact info promptly.

Enforcement & Policy Updates

• Staff may issue warnings, fines, or terminate membership for repeated violations.
• Members agree to comply with the policies; repeated or severe violations may result in immediate termination without refund.
• Tao of Clay may update policies at any time. Members are responsible for reviewing updates.
  
  

Tao of Clay Member Policy Cheat Sheet

A quick reference to core studio policies

Buddy Pass

• Members receive one Buddy Pass per month and are fully responsible for orienting, supervising, and assisting their guest during their visit.
• Members must check in with staff each time they bring a guest, even if the guest has previously visited the studio.
• At check-in, members must purchase a $0 Buddy Pass through Kiln Fire to log use of this monthly benefit.
• Guests visiting through a Buddy Pass must sign a Release of Liability form on their first visit before participating in studio activities.

Bisque Shelf Rules

• Bisque work may remain on the bisque shelf for up to 2 weeks from the date it is placed there.
• The bisque shelf is checked by staff every Friday to ensure dates are within the allowed timeframe.
• Only staff are permitted to remove work that has exceeded the two-week limit.
• Any bisque work removed from the shelf becomes the property of Tao of Clay and may not be retrieved by members.
• Members are encouraged to check their dates before Friday if they are concerned that their work may be approaching the discard window.

Glaze Shelf Rules

• Glazed work may remain on the glaze shelf for up to 2 weeks.
• The glaze shelf is checked by staff every Friday.
• Members are expected to be mindful and respectful when moving other members’ work in order to locate their own pieces.
• Any glazed work left beyond the two-week limit becomes the property of Tao of Clay.
• Glaze Drips & Kiln Shelf Damage

Kiln shelves are resilient but costly to replace, with replacement costs ranging from $200 to $400 per shelf. While we do our best to offer stable glazes that do not drip, members need to control the thickness and, when layering glazes, be extremely careful, as glaze running is more likely in layered glazes.

• Glaze drips larger than a dime that require minimal shelf repair, such as chiseling, will result in a $10 repair fee.
• Glaze drips larger than a quarter that require grinding will result in a $20 repair fee.
• Major kiln shelf damage may result in additional fees, depending on the extent of the required repair.
• Any piece that causes glaze drips will be culled, and members may check with staff if they believe a missing piece may be part of the glaze drip collection.
• When ownership of a piece is known, kiln repair fees will be automatically charged to the member’s account.

Oversize Piece Fees

Ceramic pieces measuring over 14 inches in any dimension require additional labor and kiln space and are subject to a surcharge. While our submission process is designed to be simple and straightforward, oversized pieces do not fit within our standard firing structure, which is why an oversized piece fee is applied in addition to the standard per-pound firing fee.

• Oversized pieces must be submitted as a separate firing ticket through Kiln Fire using the appropriate firing type. When submitting an oversize piece, two tickets are required at submission: the regular firing fee ticket and an oversize firing surcharge ticket.
• Pieces measuring 14 to 18 inches are subject to a $10 flat surcharge.
• Pieces measuring 18 to 24 inches are subject to a $20 flat surcharge.

Damp Room Rules

• All work placed in the damp room must have a Kiln Fire ticket that includes the member’s name and the date the piece was placed there.
• Damp room tickets can be created in the kiln fire app under Pieces > New Piece > select the dropdown “Damp Room Ticket”. No fee is applied.
• Damp room storage is limited to 2 weeks.
• The damp room is checked by staff every Friday.
• Any work without a name, without a date, or with an expired date will be discarded without notification.
• Wood boards and chipboard are not permitted in the damp room under any circumstances, as they mold.

Tall Work Communal Storage Area Rules

• The tall work storage cart is reserved exclusively for pieces measuring 12 inches or taller and may not be used as overflow storage.
• Work may remain on the tall work storage cart for up to 2 weeks.
• All work placed in the Tall Work Storage Area must have a Kiln Fire ticket that includes the member’s name and the date the piece was placed there.
• Tall Storage Tickets can be created in the kiln fire app under Pieces > New Piece > select the dropdown “Tall Storage Ticket”. No fee is applied.
• The cart is reviewed every Friday, and any work missing required information or exceeding the time limit will be discarded without notice.

Storage Policy

• Members store work and personal items in the studio at their own risk.
• Members may only store work in their designated storage areas, which include two wareboard shelves and one personal cubby.
• Open shelves and communal surfaces are not intended for overflow storage.
• Any work or personal items found outside assigned storage areas may be discarded without notification.

Communal Table Etiquette

• Members are expected to be mindful that the studio is a shared space and to make room for others when using communal tables.
• When throwing, members should store work-in-progress on their assigned shelves or on throwing tables rather than on hand-building tables, especially during busy studio hours.

