Terms of Service

These terms apply when you book a class, buy a membership, or otherwise use the ViaClay booking site. ViaClay is a community pottery studio at 208 South Marion Street, Oak Park, Illinois. By booking, you agree to what follows.

Booking and payment

Prices are shown at checkout in US dollars and include your clay, glazes and firing unless the class description says otherwise. Payment is taken at the time of booking. Card details are handled by Stripe, our payment processor — ViaClay never sees or stores your card number.

Cancellations

Please read our scheduling policies before booking classes.

• If you cannot participate in a booked class, please email info@viaclay.com at least 24 hours before your session. If you notify us by email or phone more than a day in advance, ViaClay will refund 100% of your fee, less a $10 processing charge per seat. Classes are non-refundable if cancelled the same day.
• We do not schedule make-up classes or offer partial refunds for missed sessions.
• In the rare case ViaClay cancels a class — due to weather, equipment failure, or too few bookings — we will offer you another rescheduled date or a full refund, whichever you prefer.

Class policies

• Classrooms open 15 minutes prior to the start of each class. Please do not arrive earlier so we may prepare the studio for the class.
• Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before the class start time, as our staff need time to prepare the studio.
• Your prompt arrival is very appreciated. Late arrivals after class has been in session for more than 30 minutes may be considered an absence and may not be rescheduled.

Studio safety

• Pottery involves moving machinery, kilns and other hot surfaces, heavy materials, sharp tools, wet and slippery floors, and dust. Although we do our best to manage a safe space, there is risk you should consider.
• By purchasing a class or one-time session, you accept that risk and agree to follow staff instructions and the posted studio rules at all times. Please wear clothes and footwear you do not mind getting muddy, and tell your instructor before class about any injury, allergy, or medical condition that might impact your safety and enjoyment of the class while at ViaClay.
• ViaClay is a respectful and supportive community, and we expect everyone to participate appropriately. We may ask you to leave, without a refund, if your behavior puts yourself, other students, our staff, or the studio at risk.

Age limits and alcohol

Age requirements are stated on each class. Where a class includes alcohol, every participant must be 21 or over and may be asked for photo ID. We will refuse service to anyone who cannot show ID or who appears intoxicated, and no refund is given in that case.

Minors may only attend classes marked as suitable for their age, and a parent or guardian must make the booking.

Your finished work

Firing takes time, and results vary — clay, glaze and kilns are not fully predictable. We cannot guarantee that any individual piece survives drying, firing or glazing, and we cannot replace or refund a piece that does not.

We will email you when your pots are ready. Pickup is Monday to Friday, 11:30am–5:30pm, and Sunday, noon–6pm. Please collect your work within 30 days of that email; after that we may need the shelf space and cannot promise your pieces will still be here.

Photography

We sometimes photograph classes for our own website and social media. Tell your instructor if you would rather not be photographed, and we will be sure you are not included in studio images.