The orientation is very helpful for finding your way around the studio, and getting the most out of your time at RCC. Please attend if possible. There are no makeup dates for this offering.

Read our refund policy before registering.

Clay must be purchased through RCC - purchase of clay includes firing and glazing costs. Your work will be fired on the same timeline as the class participants’ work.

Rain City Clay offers its well-appointed, welcoming space to independent study participants during our 10-week sessions. There is no instruction, but rather you will have open-ended, self-directed studio time. You will be self-guided and are responsible for following messages on Clay Q&A to know about firings and end-of-session deadlines.

Eligibility: These requests need to be met in order to participate as an independent study. They will help you get the most out of this offering and work efficiently at the studio.

Each independent study participant must:

• 18 years or older (no exceptions).

• attend orientation if possible (strongly suggested for everyone)

• be willing and able to check Clay Q&A for communication about firings/ deadlines

• schedule practice time via the RCC online system

• be able to problem-solve on your own while working at the studio

• clean up after yourself

• abide by studio policies and code of conduct

This is a great option for intermediate to advanced makers who have the skills needed to work completely independently. You will not be checking in with an instructor. Each participant will set their own goals and check Clay Q&A for communications.
Independent Study participants may use the studio during open studio practice hours.

• Studio Access is generous. Generally, it is daily from Tues. - Sun. 9am-9pm. This varies due to other offerings.
  Mondays have reduced hours.

  week 3 = first bisque
  week 4 = first glaze
  week 9 = last bisque
  week 10 = last glaze
  week 11 = final clean up and remove all belongings and artwork

• Studio Access dates for Summer are: June 8th-August 14th

Practice Hours

Open studio is available every day, generally between 9am-9pm, and is subject to change due to special events and workshops. Mondays there are very limited practice hours.

Practice Rooms
Two smaller practice spaces with 6 wheels and 2 tables upstairs, or 3 wheels and 2 tables downstairs. Available to use during classes.

Main Studio
The main practice space with 16 wheels, 9 tables, and glaze area.

Other Guidelines:

• Independent Study is not intended for those seeking space as production makers. Participants making an excessive amount of work as determined by a Studio Manager may be asked to either pay for their firing(s) or reduce their volume of work.

• No outside clay is allowed. Clay must be purchased through RCC. The glaze and firing costs are included in the clay fee.

• Outside glazes and underglazes may be brought in with permission. Labels must be posted on Clay Q&A and approved by a manager prior to their use.

Refund/Registration Policies

RCC Communication Platform

• Join Clay Q&A Here.

• Our studio communication platform, The Clay Q&A “Space”, is hosted on the Mighty Networks App.

• Participation is required to take classes at RCC or have a membership at RCS.

• Clay Q&A is essential to participants. It is where participants may:

  • Buy Clay

  • Schedule practice time

  • Learn about kiln deadlines/ kiln unloadings

  • Hear studio news & events

• Learn more/ download the More about the Mighty Networks App, or text the Mighty Network App to your Phone.

  • This app can be used on a desktop or mobile device. This app is essential for purchasing clay during the session, scheduling practice hours, and keeping up to date with studio deadlines for kilns and finishing your art projects at RCC.

Studio Policies and Information

Registration Policies: Information on being prepared for class, refunds, and more.

Cancellations must be made via email to info@raincityclay.com
If you want to cancel your class, you may request a refund based on the bullet points below. Then you may rebook yourself for a class that fits better into your schedule.

Last-minute cancellations in classes are difficult to fill - please double-check your schedule before committing to an event. Refunds take several business days to process from the date we receive the email request.

For sessional classes, independent study, one-time classes, private lessons, and exploratory workshops lasting up to 2 days:

• 100% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student elects to drop a class no later than 10 days before the day of the first class meeting.

• 50% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 5 days before the first class meeting.

• 0% of tuition is refunded if cancellation is made within five days of class for any reason except for documented medical emergencies. (providing a doctor's note). There are no other exceptions to this policy.

• Missed Classes: No refunds or credit will be given for missed classes. Students enrolled in 10-week classes may use open studio time to build skills even if they miss a class. One-day clay events and lessons do not come with open studio time.

• We reserve the right to cancel a class or workshop up to 3 days in advance of the first class due to insufficient enrollment. If a class is canceled, you will be offered the option of another class or a full refund.

• For some reason, should the studio have an unforeseen need to reschedule the class, you will be notified and given the option to take a class at a later date or receive a refund. Examples of these include power outages, COVID flare-ups, or force majeure.

A minimum of 9 participants is required to run the class. If a class does not meet this requirement, we will give notice about any cancellations, and a refund will be issued.

Hold Harmless Agreement: View what you agree to when registering for a class.

Code of Conduct: Expectations of studio conduct for students, staff, and instructors, as well as ways to give feedback anonymously.