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Youth Program Policies

  • I want to use your studio! Where do I start?
    We offer our Glaze+Go program daily during open business hours, which is available for walk-ins for groups of five or less. It's a fun activity that people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy! This is also the best time to pop into the studio if you want to ask questions in person and see the space :) We also recommend other offerings, such as one-time workshops and six-week long courses, which are done by reservation / registration through our website. For those with previous ceramic experience, membership opportunities are also available.
  • I’m not ready to commit to a class or workshop. Can I just drop in and make something?
    Our “Play With Clay” workshop is a drop-in session where you can get your hands on some clay - no experience needed! You’ll have a chance to handbuild using various tools and try out the potter’s wheel. We offer these monthly/quarterly. We also offer Glaze+Go everyday during our open business hours for a fun experience for all ages / skill levels and requires little clean-up. Although no wet clay is used, artists get to choose a finished piece of unglazed ceramic bisque to paint however they'd like, which will be ready approximately two weeks after completion. This activity is walk-in friendly for groups of five or less; reservations are highly recommended for larger parties.
  • Do I need my own tools?
    Artists will have access to a variety of tools and machinery that you may need for the experience, although you are welcome to bring your own. EarthWorks ClaySpace is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property.
  • What should I wear/bring to be prepared for a session at the studio?
    Please come prepared to get messy! Wear clothing that is comfortable, have closed-toed shoes on, long hair must be tied up, and bring an extra rag that can get a little dirty. Please remove all jewelry on hands and wrists and place those items in your personal pockets or bag.
  • Will the clay wash out of my clothes?
    Most likely, although there are still some clay bodies that may stain. It’s best to wear something comfortable that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty, such as something worn when painting or gardening. We also have aprons available to borrow during your time in the studio.
  • Can I use my own clay and glaze (purchased/found elsewhere)?
    Only clay purchased at EWCS can be used and fired in our studio. This is to avoid kiln accidents due to the variety of different clay bodies out there that require different firing temperatures and glaze formulas. Our studio clays and glazes are formulated to fire well with our kilns. We fire between cone 05-6. We also factor in all firing and glaze fees into our clay costs. Clay is $15 per 10 lb bag for basic clay bodies and $20 per 10 lb bag for specialty clay bodies.
  • I want to use the studio for a short-term art project. Can I do that?
    If you’re a current member or ceramics class student, go right ahead! We currently don’t have one-time public access to the general community.
  • What are open studio hours?
    Open studio hours are offered for artists that are registered for a class. This is time outside of class where you have full access to the studio to hone your skills (or just feed your new pottery addiction) without any instructions. Each artist is able to move with their own curiosity and practice/create at their own pace. Open studio hours occur during regular business (Glaze+Go) hours, as long as we aren’t closed for private events.
  • When can I sign up to be a member and what's included in the membership?
    More information can be found here (:
  • What is the media consent release policy? Will I be photographed while in the studio?
    As a growing community pottery studio, we’re excited to capture the creativity and joy that happens in our space. We frequently take photos and videos to showcase our vibrant community and share the magic of pottery-making through our website, social media, and other marketing materials. By entering our studio, you grant permission for us to use images and videos (staged and/or candid) featuring you and/or your work. Examples of where our media may appear: Instagram Facebook + TikTok Promotional flyers or event announcements Website galleries + blog posts Local newspapers + television news outlets We understand and respect personal preferences. If you’d rather not be photographed or recorded, please let a team member know, and we will gladly honor your request. Here is our Media Release Full Policy. For minors under the age of 18, have an adult or guardian fill out the Media Release for Minors form and notify a staff member when visiting EarthWorks ClaySpace.
  • Can I give a pottery class as a gift?
    Yes! Earthworks Clayspace has gift certificates available through this link. They can be redeemed for all workshops registered online. When gifting a pottery class, we recommend that a gift certificate is purchased instead of a specific class or workshop so that the recipient can choose the right course or workshop for them (as our cancellation policy still applies if the recipient cannot attend the scheduled event). We cannot accommodate gift certificates being used for memberships.
  • What forms of payment do you accept?
    We accept cash, venmo, paypal, apply pay, google pay, cash app, mastercard, american express, discover, and JCB. Checks are not accepted.
  • Can I bring my friend/kid/animal to the studio with me?
    Due to safety and occupancy regulations, we cannot allow for guests to come into the studio unless they are also taking a class. We suggest inviting them to take a one-time workshop or coming in for glaze&go!
  • Do you offer discounts for seniors or veterans?
    At this time, EarthWorks ClaySpace is offering standardized pricing to all customers. Looking towards the future, we are eager to be able to provide scholarships and financial assistance to those in our community for whom cost would be a barrier. We also integrate occasional sales and special discount opportunities. Our goal is to make our services as accessible as possible while also maintaining viable business practice.
  • I'm running late to an event - what should I do?
