Independent Study at RCC

Participation Fee: $365
(Does not include clay, firings, or glazes).

A staff-led orientation is optional yet 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 for independent study 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 those new to RCC)

• 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.

Important Dates: The dates of the independent study are as follows

• Optional Orientation is SUNDAY March 24th, 5-6pm

• Studio Access dates: March 24th-May 26th

• Independent study participants have the same kiln deadlines as classes, you will be able to keep up with firing deadlines through our Google Calendar and on Clay Q&A."
  
  week 3 = first bisque
  week 4 = first glaze
  week 8 = last bisque
  week 9 = last glaze
  week 10 = final clean up and remove all belongings and artwork

Practice Hours for Spring 2024

These are tentative, some dates subject to change due to special events and workshops.

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

Monday: 8am-12:00pm, 3pm-4:30pm
Tuesday: 10am-4:30pm
Wednesday: 8am-9am, 12pm-4:30pm
Thursday: 10am-4:30pm
Friday: 8am-4:30pm
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 12pm-9pm

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

• Cancellations must be made via email to info@raincityclay.com
  If you want to cancel your independent study registration, you may request a refund based on the bullet points below. Then you may rebook yourself for a different 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.
  

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

  • 80% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 7 business days before the first class meeting.

  • 50% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 3 business days before the first class meeting.

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

  • No refunds or credit will be given for missed classes. Students currently enrolled in 10-week classes may practice during open studio time to build skills even if a class is missed. One-day clay events and lessons do not come with open studio time.

  • You may transfer your registration ($15 processing fee) up to 24 hours before the class begins, and only if the new class has open spaces available. You will be invoiced any difference in balance for the new class, along with the processing fee.

• We reserve the right to cancel independent study options up to 3 days in advance of the first class due to insufficient enrollment. If we cancel the independent study option, a full refund will be given.