Class “What to know” guide
Thank you for registering for a class at Black Hound Clay Studio!
DAY ONE CHECKLIST:
- Arrive on time
- Bring an old towel for clean up if you have one!
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY:
When you arrive for the first class meeting, please go to the glass front door at the corner of 17th and Federal Streets and check in at the front desk. You will be given the door code during the first class meeting; please use this door code at the front door if you arrive for class outside of our open to the public hours (Wednesday-Saturday, 12-6pm).
Parking for cars and bikes are on street.
For the first class meeting, BHCS staff will do a brief safety orientation, which should last no more than 25 minutes.
STUDENT HANDBOOK:
As an enrolled student you are required to read through the BHCS Student Handbook. We will go over this handbook briefly at the beginning of the first class, but please take a few minutes to read it over thoroughly. You will be asked to sign off on the Handbook during your first class meeting.
If you have any questions or concerns about what's outlined in the Handbook, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at South@blackhoundclay.com.
COVID PROTOCOLS:
Masks are optional at Black Hound. We have KN95 masks available for use if you need them.
If you have tested positive for Covid, please wait until you have tested negative to come back to class. Please email us at South@blackhoundclay.com to let us know so we can let your teacher know.
TOOLS & MATERIALS:
All instruction, a 25 pound block of clay, communal tools, firing and glazes are included in the tuition of the class. We have a white stoneware and a brown stoneware available for student use.
Firing of all work is included in the price of the class. Students may purchase additional blocks of clay for an extra fee.
Students should bring an old towel for clean up. A apron or a sketchbook for drawing may also be helpful. We also have aprons available for use at the studio.
OPEN STUDIO FOR STUDENTS
Open studio hours are Wednesday-Saturday 12-5pm. You are expected to be cleaned up and ready to leave by that time. We suggest starting the clean up process by 4:30pm to make sure you are done by 5pm. Open Studios are monitored by BHCS staff but uninstructed. Studio monitors can offer basic advice, answer questions and make sure you’re using all equipment and materials safely. If you need a full demo on a skill or technique, please ask your teacher during your class time. You are responsible for cleaning up after yourself. Please do your part to keep our shared studio clean and healthy.
Your class registration includes ONE free open studio pass, as well as a Free Glazing Weekend. This can be used at any point during the session while you are taking classes. It can be helpful if you miss a regular class, need extra time to finish a project or want more time to work in general.
To redeem your free open studio pass:
Go to the Open Studio for Students page on our website
Select either “Wheel Use” or “No Wheel Use” depending on whether you will need the use of a wheel for your open studio
Select your day, follow checkout procedure and enter promo code FREESTUDIO before checkout
After you use your free open studio, additional single open studios can be purchased for $10 per day.
If you registered for an open studio and can’t make it, just email us: South@blackhoundclay.com so we can open the spot for someone else.
INCLEMENT WEATHER:
We will notify you by 2 pm at the latest on the day of your class if we are canceling for weather. We generally cancel when the School District of Philadelphia does, so if they dismiss early or are closed entirely, we will cancel class. In the case of a weather cancellation, we will add an extra class onto the end of the session to make up the date missed.
INSTALLMENT PAYMENT PLANS:
If you selected an installment payment plan when checking out, you will pay a 1/3 deposit upon registration for class. The 2nd and 3rd payment will be deducted using your credit card on file (please see class descriptions for the payment schedule for that semester). Class must be paid in full to attend.
REFUND POLICIES:
Last-minute cancellations in classes are difficult to fill - please double check your schedule before committing to a class. Because of this, we cannot offer refunds 7 days or less in advance of the semester starting. There will be no exceptions granted so please plan accordingly. Please request your refund via email at South@blackhoundclay.com.
Refunds for classes requested before the above 7 day window are subject to a 10% administrative fee.
If you need to miss a class we encourage you to use your free Open Studio pass to make up the work time. Attending a different night of class to make up for the class you missed is not permitted. If withdrawing from a class due to an injury or illness, prorated class credit will be issued.
Please email South@blackhoundclay.com with additional questions or concerns!