Studio Membership Terms & Conditions

Please read before applying:

General information:

  • Erie ClaySpace Artists Association (ECS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

  • ECS provides ceramic artists with a community, studio space and access to equipment.

  • ECS has two types of membership: Satellite and Full.

  • ECS offers ceramics classes and workshops. During class time, Member may ask the instructor for permission to work in the studio but students have priority use of equipment, tables, etc. Member should not interrupt class instruction. Students are ECS student members for the duration of the class. Classes are noted in the studio calendar, accessible through the Members Portal.

Satelitte membership application process:

  • Applicant submits the application.

  • ECS staff reviews and responds within 7 days to further discuss this level of membership.

Full Membership Application Process:

  • Applicant must have taken a ceramic art class at ECS studio, or demonstrate satisfactory experience and knowledge to safely and competently work with studio equipment.

  • Applicant submits the online application to ESC staff.

  • The ESC shall respond within 7 days.

  • Applicant may be asked to meet with the Studio Manager or Member Coordinator for a knowledge/skills demonstration.

  • Upon acceptance, Member agrees to sign a Membership Contract and pay first month of membership. Membership period can begin on the first day of any month. No dues will be prorated.

  • Member agrees to provide the ECS Treasurer with bank account information for enrollment in our Stripe autopayment system. Autopay can be stopped with 30 days notice by contacting treasurer@erieclayspace.com.

  • Member agrees to pay a $100 refundable security deposit, which includes a personal keycode to the studio and the Member code to the PACA Building. Interest will not be earned on security deposit during term of membership. Security Deposit may be forfeited if Member violates any membership, bylaw or building regulation.

Rules ~ the membership handbook provides a comprehensive guide to Erie Clayspace. Member will receive a copy when signing the Contract.

  • Member agrees to abide by the rules set forth by the building owner and by ECS. Member accepts the ECS bylaws and any amendments.

  • Members are responsible for purchasing their own clay and materials, which should be clearly marked with their name and cone firing range (maximum cone 6.) Clay can be purchased from M & M Pottery in Corry or ECS.

  • Member agrees to prepay material purchases. We accept cash, check or credit.

  • Use of studio is for Members only. Guests are not permitted without a Guest Day-Pass.

  • Use of studio is for clay art. Plaster may be used for molds but MUST be cleaned up thoroughly and removed from the premises. DO NOT wash plaster down the drain.

  • Clay and glaze being fired must be compatible with the cone temperature setting.

  • If, at any time, Member is unsure about proper use of any equipment, glazes, materials, etc., please contact the Studio Manager PRIOR to use.

  • Leave all work areas as clean as or cleaner than you found them, including all equipment, tables, wedging slabs, floors, glaze room, containers, sink, microwave, and refrigerator, etc.

  • Members should purchase their own tools. Any communal tools used should be cleaned and put all tools back in their proper place so that other members may find them. Member may not remove tools, materials or equipment from facility.

  • Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the PACA Building, 1505 State Street.

  • Food and beverage should not be left in the facility. Take all food-trash with you when you leave. Food and beverage must never be rinsed down the sink, as it will rot in the clay-trap bucket.

  • Pets (except service dogs) are permitted occassionally but must be leashed when other members are present.

  • Music should be played at a low volume. When other members are present, please ask if they mind. Headphones are encouraged.

  • Any equipment damaged, destroyed or lost due to negligence or inexperience must be paid for before the end of the month.

  • Renewal of membership may be denied if Member violates any membership, bylaw or building regulation.

Kiln and Materials Fees (subject to change with 30 days’ notice)

  • Material Fees:

    • Clay Bodies available at ECS

      • Laguna B-Mix 5: White stoneware. Great for throwing. Ok for handbuilding.

      • Standard 112: Brown clay body with manganese speckles. Great for throwing and handbuilding.

      • Standard 182: White stoneware. Great for throwing and handbuilding.

      • Standard 182(g): White stoneware with grog. Great for throwing or handbuilding large pots 

        Material Fees:

        If you need to rent out a kiln, you may purchase firings upon request. These will need to be scheduled with the Studio Managers and/or Kiln Techs in advance.

  • Firing Fees:

    If you wish to rent a kiln for your own work, contact the Studio Manager and Kiln Techs as far in advance as possible. Class firings take precedence over private firings.

    • Bisque Δ08 – Δ1 = $15 small kiln; $20 large kiln

    • Glaze Δ2 – Δ6 = $25 small kiln; $30 large kiln

    • Lusters, metallics, decals etc. Δ020 – Δ09 = $15.00 any kiln

Updated May 2024