    We offer a grace-period of 15 (fifteen) minutes for our scheduled events and workshops. After that, we may not permit entry as this interrupts the flow of the experience and causes inconvenience to the other guests. Contacting us ahead of time to inform us - although appreciated - will not change this. If arriving on time is going to be an issue, please select another event or workshop to enjoy. If you do arrive after the grace period, we are happy to issue a credit (sent via email within 72 hours) to be used for another experience / event. Please note we do not offer refunds of any kind - additional information listed in our FAQs.
  • What is your cancellation / refund policy?
    EarthWorks ClaySpace does not issue refunds on any type of sales offered online or on-site, including but not limited to: - Courses/Workshops - Youth Programs - Special Events - Tools/Clay/Supplies - Gift Cards - Glaze+Go experiences / items Cancellation notice must be provided no later than 24 hours ahead of time. Cancellations less than 24 hours ahead of time will not be credited. You may have the option to transfer your reservation to another guest, or EarthWorks ClaySpace may provide studio credit to be used towards any of our programs. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis; please contact us directly.
  • When can I sign up for classes?
    Every other month we start a new session of 6-week long classes; registration opens approximately one month prior. Seats do sell out quickly, but if you are on the mailing list, we will send you an earlybird reminder so you have a chance at snagging a spot.
  • What can I expect for my first class?
    During your first class you will receive a tour of the studio, review the course syllabus, meet your instructor and classmates, and then we start working with clay right away! Each week, as you gain comfort and control with the new materials, we will expand our forms and projects. Our classes come with everything you'll need: clay, firing, and use of studio tools and equipment, so there's no need to purchase anything extra. We do have different types of clay available for purchase if you'd like to try another kind. Please come prepared to get messy! Wear clothing that is comfortable, have closed-toed shoes on, long hair must be tied up, and bring an extra towel to drape across your lap if needed. Please remove all jewelry on hands and wrists and place those items in your personal pockets or bag.
  • Do the 6-week courses follow a specific curriculum?
    Yes. Our courses guide students through specific projects and processes that build upon one another so you can see progress in your work and skills.
  • Do I need to have any experience before taking a class?
    Not at all! Our “Beginning Basics” class and all of our one-time workshops are all geared toward absolute beginners, and folks who may have some experience with ceramics and need a refresher.
  • Am I ready to take an intermediate/advanced course?
    We do highly suggest any new students to EarthWorks ClaySpace start off with a Beginning Basics course, as you'll not only learn our specific studio standards, but really be able to create a strong foundation in the world of ceramics to build from. After one Beginning Basics session, artists will be much better equipped for intermediate level courses with knowledge and practice of the following : firing temperatures / cones and why they are important in clay bodies + glazes ability to center a ball of clay on the wheel ability to throw a small cylinder on a pottery wheel how to reclaim clay
  • I'm running late to a workshop - what should I do?
    We offer a grace-period of 15 (fifteen) minutes for our scheduled events and workshops. After that, we may not permit entry as this interrupts the flow of the experience and causes inconvenience to the other guests. Contacting us ahead of time to inform us - although appreciated - will not change this. If arriving on time is going to be an issue, please select another event or workshop to enjoy. If you do arrive after the grace period, we are happy to issue a credit (sent via email within 72 hours) to be used for another experience / event. Please note we do not offer refunds of any kind - additional information listed in our FAQs.
  • What is your cancellation policy for events/classes?
    Earthworks Clayspace does not issue refunds on any type of sales offered online or on-site, including but not limited to: - Courses/Workshops - Youth Programs - Special Events - Tools/Clay/Supplies - Gift Cards - Glaze+Go experiences / items Cancellation notice must be provided no later than 24 hours ahead of time. Cancellations less than 24 hours ahead of time will not be credited. You may have the option to transfer your reservation to another guest, or EarthWorks ClaySpace may provide studio credit to be used towards any of our programs. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis; please contact us directly.
  • If I miss a class, can I make up my class during another day of the week?
    If you have to miss a class, you are welcome to come to another that week that caters to the same level. Please know there may not be space available at a wheel or other work areas (you can always work on other things like wedging, glazing, handbuilding, etc).
  • What if I want to leave my class mid-session?
    You are welcome to leave/exit at any point of your experience, but please kindly note we do not offer refunds nor credits for cancellations or missed classes. Additional information in our General FAQs.
  • If I don't finish a piece during class, can I come in another time to finish it?
    During your time with us, you may come in during open studio hours to work on your pieces and make more. All greenware (unfired pottery) must be submitted for bisque firing by the end of your 5th class meeting; you can't continue throwing or trimming after that. If you have bisque fired pieces that you didn't have a chance to glaze by the end of the last class, you may come in anytime during open studio hours the following week to glaze your pieces.
  • For ClayCamp, is the same thing taught every week, or is there a different theme each session?
    We believe a child-directed curriculum is the best approach for these types of programs. Being locked in to specific subjects can feel limiting and at times diminish the creative spirit - especially with kids - so we tend to shy away from theme-based calendars. Although instructors will begin the dialogue to give a framework / general parameters for projects and share examples, the campers are encouraged to help each other make choices about what, how and with which tools they will create. Myriad topics will be covered - including but not limited to pottery wheel, hand-building, content creation (older groups), painting/glazing, color theory, function vs form, science in ceramics and more - but activities will vary on a day-to-day basis!
