Membership Waiver

1.) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INHERENT RISKS

I understand that participation in ceramics classes, workshops, memberships, open studio sessions, and related activities involves inherent risks. These risks include, but are not limited to:

• Use of pottery wheels, slab rollers, extruders, kilns, hand tools, and power equipment
• Lifting heavy clay, molds, kiln shelves, and equipment
• Exposure to clay dust (including silica), glaze chemicals, and cleaning materials
• Burns from kilns, hot shelves, or recently fired work
• Cuts, scrapes, repetitive strain injuries
• Slips and falls due to wet floors or studio conditions

I acknowledge that even with reasonable safety precautions, injuries may occur.

2.) ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks of bodily injury, illness, death, or property damage arising from my participation in studio activities, whether caused by my own actions or otherwise.

3.) RELEASE OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by California law, I release, waive, and discharge the Studio, its owners, members, managers, employees, instructors, contractors, agents, and volunteers from any and all liability for any injury, loss, or damage arising out of or related to my participation in studio activities, INCLUDING ANY CLAIMS BASED ON THE ALLEGED NEGLIGENCE OF THE STUDIO OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

4.) HEALTH, SAFETY & CODE OF CONDUCT

I agree to:

• Follow all silica safety procedures (no dry sweeping or sanding)
• Clean my workspace using approved wet-clean methods
• Wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes
• Properly label all work
• Store materials only in designated areas
• Respect shared tools, equipment, and communal spaces
• Treat staff and fellow members respectfully and professionally

Harassment, discrimination, intoxication, unsafe conduct, or intentional damage to equipment may result in immediate termination of membership without refund.

5.) INDEPENDENT USE & KILN POLICY

Because membership includes independent studio access, I acknowledge:

• I may be working without direct supervision
• I will not operate equipment I am not trained to use
• I will not touch, load, unload, or fire kilns unless explicitly authorized
• I will follow all kiln scheduling, labeling, and safety procedures
• I understand firing results are unpredictable and the Studio is not responsible for cracks, glaze defects, explosions, breakage, or loss of work

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to consult a medical professional regarding any health condition that may affect my participation.

5.) KILN AND ARTWORK DISCLAIMER

I understand that ceramics materials and firing processes are unpredictable. The Studio is not responsible for cracking, glaze defects, kiln explosions, breakage, or other damage that may occur during drying or firing.

Unclaimed work may be discarded after 60 days.

6.) INDEMNIFICATION

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Studio from any claims, damages, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of my participation or violation of studio rules.

7.) PHOTO RELEASE (Optional – Cross out if not applicable)

I grant permission for the Studio to use photographs or videos taken during classes for marketing or promotional purposes without compensation.

8.) GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Any legal action shall be filed exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Sonoma County, California.

9.) SEVERABILITY

If any portion of this Agreement is held invalid, the remaining portions shall continue in full legal force and effect.