Participant Liability Release

Pottery Energy – Studio Policies & Liability Waiver

Updated 1/15/2026

Welcome to Pottery Energy Studio! Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and fun environment for learning and creating ceramic art. By registering for a class, workshop, open studio, or event, you agree to the policies below and acknowledge the Liability Waiver.

1. Respect and Conduct

• Be kind, considerate, and patient with instructors, staff, and fellow participants.
• Harassment or discrimination of any kind (race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected status) is strictly prohibited.
• Silence your phone. Phone calls should be taken outside the studio. Avoid distracting others with videos, photography, emails, or texts during class.
• Children must be supervised at all times.

2. Studio Equipment & Materials

• Access: Only use studio tools, kilns, clay, and glazes with instructor supervision or permission from staff.
• Kilns: Only trained staff may operate and load kilns. Never open, touch, or load or unload kilns yourself.
• Materials: Only studio-provided or pre-approved clay and glazes are allowed. Outside materials may damage equipment. Participants may be charged for using un-approved clays or glazes that cause damages to equipment, tools, kiln or property. 
• Tools: Always return tools to their designated storage. Do not remove tools from the studio without permission.
• Protective Equipment: Closed-toe shoes are required at all times. Eye protection, masks, and gloves must be worn when instructed or when handling hazardous materials. Pottery Energy is not responsible for supplying protective equipment. 
• Glazes & Stains: Use rubber gloves when applying stains or glazes to prevent skin absorption of heavy metals or chemicals. Wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
• Glaze Application: All glaze must be applied using a 1/4” clearance from the bottom of the pottery. Not applying glazes properly may damage the kiln, shelves and posts. Participants may be charged for damages to the kiln, kiln shelves and/or kiln posts from improper application. 

3. Health & Safety

• Clay dust, silica, and powdered materials can be harmful if inhaled. Wet-clean work surfaces with a sponge instead of sweeping to minimize airborne dust.
• All dry or wet sanding of pottery must be done outside the building, in open air, wearing a protective OSHA approved silica dust mask. Dust masks are not provided by the studio.
• Avoid eating or drinking in work areas. All food and beverages must be stored away from pottery and glazing areas. Drinking vessels and food must have tight lids. Wash hands thoroughly before eating or drinking.
• Use rubber gloves when applying stains or glazes to prevent skin absorption of heavy metals or chemicals. Wash hands thoroughly afterward.
• Participants with respiratory conditions, allergies, or other health concerns should consult a physician before attending.
• In case of injury, notify an instructor immediately. First aid kits are available, but Pottery Energy Studio is not responsible for medical treatment or costs.

4. Kilns & Firing

• Pottery may crack, warp, or break during drying or firing—even under careful supervision. Pottery Energy Studio is not responsible for lost or damaged work. Fees cover instruction and materials, not guaranteed finished work.
• Only studio-provided or pre-approved clay and glazes are allowed to be fired in the kiln. Participants may be charged for using un-approved clays or glazes that cause damages to equipment, tools, kiln and other property. 
• Finished pieces are usually ready 2–3 weeks after classes, workshops, or events. Participants will be notified via text or email on file when ready. Please supply an accurate email and phone number for this purpose. 
• Pottery not collected within one month of notification may be discarded. Pottery Energy Studio is not responsible for lost  or damaged work.
• Kiln schedules may change due to volume. kiln repair, or staff availability. No refunds will be issued for kiln-related delays.

5. Open Studio

• Open studio is available only to participants with prior clay experience.
• No instruction is provided; participants must be familiar with glazing techniques, tool use, and safety practices.
• Studio rules, protective equipment, and safety practices still apply.
• Open studio is only available during specific days and times and must be scheduled with a Pottery Energy Employee before attending.
• Pottery Energy staff reserves the right to cancel and/or deny access to Open Studio time due to no prior registration, lack of registration, or low attendance.

6. Makeup Classes & Refunds

• Makeup classes may be scheduled for six-week courses, subject to instructor and seat availability.
• Refunds are not offered for missed classes, workshops, or events.
• Refunds are available for Private Parties with a 72 hour notice prior to the events scheduled time. A 20% cancelation fee applies. 
• Credits may be applied toward future classes, private events or workshops.

7. Artwork & Property

• Handle only your own work; do not move or touch others’ pieces without permission.
• Pottery may be fragile; always lift with care and store safely.
• Participants may be charged for replacement materials or staff time if studio property is damaged through negligence.

8. Photography & Promotion

• Photos and videos of participants may be used for promotional purposes on social media, the website, or printed materials.
• Notify staff in writing if you do not consent to photography or media use.

9. Safety Enforcement

• Safety rules are mandatory. Non-compliance may result in being asked to leave the studio for the day or permanently, without refund.
• Instructors or staff may intervene at any time to prevent unsafe practices.

10. Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk

General Waiver for Adults

By registering for, attending, or participating in any class, workshop, open studio, private event, or other activity at Pottery Energy, I acknowledge and agree:

1. Assumption of Risk:

I understand that pottery and ceramic studio activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Cuts, burns, or injuries from tools, equipment, sharp edges, or broken ceramics
• Burns from kilns, hot surfaces (temperatures exceeding 2,000°F), or fired materials
• Exposure to clay dust, silica, glazes, stains, oxides, and other potentially hazardous chemicals and materials
• Slips, falls, or other accidents on the premises

I voluntarily assume all known and unknown risks, even if arising from the negligence of Pottery Energy Studio.

1. Release of Liability:

I hereby release, waive, and discharge Pottery Energy, its owner(s), instructors, employees, contractors, volunteers, and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, or liability for injury, illness, death, property damage, or loss arising out of or related to my participation, including claims arising from negligence, to the fullest extent permitted by Texas law.

This release does not apply to gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional acts.

1. Medical Responsibility:

I certify I am physically and mentally capable of participation and accept responsibility for my own health and safety. Pottery Energy is not responsible for medical treatment or expenses.

1. Property & Artwork:

I understand that pottery is unpredictable and may be damaged or lost. Fees cover instruction and materials, not guaranteed finished work.

1. Photo & Media Release:

I grant permission for Pottery Energy Studio to photograph or record me and use such images for promotional purposes unless I provide written notice opting out prior to class, workshop, private class or event. 

1. Binding Agreement:

This agreement is binding on me, my heirs, executors, and assigns, and governed by Texas law. If any portion is found unenforceable, the remainder remains in effect.

11. Agreement

By registering or attending, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to these Studio Policies and the Liability Waiver.

Participation without a signed waiver is not allowed. You will be asked to sign a waiver in person the first day of class.