Multi-Week Classes

1. More than 1 week before the class start date: Full refund minus a $30 cancellation fee (covers credit card processing).

2. Less than 1 week before the class start date: Refunds are not available. However, we offer a studio credit toward a future class within 90 days for documented illness, injury, or family emergency. To request a credit, email kaitlyn@hickoryclay.com before your class start time and include brief documentation (a photo of an urgent care receipt, a doctor's note, etc.).

3. After a multi-week class has begun: No refunds or credits, including for missed individual sessions. We don't offer make-up classes for sessions you miss.

One-Time Classes & Workshops

1. More than 1 week before the class: Full refund minus a $30 cancellation fee.

2. Less than 1 week before the class: Refunds are not available. Studio credit toward a future class within 90 days is available for documented illness, injury, or family emergency, requested by email before your class start time.

3. No-shows: No refunds or credits for missed classes without prior notice.

Team Building Events

1. More than 1 week before the event: Full refund minus a $75 cancellation fee (the higher fee reflects the larger booking value and credit card processing cost).

2. Less than 1 week before the event: Non-refundable.

3. Headcount adjustments can be made up to one week in advance.

Gift Cards

1. Gift cards are non-refundable but never expire and are fully transferable.

General

1. Class fees are non-transferable to other people without staff approval. If you need to gift your spot, email us first.

2. If we have to cancel a class due to instructor illness, weather, or studio issues, you'll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule, your choice.

Class Logistics

1. Arrival. Please arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in. Students arriving more than 15 minutes late may be turned away without refund — instructors begin demonstrations at the start of class, and late arrivals disrupt the experience for everyone.

2. Ages. Most classes are for ages 13 and up. Students under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult unless otherwise noted. Mommy & Me classes have their own age guidelines listed at booking.

3. What to bring. Just yourself and clothes you don't mind getting clay on. We provide all tools, clay, glazes, and aprons. Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes are required.

4. Food and drink. You're welcome to bring snacks and drinks (including wine) to one-time classes and team events. Multi-week classes are working sessions; light snacks are fine, but please keep workspaces clean.

5. Accessibility. The main studio is on the ground floor. Our glazing area is upstairs and accessed by stairs. If you have mobility considerations, email us before booking and we'll work with you.

In the Studio

1. Hands off other people's work. Do not touch or move clay pieces that aren't yours. If you need to relocate something, ask your instructor.

2. Equipment. Students may only use equipment they've been instructed on in class. Please don't experiment with unfamiliar tools or machines without guidance.

3. Clean up. Students are responsible for cleaning their workspace at the end of each session — clean tools, return them to storage, and wipe down wheels and surfaces you used.

4. Dust control. Dry sweeping of clay dust is prohibited. Always use a wet sponge or mop. Silica dust is a respiratory hazard, and this rule keeps everyone safer.

5. Hair and clothing. Long hair must be tied back. Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes are required — no sandals, flip-flops, mules, clogs, or open-back shoes.

6. No smoking inside the studio, within 25 feet of the entrance, or anywhere on the premises (includes vaping).

7. The roof is off-limits to students at all times.

8. Kilns. Students will not load, unload, or operate the kilns. All firing is handled by staff.

9. Outside materials. Clay, bisqueware, glazes, and underglazes from outside the studio are not permitted. All materials must be supplied by Hickory Clay.

Firing & Pickup

1. Multi-week classes: All pieces will be fired and ready for pickup approximately 2 weeks after the final class session. You'll receive an email when your work is ready.

2. One-time classes and workshops: Pieces will be fired and ready for pickup approximately 4 weeks after class. You'll receive an email when your work is ready.

3. Pickup window. Fired work must be picked up within 30 days of the pickup notification email. After 30 days, Hickory Clay is not responsible for any unclaimed work, which may be recycled or discarded.

4. No mailing. All pieces must be picked up in person by you or someone you designate. We do not ship or mail pottery.

Community Standards

1. Respect. Hickory Clay is a shared learning space. Harassment, discrimination, or hostile behavior toward other students, members, staff, or instructors is not tolerated and is grounds for removal from class without refund.

2. Photography. You're welcome to photograph your own work and the general space. Don't photograph other students or their work without permission. Tag us @hickory_clay if you share — we love seeing what students make.

Questions?

Email kaitlyn@hickoryclay.com for class bookings, refunds, and team events. Email ashley@hickoryclay.com for everything else.