Studio Policies

Lizzy Eichorn Studios/Monterey Clay Studio - Studio Policies

At Monterey Clay Studio, our goal is to offer a relaxed, welcoming environment that fosters creativity and community connection. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please review and follow these policies:

Eligibility

  • Studio participation is limited to adults ages 18+ (no exceptions).

Registration & Payment

  • Payment is required to reserve a class space. Sliding-scale options are available—please contact Lizzy if you have financial need.

  • For multi-week classes reserved with a 50% deposit, the remaining balance will be charged on Monday of Week 3.

Cancellations, Refunds & Transfers for Classes and Workshops

  • Cancellations within one week of session start result in loss of payment.

  • If a 50% deposit was paid and cancellation occurs within one week of session start, the remaining balance will be charged.

  • Refunds requested more than one week before session start are subject to a 10% service fee.

  • No refunds are issued once a session has begun.

  • Requests to transfer to a later class or workshop made more than one week before start will be accommodated if space allows.

  • Transfer requests within one week of start will only be accommodated if a waitlisted participant fills the spot; otherwise, standard cancellation rules apply.

  • Missed classes due to absence or minor illness are not refundable. Please notify your instructor if you will miss class.

  • Make-up time during multi-week sessions may be scheduled during open studio hours and are charged at $15 per hour (details provided Week 1, more information HERE).

  • Waitlists are for specific classes and do not transfer to future programming.

  • Refunds or make-up classes are not guaranteed for cancellations due to acts of God.

Open Studio Policies & Eligibility

  • Access to open studio hours is only available to people who are enrolled in a multi-week class or have paid for a membership. Pay as you go access is not available if you are not signed up for a class or a membership. For more in-depth policies, click HERE.

  • Open studio membership eligibility: participants in our membership program (i.e. folks not in a multi-week class with access to open hours) have taken the equivalent of two multi-week clay classes at Monterey Clay Studio or elsewhere in the last 5 years.

  • Full payment is required to secure an open studio membership. Purchasing the membership generates a code for use at checkout when scheduling open studio hours.

  • Refunds for a purchased membership requested more than one week before session start are subject to a 10% service fee.

  • Cancellations within one week of session start result in loss of payment.

Class Timing & Access

  • Classes start and end on time. Please arrive no more than 10 minutes early and depart within 10 minutes after class.

  • Studio access is limited to scheduled class, workshop, and open studio hours.

Projects, Materials & Firing for Multi-Week Classes & Studio Memberships

  • All unfired work must be completed and placed on the greenware shelf by the end of Week 7 (unless you are a continuing student).

    • Week 6 is the final week for throwing new work or making major attachments.

    • Week 8 is glazing week; additional glazing time is offered during the following session at no cost.

  • Use of clay purchased outside the studio is not permitted.

  • Materials purchased outside the studio used in surface decoration (i.e. glaze, underglaze, slip, & decals) require prior approval from the studio manager (Lizzy) or your instructor and must be rated for Cone 5/6 firings.

  • Student work must fit within a 9” × 9” × 9” area to fit in our kilns efficiently. If you would like to make something larger than this, please plan to build it in sections or discuss with your instructor/studio monitor if your project can be accommodated.

  • Production potting or building is not permitted.

  • Unsigned work will not be fired.

  • Students are responsible for managing their own work at all stages and following studio timelines.

  • No tools, books, materials, or equipment (boards and bats included) should be removed from the studio. If you need to take your project home, please plan accordingly and bring a means for transportation.

  • Work made at home that you wish to be fired at the studio needs to be paid for using our firing service at bisque and glaze stages (policies in development).

  • Student work will be held for one month after the end of a class and then discarded if not claimed.

Shared Studio Use & Conduct

  • Monterey Clay Studio is a shared space. Please use equipment and space respectfully, clean up after yourself, and remain flexible and considerate of others.

  • All tools and equipment must be cleaned and returned to their proper locations after use.

  • Sanding and sweeping are not permitted due to clay dust hazards; cleaning must be done with a sponge or mop and sanding must be done outside if absolutely necessary.

  • Participants may be held responsible for damage caused by negligence or improper use.

  • The studio has zero tolerance for discriminatory or harassing language or behavior of any kind.

Physical Requirements

  • Wheel throwing and handbuilding require physical strength, coordination, and dexterity. We are happy to accommodate specific needs—please contact us in advance so we can support you.

  • Ability to lift 25 lbs (the weight of a bag of clay). Instructors can support you if needed.

Outcomes

  • Ceramic outcomes depend on many variables. Monterey Clay Studio / Lizzy Eichorn Studios is not responsible for finished results or unexpected outcomes.

Policy Enforcement

  • Policies may be updated at any time and will be posted in a timely manner.

  • Failure to follow studio policies may result in dismissal from the studio without refund.

Thanks for being part of the studio! We hope you enjoy your time with us. Please let us know if we can do anything to improve your experience.

Last Updated 3/4/2026