We’re shouting it from the rooftops – the ceramics studio is open! After all the long-awaited excitement, now is the time to explore a new hobby or – for those ceramic experts out there – dive into new projects.
We are huge supporters of local artists here at The Front, through our art rails at each gym, maker’s markets, and Rotating Art Program, and we feel privileged to help expand the community with this new included member amenity. No matter your experience with ceramics, our studio is a space for all. In this month’s blog, let’s get ready for your first visit to the space!
Before You Arrive
Memberships
Access to Studio 1396 (and all its classes) is totally free for members! That’s right – it’s completely complimentary, entirely included, another part of the whole dang deal! Being a Front member just keeps getting better and better.
At this time the studio is only open to members. Buddy and guest pass users do not have access.
Waiver
Just like our fitness facilities, there is also a studio-specific waiver we’ll need you to fill out before you come in. You can totally watch the orientation and sign the waiver when you arrive, but we recommend watching the video ahead of time to make your check-in super swift!
Sign Up for Class
Register for class ahead of time to ensure you’ve got a spot at the wheel or on the table! You can sign up via the Pebble app or The Front website, or one of our lovely front desk staff can help. Not sure which class to choose? Read through our three main offerings below!
You should be familiar with cancellation policies too – life happens! All classes require a 6-hour notice of cancellation and no-shows or late cancellations may result in a fee. Official details are on the studio page under FAQs, always refer there if you’re unsure.
Classes
Open Studio
This drop-in class time is for individuals who have some experience and want to build on their own with no curriculum. There are open studios specific to hand building or wheel throwing, and the choice to sign up for Assisted Open Studio. The Assisted blocks will have an instructor on hand to answer questions and guide you as needed!
Wheel Throwing
When you think of ceramics, you probably imagine making bowls and cups. That’s exactly what this class is! In this multi-week beginner’s series you will learn how to use the wheel proper form for creating amazing works from start to finish.
Hand Building
Rooted in ancient art, this class is all about creating with only your hands. Build whatever your heart desires from scratch! This is another multi-week introductory series, and will teach you foundational techniques of construction with your own hands.
First Visit
Check In
What’s the most important part of class? SCANNING IN! Just like at our fitness facilities, when you scan in on arrival we get accurate head counts, can accurately staff the space, and potentially offer more classes during popular times. It also prevents you from accidentally receiving late fees. Please, scan in for us!
Materials and Tools
You can bring in any of your own tools, but all clay must be purchased directly from Studio 1396 to protect our kilns. Clay comes in 5-pound increments, and we have mixes that suit every type of project you can dream up. Not sure which clay is best for you? Ask one of our amazing staff members!
Glaze is included with studio usage – have fun mixing and matching with your base clays!
Your hands are your most basic tool, but you’ll also likely need a wire cutter, sponges, and a few artistic scrapers, ribs, and brushes. Purchase at the desk any time and store them in a monthly locker right in the studio!
Pricing
Every piece must be fired twice; once to set it into stone, the second to fix and finish glaze. We charge per cubic inch, and your single firing fee covers both the bisque and glaze firings.
Etiquette
Joining a new community is like learning a whole new language. Let us decode some of the cultural cornerstones of the ceramics space for you.
- Label your work – follow instructions from your teacher or signage in the space to make sure your pieces stay organized and don’t get lost in the shelving.
- Don’t touch or move anyone else’s work – this one goes without saying!
- Respect the space – keep an eye on signage letting you know where pieces at each stage should be placed, and be conscious that there are other artists working in the space with you.
- Clean up after yourself – use clay and hand washing sinks for their labeled purposes, and keep the whole studio tidy by cleaning up after yourself both during and after your visit.
We hope you’re just as excited as we are for this new addition. Come by and meet our amazing teachers all seven days of the week, and follow us @thefrontstudio1396 for studio inspo every day.