  • When is ClayCamp offered?
    School breaks - summer ; president’s day week ; spring break; winter break etc
  • Will my child be featured in photographs and media?
    We love to capture the special moments that arise as kids discover the wonder of clay. With permission, we take photos and videos of program participants to feature in our media and website; please fill out the Media Release for Minors form and return to EarthWorks ClaySpace in-person or via email.
  • What ages can participate in your youth programs?
    Our youth programs span ages 4 to 17. However, particular classes and workshops generally have a targeted age range so the content can be appropriately tailored. Please check the description of the program to learn what ages can participate, and reach out with any questions or concerns.
  • Do your youth program instructors have background checks?
    Yes, our youth program instructors have all received background checks and several are CPR certified.
  • Can I stay with my child during the youth program?
    In general, we ask that children are dropped off for the duration of the program. We offer seating outside the entrance of the studio and there is typically ample parking immediately around the corner for you to wait. Coffee Bandits (down the street towards MLK) and Bella Luna (directly across the street) are also often open and serve refreshments for you to enjoy while waiting. Adults will need to purchase a ticket for themselves (based upon availability) if they intend on participating in any youth program / workshop / event. However, there may be some instances where parents and guardians are invited to stay or arrive for pickup a few minutes early - please coordinate with Brie for your specific needs.
  • When will my work be ready?
    Pieces are ready for pick up 2-4 weeks after they have been created.
  • How long does it take for my pieces to be fired?
    For Glaze+Go and one-time workshops, turnaround time is about three weeks. We will email you when your pieces are ready to pick up. For 6-week courses, the turnaround time between when you glaze something and when it comes out of the kiln is generally 2-3weeks, but sometimes the process can take some extra time. Due to the high volume of work that goes through our kilns, we cannot email you when your pieces are ready, but feel free to drop by to check. Please also understand that sometimes not everything you make will be fired at the same time, even if you glazed and handed everything in at the same time.
  • What cone do you fire to and what kind of kilns do you have?
    We have an electric Skutt kiln and fire to cone 6.
  • Do you get rid of pieces if they are “abandoned”?
    We hate throwing things away, but unfortunately we have limited space and need to clear out the shelves periodically. Greenware (unfired pieces) will be removed and recycled after the last class. Bisque (pieces fired once) that need to be glazed, and completed pieces will be kept for one month after the end of class; after that, we can't guarantee that we'll be able to hold on to your piece. If there are extenuating circumstances, talk to your instructor or a team member and we will likely be able to accommodate you.
  • Do you offer outside firing (bringing pieces in to get fired)?
    Due to limited kiln space, Earthworks Clayspace can only offer firing services for work made by our students and members.
  • Do you sell clay or glaze?
    We sell clay in the studio and provide a variety of glazes that are incorporated into the cost of studio/class/member fees.
  • Is my pottery food safe?
    Glaze&Go: Yes! Your pottery is food safe, microwave safe, AND dishwasher safe. Classes/Memberships: It all depends on the glazes you use for your piece- please read the glazes carefully to determine whether or not they are food-safe.
  • I'm bummed about how my piece turned out. Who do I talk to?
    Chat in person or email us! Send us photos and any information you have. We are eager to help and offer some guidance about what to expect and how to troubleshoot when things don't come out as planned.
  • What chemicals are in the glaze? What are the safety concerns associated with being in the studio?
    Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking around studio areas where clay bodies, glazes, stains, and colorants may be used. Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling clay/glazes. Chemicals may be toxic through ingestion, inhalation, improper firing, gas emissions during firing, and/or skin contact. Wear protective gear, including goggles, aprons, masks, and gloves whenever possible. Take precautions to prevent inhalation by avoiding excessive dust exposure, wearing masks, cleaning work areas before they have the potential to dry, and using wet sponges/mops to clean such areas. Many materials are hazardous, so it’s important to read all labels carefully. Those with special concern are: Crystalline silica, which is present in almost all glaze and clay body types, can scar lung tissue if inhaled and cause irreversible loss of breathing capacity. Toxic metals such as antimony, barium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, selenium and vanadium. Safety precautions can be verified by calling the manufacturers. If there isn’t adequate material to verify if something is hazardous, assume that it is and take appropriate precautions.
  • Can you repair my broken ceramic piece?
    We do not specialize in ceramic repair, so we are not able to offer any repair services. Our studio is focused on ceramic education, skill development, and creative expression. If you decide to do the repair yourself, we can recommend techniques such as kintsugi, or using two part epoxy or gorilla glue.

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​Monday closed to public

Tues 9 am - 8 pm

Wed / Thurs 9 am - 4 pm

Fri - Sun 12 - 8 pm

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355 West Main Street, Merced CA 95340

info@earthworksclayspace.com

209-213-3018

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EarthWorks ClaySpace LLC

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