Closing & Cleaning Procedures

• Members are expected to begin cleaning their workspace no later than 15 minutes before the studio closes.
• Cleaning includes clearing all personal materials, mopping the immediate work area, and wiping down tables with a clean sponge or rag.
• Proper end-of-day cleaning helps maintain a safe and welcoming studio environment for everyone.

Waste Reduction & Reuse

• Members are asked not to cut plastic bags so that they can be reused by the studio whenever possible.

Member Class Discounts

• Members may deduct $275 from one six-week Tao of Clay course per calendar year using the discount code MEMBER6W at checkout.
• Members receive a 10% discount on all classes and workshops, excluding Guest Artist Workshops, when logged into their Shopify member account.

Glaze Area Rules & Cleanup

• The glaze area includes staff-only zones, and members may not enter staff clay or glaze areas unless explicitly invited by staff due to safety concerns.
• Members are expected to clean glaze drips immediately, as dried glaze can become airborne dust.
• Tables, glaze surfaces, and floors must be cleaned and mopped after every glaze session.
• All glaze waste must be disposed of in the stopped side of the sink.

Personal Tools Policy

• Members are expected to store personal tools in their assigned areas and not leave them on communal wire shelves.
• The studio does not provide communal tools, and Josh’s personal tools are not available for shared use.
• Members are encouraged to label their personal tools with their name clearly to help identify them in the Lost and Found.
• Items valued under $100 may be checked in the general Lost and Found, while higher-value items should be reported to staff.

Outside Glaze Approval

• All outside glazes must be approved in advance via email, and verbal approval is not accepted.
• Members must include the glaze brand and glaze name in their approval request.
• Each glaze must be approved before use or submission for firing, as some cone 5 glazes may be too runny for communal kilns.
• Custom or non-commercial glazes require a longer approval and testing process coordinated with staff. Contact staff via email prior to firing to determine the proper testing process.

Outside Clay Body Approval

• All non–Tao of Clay clay bodies must be approved in advance via email, and verbal approval is not accepted.
• Members must include the brand and clay name in their approval request.
• Approved clay bodies must be suitable for cone 5–6 firings.
• Custom or wild clay must be tested and receive staff approval prior to use. Contact staff via email prior to firing to determine the proper testing process.

Shared Responsibility & Studio Care

• Members are expected to leave studio spaces cleaner and more organized than they found them.
• Shared labor supports studio technicians and helps maintain the studio for the entire community.

Extruder Use & Care

• Members must fully clean the extruder after each use, including the tube, dies, and plunger.
• The extruder may not be left mid-use or partially filled.
• The plunger must be stored safely to the side when not in use.

Membership Cancellation

• Members may terminate their membership at any time by providing written notice via email to info@taoofclay.com.
• Members are responsible for canceling recurring subscription payments through Shopify.
• Storage areas must be fully cleared and cleaned by the final day of paid membership during regular studio hours.
• A $25 clearing fee will be applied if staff must clear a member’s storage area.
• Any unclaimed work becomes the property of Tao of Clay.

Clay Use & Reclaim Awareness

• Members are expected to be mindful of how much clay they use and store, as reclaiming clay requires significant staff labor.
• Thoughtful clay use helps support sustainable studio operations.

Flop Bin Use

• The flop bin is designated only for wet to leather-hard clay that is no longer usable.
• Usable clay, liquid clay, water, trimmings, and bone-dry clay may not be placed in the flop bin.
  
  
• The lid must remain closed at all times. Take care not to drop tools in the flops, as this can pose a safety concern for our techs when reclaiming.

Slop Bin Use

• The slop bin is designated for liquid clay, bone-dry clay, and trimming scraps only.
• Wet chunks, leather-hard pieces, and collapsed pots may not be placed in the slop bin.
• Members should not open the lid unless disposing of bone-dry clay, and must ensure all material passes through the mesh.
• Take care not to drop tools in the slop bin, as this can pose a safety concern for our techs when reclaiming.
  
  

Kiln Fire Submission Procedures

• Members must weigh each piece individually and enter the exact weight to two decimal places when submitting through Kiln Fire.
• Each piece must be submitted on its own ticket, regardless of size or weight, and stacking multiple pieces on a single ticket is not permitted.
• A photo of each piece placed on the scale is required for submission.
• Identical items may be entered as a quantity on a single ticket and should be grouped together on the cart.
• Printed tickets must be placed underneath or inside each piece on the greenware cart.
• Members must select the “Member firing fee” option when applicable to receive discounted pricing.

Clay Removal Policy

• Clay may not leave the studio unless it has been purchased by the bag for off-site use or submitted through Kiln Fire for later firing.