membership at black hound clay west

Our members at Black Hound Clay West have a diversity of backgrounds and experiences, from people with advanced degrees and decades of working in clay to people who have a few classes under their belt and want to continue to hone their skills. Our main criteria for membership is that you are fluent in the ceramic process from start to finish, from working in wet clay to glazing. We don’t require that members know how to fire their own work, but we do have kiln orientations and training if you want to learn!

We also expect you to be versed in safe ceramic studio practices, from using equipment correctly to cleaning up and reducing risk of silicosis. Candidates must also be comfortable working in a community space - all spaces at Black Hound are communal, with assigned shelves for storage of supplies and work in progress. Member orientations take place once a month.

We have community-based financial aid available for members who need support in paying their membership dues. Please check out the Black Hound Member Community Support Fund.

If you have any questions regarding Membership, please email Administrative Coordinator Cassie Jones at Cassie@blackhoundclay.com.

CURRENT MEMBERSHIP AVAILABILITY

MEMBERSHIP at black hound clay west IS CURRENTLY FULL.

We open the Application for new members quarterly on
January 1-15, APril 1-15, July 1-15 and October 1-15.

APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP

Please note that applying while the application is open does not guarantee an immediate start to membership. Once you have applied, please email Membership Coordinator Cassie Jones at Cassie@Blackhoundclay.com to get an estimate of the length of the waitlist.

LAST UPDATED 10/1/24

MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • 24/7 Studio Access via keypad code

  • Use of all equipment, including wheels, slab roller, extruder, work tables, bats, wareboards and plastic

  • Dedicated members' area, including individual shelf storage

  • Use of twelve cone 6 studio glazes, wax resist, brushes, containers, etc.

  • Use of basic tools such as rolling pins, banding wheels, buckets, sponges, etc (members are expected to bring their own tools to the studio; we also have tools and tool kits available for sale)

  • Use of 6 electric kilns (firing fees are charged on a cubic inch basis and are billed separately from monthly member dues)

  • Reasonably priced firing fees

  • 25% off In Depth Classes at BHCS

  • Dedicated member classes and workshops

  • Opportunities to participate in shows, pop up pottery sales, member socials and other events hosted by the studio

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS AT BLACK HOUND CLAY WEST:

(Prices as of June 1, 2024)

$100 per month: Half Shelf Membership

  • One 24”x24”x18” space, plus shared overflow storage.

  • Best for a ceramicist who generates a small amount of work each month

$121 per month: One Shelf Membership

  • One 24"x48"x18” shelf, plus shared overflow storage.

  • Best for a ceramicist who generates a small amount of work each month

$152 per month: Two Shelf Membership

  • Two 24"x48" shelves, plus shared overflow storage.

  • Best for a ceramicist who generates a small to medium amount of work each month and may need additional storage for work in progress, personal glazes or buckets

$265 per month: Full Shelving Unit Membership

  • Full 2'x4'x6' shelving unit

  • Best for a serious ceramicist who generates a medium to large amount of work each month, and may need extra storage for work in progress, glazes, buckets and additional clay

$68 per month: Satellite Membership

The Satellite Membership is geared toward artists who already have a studio at home or elsewhere and need to utilize Black Hound’s kilns, equipment and glaze room. If using clay or glazes other than Black Hound’s, prospective Satellite Members must have these items approved by the Membership Coordinator before commencing their membership. Satellite Membership is also a good option for members who are currently on the wait list for regular membership.

Please note that this membership does not come with storage space, and Satellite Members must take their in-progress work with them. No storage is available other than work that is on the kiln room shelves waiting to be fired and picked up. Satellite members must pick up their work from the kiln room in a timely manner.

HOW APPLYING FOR MEMBERSHIP WORKS:

  • After application materials are received, your materials will be reviewed typically within 2-3 weeks. If there is a waitlist in place, your application will be reviewed when space becomes available.

  • Upon application approval by the Director, you must attend a 1 hour safety orientation prior to moving in possessions and getting keypad code to the studio. New members must read the membership handbook and sign off on the terms contained therein.

  • A security deposit of $100 is required upon sign up. This is refundable at the end of the membership term if 30 day notice is given, shelves are left empty and clean, studio key is returned and all kiln invoices are paid.

  • 30 days notice is required to end membership or change level of membership.

Member Programming