Independent Study Guidelines and Contract

Independent Study Fee

Museum members: $90 | Non-members: $100.

This fee allows participants to use the Pottery Studio during designated Independent Study time, access to tools, use of equipment and to keep shelf space in the studio. If a participant infrequently uses or cannot work in the studio for a month, the fee is still required to reserve shelf space.

Payments for Independent Study are due on the 1st of every month. Participants may pay this fee online here: https://www.artlafayette.org/classes/p/pottery-independent-study or in person through the Gift Shop by card, cash, or check. If paying in person, leave a copy of the receipt with the participant’s name and the month for which they are purchasing on the Operation Manager’s desk. Emailed reminders for missing payments will be sent within one week, and phone calls will be made within two weeks.

If payment is not received for one month, the participant will be notified to pick up the materials left on their shelf. If the participant does not respond or acknowledge the message in two weeks, the leftover work/supplies/etc. will be disposed of by the Pottery Studio Coordinator.

If a participant takes a break for whatever reason from Independent Study, notify the Pottery Studio Coordinator and clear your shelf of all items. Infrequent one-month breaks are allowed without cleaning your shelf if you notify the Pottery Studio Coordinator before the beginning of the break month. If the participant uses the studio anytime during the off month, they will be expected to pay for the month.

Independent Study Hours

Independent Study hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM - 9 PM, except for major holidays, severe or inclement weather, or unforeseen closures.

Sign-In

At the beginning of each month, there will be a registration sheet in the Pottery Studio. All Independent Study participants must sign and date this form to track payments vs. participation.

New Enrollment

Those new to the Independent Study program will first participate on a trial basis. New enrollees will use the studio only when the Pottery Studio Coordinator or a designated representative is present (5-9 PM on Tuesday and Thursday). The Pottery Studio Coordinator will determine when the enrollee may use the studio during unsupervised hours.

Museum Membership

Participants of Independent Study are expected in good faith to pay the appropriate fee. Routine checks will be conducted to confirm museum membership and related discounts on classes and clay purchases. If a participant is not a museum member but is taking advantage of the 10% Museum Member discount, they will be expected to pay the difference accrued. This may result in their Independent Study access being revoked.

Responsibilities

Independent Study participants are expected to keep the Pottery Studio clean. This includes: cleaning and returning all tools and equipment used, wiping down table space, sweeping and mopping workspace floor and walls, and keeping shelf space organized and within the borders of your shelf. All sanding must be done outside and clay dust must be swept and disposed of.

Clay

Participants are encouraged to purchase their clay through the museum website: https://www.artlafayette.org/classes/p/clay or in person through the Gift Shop by card, cash, or check. The fee includes 25 pounds of clay, 2 firings (1 bisque + 1 glaze), bucket glazes, studio slips, and stains.

If participants want to use their clay, contact the Pottery Studio Coordinator in advance. The firing and materials fee is $45+ tax for 25 lbs. of clay.

Glaze

If participants would like to purchase their own glaze, it is their responsibility to test it on the inside of an upright pot before using it on the outside. Anytime two or more of your own glazes are used together or your own glaze(s) with a studio glaze(s), they must be tested on the inside of an upright piece. All purchased glazes must be suitable for cone 5.

Firing Schedule

Kilns are fired once there is a sufficient amount of work to fill the kiln. Tall or large pieces may have to wait until there are other pieces to fill the kiln shelf. If the “to-be-fired shelves” in the kiln room are full, keep your work on your shelf until there is room again on the designated shelves.

Give Back

The Art Museum of Greater Lafayette hosts multiple events throughout the year and always needs volunteers. We ask that you become involved with at least one activity/event that benefits the Art Museum Pottery Studio per calendar year. The opportunities include making items for community events, working booths for events, stocking the clay supply, deep cleaning the studio, and more which may arise throughout the year.