Membership FAQ:

1. I want to join! Where do I get started?

Fill out our membership application form here to get started! Applications are reviewed in the order that they are received.

2. I’m new to ceramics, is membership the best way to get started?

Great question! Our classes are the best way to get started in pottery. Memberships are only open to those who have previous experience with ceramics. We offer one-off classes so you can try things out as well as longer 6 week classes.

3. What cone do you fire to?

We are a Cone 6 studio. We offer five clay bodies for purchase with a plan to add an additional body shortly. Our clay bodies are:

1. B-Mix
2. Hawaiian Red
3. Santa Fe
4. Miller #16 Porcelain
5. Dark Horse

4. Can I bring my own clay?

Unfortunately, to protect everyone’s pieces and our equipment, we do not allow outside clay. If there is a specific clay you’d like to work with that we don’t currently supply, reach out to the NAPS team to discuss.

5. What does membership include?

• Access to NAPS Studio during dedicated member hours
• Dedicated member shelf for work-in-progress storage
• Additional shelving space for clay storage to maximize your personal shelf for your work!
• Use of 17 Shimpo Whisper Wheels (up to 12 wheels in use during class time – see schedule)
• Access to Handbuilding Tables and wedging tables
• Access to over 100 studio glazes (~70 brushable, ~20 underglazes, ~10 dippable, ~20 low fire)
• Use of all studio tools from basic essentials through to unique and fun ribs, bats, different sized loop tools, calipers, cookie cutters, ribbons, handle molds, handheld extruders, chucks, Giffin grip, base setters, brushes.
• Complimentary Firing – note: we are unable to support production potters at this time and reserve the right to limit firing
• Free firing and glaze note tracking tool
• Studio clay for purchase
• Free member programming and events
• Studio sales
• Discounts on classes and public events

6. Do you have a minimum term commitment?

Yes, our current minimum term commitment is 4 months. Memberships roll over on a monthly basis from that point on and be canceled no later than 30 days in advance.

7. Can I really use any glazes and tools?

Absolutely! Part of the “Not Another” in our name is that we’re doing things a little bit differently to another studio you may have tried. Ceramics can be an expensive hobby and we don’t want you to have to buy additional glazes, underglazes, tools etc. (unless you want to have your own dedicated sets!) so we are providing a range of these for you to experiment and explore your creativity!

8. Do you offer outside firing?

Occasionally, we do! Email us to arrange!

 

Class FAQ:

1. It’s my first class, what should I wear?

Wear anything you feel comfortable in! If you’re someone who likes to wear dresses or skirts and you’re taking a wheel class, we recommend you wear longer options as you’ll be straddling the wheel. Closed toe shoes are highly recommended.

2. Will I get dirty?

For handbuilding, you can expect muddy hands and you may get some one your clothes. For wheel-throwing, even the pros tend to get a bit messy. It will all wash off but darker clays can stain so don’t wear anything you’re very attached to, just in case!

3. What will my first piece look like?

Real talk: your first piece may not be the masterpiece you envision and it will also be smaller than you expect because clay shrinks. Heck, for some of us veterans, our 500th piece isn’t what we imagined either! Our goals for you in a one-off class are to have fun, learn about ceramics, and pick up a finished keepsake that will remind you of your first pottery experience.

4. When can I get my piece?

It takes between 3-4 weeks for pieces to be ready for collection. We need your piece to dry and then it goes through two 24 hour processes before it is finished. Clay is a great teacher in patience 🙂

5. I can’t make my class anymore! Can I reschedule?

We totally understand that things can come up and you might need to cancel or reschedule. You can cancel any class or workshop up to one week in advance of class for a refund, minus a 10% processing fee, by emailing us. After that time has passed we offer the ability to reschedule up to 48 hours in advance of your one off class (and the first class of a six week courses) by emailing the studio so we can release your spot to another student. Unfortunately, after that period, we do not allow for reschedules or refunds. We do not offer make up classes for multi-week courses.

6. I have long nails, can I still do pottery?

ABSOLUTELY! Long nails may make it trickier to pick up certain techniques at the start but they’re also an asset in other ways too. Our founder refused to cut down her nails they don’t negatively impact her work at all.

7. Do you do corporate events / birthdays etc.?

Yes! We love curating special occasions whether it’s for your family, friends, or clients. Email us!

Last updated: Nov 2024