Studio Policies
At Long Island Clay, we work hard to keep our policies fair, clear, and supportive of our students while also respecting the high demand for our classes. Please review the guidelines below to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable studio experience.
Sales, Refunds & Payments
Optional (waitlist only): $75 non-refundable registration fee. Deposits are applied toward tuition.
Tuition must be paid in full prior to the start of class.
No processing fee for refunds.
Refund Policy
Tuition refunds may be requested up to 1 week before the first class.
Once classes are in session, tuition is non-refundable.
Transfers & Seat Changes
Tuition/class seats may be transferred before classes begin.
All class or schedule changes must result in the use of tuition within 6 months of payment.
If you need to switch into a different class, you must contact the studio before your next scheduled class, or you will be marked absent.
One-Time Courtesy Exchange
LIC offers a ONE-TIME seat exchange after classes have begun for students experiencing special circumstances.
Extraordinary / Medical Circumstances
We understand life happens. For medical, health, or extraordinary emergencies, please call the studio—we will do our best to work with you.
Payments
Accepted forms: cash, credit, check
Returned checks incur a $35 fee
All payments must be submitted before the first class, otherwise the seat is automatically forfeited.
Kids & Teen Classes
Due to high demand and limited instructor availability, all Kids & Teens class sales are final.
Cancellation Policies
Weather Cancellations
Safety is our priority. Weather-related closures will be announced via social media and/or email.
Studio Cancellations
Long Island Clay reserves the right to cancel a class or workshop due to:
Low enrollment (fewer than 3 students)
Emergencies or unforeseen incidents
If LIC cancels a class:
A full refund is issued
OR students may transfer tuition to another available or future class
For weather or emergency cancellations, LIC will provide rescheduled classes or make-up options.
Registration
Registration is available:
Preferably by email
We recommend all prospective students to visit the studio!
Enrollment Priority
8-Week Beginner Courses: first come, first served
Members, Intermediate/Advanced, Rolling Classes: current students receive a 2-week priority period before open registration
Makeup Classes & Absences
8-Week Beginner Course
Students may take up to 2 makeup classes within the same session.
Makeups must be completed within the session.
Makeup availability is dependent on class capacity.
Makeups After Session Ends
If the session ends, students may use equivalent Open Studio hours to make up lost time.
No classes may be made up after the session concludes.
Membership / Intermediate / Advanced / Rolling Classes
Makeups allowed within 8 weeks of the missed class.
Please inform LIC if you expect extended absences—memberships can be placed on hold.
Attendance Policies
Unexplained absences of 2 consecutive weeks result in loss of your seat.
4-week signups: 1 makeup class
8-week signups: 2 makeup classes (any further absences cannot be made up)
Important for Throwing 1 Students
Please do not miss any of the first 4 weeks—this early instruction is foundational and impacts class pacing.
Student Responsibility
Students must make up missed classes before their package ends (e.g., 8-week session = makeups must be used within 8 weeks).
Extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances at LIC’s discretion.
Personal Belongings
Long Island Clay is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings.
All individuals are responsible for their own items.
General Policies
Photography
LIC may photograph or record students and instructors for promotional use.
If you do not want your photo taken, notify us at registration (waiver provided at signup).
Studio Etiquette
Long Island Clay is an inclusive community space. All students and instructors are expected to uphold respect, kindness, and a collaborative atmosphere.
LIC reserves the right to deny services to anyone whose behavior jeopardizes:
Public safety
The learning atmosphere
The peace and well-being of the community
We are a zero-tolerance studio. Misconduct may result in immediate termination of enrollment or membership.
Clay is a community—we ask everyone to remain mindful of themselves and those around them.
Open Studio Policies
Rates & Eligibility
Open Studio is $5/hour.
Exempt from payment:
Students enrolled in Throwing 1 courses
Members
Instructors
All exempt users must still clock in and out.
Hours
Available during regular studio hours excluding class times.
Exception: Students may glaze during class times.
Open Studio is available only to enrolled students, members, and instructors.
Class Priority
Classes in session have priority over space and equipment.
LIC may ask Open Studio users to return at another time if they disrupt a class.
Payment
Fees may be paid daily or weekly, or charged automatically with a card on file.
Unpaid hours will be charged to the account by end of business day.
Monthly billing is available—speak with management.
After-Hours Access
Available only to:
Premium members
Pro members
Individuals with permission from the studio
Requires:
Management approval
Training on closing procedures
Compliance with all lock-up protocols
Improper closing procedures may result in loss of key-holder privileges.
Cleanliness
All users must clean their area following posted checklists.
“Last one out” rules must be followed.
Waivers
All required waivers must be signed before using Open Studio.
Disclaimers
Right to Deny Services
LIC reserves the right to deny services or cancel memberships with cause.
Production Capacity Disclaimer
LIC may deny membership to artists producing work at volumes the studio cannot support.
We are equipped to serve:
Students
Small-scale artists and makers
We are not able to support full-line production potters at this time.
Thank you for understanding.
User Error — When Things Go Wrong
Ceramics involves many variables, and results can never be 100% guaranteed.
Firing outcomes depend on many variables including but not limited to clay body types, climate, drying process, kiln temperature, equipment,
quality of the piece, clay thickness/thinness, glaze application, etc.
Our team always strives for the best possible outcomes, but some factors are out of anyone’s control.
If something goes wrong:
Please come talk to us
We will troubleshoot with you
We will help find the best solution possible
We appreciate your patience, your curiosity, and your trust in the process.
Student Work Policy
Finishing Your Work
All work must be completed by the end of your course, except for glazed pieces awaiting final firing.
If you are not enrolled in another session, you lose Open Studio access 7 days after your course ends.
Students are responsible for:
Trimming
Glazing
Finishing
…all within their course timeframe.
Uncollected Works
We will hold:
Glazed pieces for 2 weeks after the final class
Bisque and glazed ware left 3+ weeks after your last class may be discarded at the studio’s discretion