Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the studio?

The studio is a little under 4,000 square feet. We have a main studio space, a room of semi-private work areas, a kiln room, a glaze mixing room, and a side studio for events, lessons, kids classes, and glazing.

What kind of equipment is at the studio?

We have 14 wheels, an extruder, a slab roller, five kilns, and piles of hand tools.

Is there parking at the studio?

Yes, there is parking available in the lot next to our building. The main entrance to the building is in the parking lot. Once you enter the building head to the right up the staircase to the third floor. We are down the hall and to the right.

Should I take a class or a private lesson?

Classes are for students who want to learn the craft over a period of time. We recommend you take classes for at least a couple of months before deciding whether or not it's something you want to pursue. Private lessons and parties are one-time events, and we fire and glaze the pieces made before packing them to be picked up or shipped. We strongly discourage you from taking a class only one time because you won't finish anything and it won't be very satisfying! Lessons are priced for two guests. Individual students may sign up for a lesson, but the price is the same.

What kind of clay does the studio use?

We use cone 6 stoneware in white, red, and brown.

White: Tucker’s Mid Smooth Stone

Red: Tucker's Mid Red

Brown: Standard #266 Umbria

What should I bring to class?

A basic tool kit (or you can purchase one here), a hand towel, and a smock or change of clothes if you want one.

I was a member before. Do I need to take orientation again?

Probably not, but it depends on how long ago you were a member. A lot has changed even in just the last year! Contact us and we can decide together. kcs@kingstonceramicsstudio.com or 845-331-2078

Can I bring my baby or child to the studio?

The studio is generally an adult centered place- and while most of us love kids and especially babies, a lot of folks are here to get away for a bit. We ask that you don't bring babies or very young children to the studio to work. If you just need to pop in with baby to cover your work or you want to show off your new cutie to your studio friends for a little bit, that's fine. Members who are parents and want to bring children 5 or older in for supervised open studio bonding time with the child are invited to buy a guest pass and bring them.

Can I bring a guest with me to the studio?

If you are a monthly member and you want to bring a guest, you can buy them a $20 day pass here: https://kcs.breely.com/form/11437

Can I bring my dog to the studio?

Maybe. Do they bite? Bark? Pee inside? Or have a big fluffy wagging tail that will knock over pottery on a shelf (yup, that's happened)? If not, you probably can- but know that sometimes other dogs are present- so if your fur baby doesn't play well with other, it's best to leave them home. Oh also- if someone is dog phobic or allergic and they are in the space, please move the other room so you don't disturb anyone who can't help their imperfections.

What are the studio hours?

We are open to our members 24/7/365. If you are a students and you want to drop in to check on a piece, you will probably be able to get in. The hours we post on Google are only our class hours when there is almost always someone present, but even then, classes are ocassionally cancelled. In short, we don't discourage the pop-in visit, and you will get in 90% of the time, but we can't promise someone will always be there unless you've made an appointment.

Do I need an appointment to visit the studio?

People are usually at the studio and we don't mind if you drop in to visit- BUT... please don't bring a crowd or disrupt people who are working (especially if they are wearing headphones). Many members are extra friendly and are happy to be an ambassador for a few minutes to show you around. If you want to be certain you will be greeted, please make an appointment as we don't always keep regular hours.

How can I reach a person at the studio?

Please text us at 845-331-2078. We will try to answer you as soon as possible, but it may take up to 48 hours. Thanks for your patience!

Can I buy a Weekly Open Studio Pass?

If you are a student who has taken a class within the last 30 days and has had an orientation, yes, you sure can! The link to purchase this pass is on Circle, the app you joined at your orientation.

Do you offer workshops?

Yes, we do! Find out more here: https://www.kingstonceramicsstudio.com/pottery-workshops

Can my child be a member and use open studio?

Members must be at least 16 years old to work in the studio independently. Members between 16 and 18 will need parents to sign a waiver allowing them to work in the studio alone.

Can my teenager take an adult class?

It really depends on the teenager, but we're willing to let them try! If your child is over 13 and you want to take class with them, we will let them in class. If you don't want to take class with them, please wait until they are 16 or older. We do offer a teen class each week for younger teens. https://www.kingstonceramicsstudio.com/ceramics-classes/teen-clay

Do I need my own tools?

