Production Pottery Policy

How do we define “production” at Wheel & Slab?

At our club our basic definition of production is “Using clay or slip to making multiples, with the intention of selling online, at an art gallery, via wholesale, at an art festival, or through any other retail outlet.”

Why isn’t production allowed during club sessions?

Production pottery requires that an individual, takes on a business like mentality when producing work. Timing is critical, more space is needed and materials, and kiln utilization increases dramatically.

A production mindset, in some cases can keep an individual from growing their skills, enjoying the company of others in the space, and impact their ability in general to enjoy the studio experience. While this may not always be the case, it’s a situation we want to avoid at Wheel & Slab.

What do you mean by a production mindset?

The primary goal of our pottery club and class sessions is to create a space, where individuals can make friends, learn how to make pottery, and have fun together.

Production potters are focused on making large quantities of work, they require more space, more resources, and are hyper-focused on completing runs. This mindset counters the priorities of our club and class sessions, and can jeopardize studio culture.

Is production allowed at all?

Production pottery is allowed for private studio and shelf rentals, but is otherwise limited to allow Wheel & Slab to perform effectively and offer a great experience for all.

How do we monitor and address production work?

We want club members and students to enjoy the process of making, and we realize they will produce multiples of forms and pieces as they learn and enjoy the studio space. Our management team trusts that club and class members will respect material usage and culture as per our our etiquette and code of conduct policy.

If you are making a few pieces for a friend, planning to give gifts for the holidays, or giving work away for fun, we understand and it’s perfectly fine.

If there are concerns that a member is making production work, club management and facilitators reserve the right to review the work created. This includes work meant for sale, donation, or other usages.

If a member is producing work for the purpose of production, management will address the situation on a case by case basis.

What if a member doesn’t know what to do with work they’ve created?

Beautiful pieces of work can quickly fill up your closet, shelves, and relatives homes. And sometimes you just don’t know what to do with the work you’ve created, especially when space runs our.

To help our club members clear up space, we’ll identify and share with you shows, and places where you can sell your work. This may include festivals like the Annual Western NY Pottery Festival, or even our gallery at the club.

If a member becomes interested in creating, and selling work as a business, can we provide guidance and support?

Yes! If a member becomes interested in selling their work and is set on becoming a production potter, we can now offer them access to a private studio, or shelf rental options that allow for production work. However, we cannot and will not continue to provide club member benefits of nearly unlimited free clay, firings, and glazes.

Additionally, we’ll happily connect them with area production potters, local ceramic equipment retailers, and others who could provide them with guidance.

If you decide to end your membership and rent a space from us you’ll be considered a club alumni. And, if you decide to start a studio elsewhere we understand and we hope you’ll stay in touch as a friend!