In a weekly class, we recommend that you invest in your own tools. A basic tool kit can be purchased at the studio for under $20. If you forget your tools, or aren't sure you want to take more than one or two classes yet, we can lend you some community tools. Personal tools will be in better condition than our community tools.

Can I fire my work there even if I am not a member or a student at the studio?

Yes, if we can manage to fire your work without slowing down service for our regulars, we are happy to help. We cannot accommodate deadlines though, so make sure to leave yourself enough time to finish up comfortably. Sometimes we can fire your work the next day, but other times it may take a couple of weeks. There is no "Rush Order" option to skip the line. Find out more here: https://www.kingstonceramicsstudio.com/kiln-firing-services

Is firing included?

Firing is an additional fee based on volume. The price varies based on the clay body used, and is subject to change. Please check with us for specific information. kcs.kingstonceramicsstudio.com

Do I need to take an orientation before I take a class?

Nope! Orientations are for when you are ready to work in Open Studio independently. You must take an orientation before you can sign up for Open Studio. Orientations do not happen during class time. You can use the hour of open studio time that comes with your class after you have taken an orientation. If you are in the Basic Intro class, confirm with your instructor that you are ready for independent work before taking the orientation.

What level class is best for me?

We offer two levels of classes. In our Basic Intro to Clay & the Studio class, we teach the beginning skills. This class is great for people who have never touched clay and don't know what the steps are in creating ceramics from beginning to end. In Beyond Basics: Develop Your Skills, we still cover a lot of those skills, and a lot more. Beginners and intermediate students take this class, but they have completed the ceramics cycle at least once and have some finished pieces. The beginner class is open to intermediate students (but you may not get the same amount of attention as you would in the Beyond Basics class because there will be a lot of beginners in a Basic Intro class). Beginner student are encouraged to try at least 5 or 6 Basic Intro classes before moving up to Beyond Basics. If this can't work for your schedule, please contact us.

What will I learn in a beginners class?

As a beginner, you will be introduced to the tools and equipment used to work with clay to make ceramics pottery and sculpture. You will learn how to prepare clay to work, how to handbuild and throw on the wheel. Your classes will be geared towards your interests, inspiration, and abilities, and each student will work on their own projects at their own speed, while all learning the same basic skills, the same vocabulary, how to manage workflow, and how to practice independently. You will learn how to clean up and finish your work so it looks good, and how to decorate it in a variety of ways. You will eventually learn how to experiment with tools and materials to find your own style and make work that is uniquely yours. We are all continually learning, and that's part of why ceramics is so exciting. You can keep learning and growing indefinitely while being supported by a creative community in a welcoming studio!

Is the work from my private lesson or party ready for me to pick up?

If you received a text message about your work being ready, you can come by and pick it up. It will be wrapped and labeled with your name on a table outside of the studio on our floor (just outside the restrooms, next to the giant safe.) You can come any time between 9 am and 7 pm any day of the week to pick up your work. If you think you should have gotten a message saying your work is ready, but you haven't yet, send Lex an email at kcs@kingstonceramicsstudio.com to check on it for you. It typically takes us 3 to 4 weeks to clean, fire, glaze, re-fire, gather and wrap your work after your lesson. So please wait to send a message until that time has passed. We hope you enjoyed your lesson and come back again!

Do you sell gift certificates?

We sell gift codes, but the certificate you can download is very plain. If you want something to give to the recipient, purchase your code and then email Lex at KCS@kingstonceramicsstudio.com with your address and an request for a certificate to be mailed to you or made ready for you to pick up. Please allow us 2 to 3 days to get this in order for you- we'll let you know if we can manage it sooner. https://www.kingstonceramicsstudio.com/kcs-gift-codes

Are gift codes only good for one type of item?

Our gift codes are good for any service we offer (except firing fees). There are services named with prices on the gift code checkout screen so that you know what the recipient would be able to do with the amount of money you are adding to the code- but they will not be forces to use the funds for that service. Codes are not refundable, and they do not expire.

Can I buy a class bundle as a gift?

Class bundles expire within 6 weeks of purchase, so if you want your recipient to have flexibilty, we recommend you purchase a gift code instead. They can exchange that for a bundle when they are ready to start using it.