Rachael Rice on sun 21 may 00
A group of fellow students from a ceramic college program want to start
our own clay studio. We aren't sure how many will actually participate
but perhaps there will be 8 of us. We will probably rent a small
warehouse space in D.C./ MAryland area. Any advise on how to deal with
all the variables like making studio policy, splitting costs, those who
use it alot like for production versus those who use it very part-time
whose responsible for rent, how to split the jobs, do you set it up like
a business or just people sharing a space and insurance. Is it wise to
have several different membership levels including people who just drop
in and use the space. HAs anyone done this and is there any advice or
pitfalls we should be aware of. Thanks in advance.
Rachael
A.Kreeger on mon 22 may 00
Hi Rachel, get in touch with me, I'm in the same area doing the same thing.
(posted earlier). I'd be interested to exchange ideas. Andrea
----------
>From: Rachael Rice
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: Re: [CLAYART] Advice on starting Community Studio
>Date: Sun, May 21, 2000, 8:18 PM
>
> A group of fellow students from a ceramic college program want to start
> our own clay studio. We aren't sure how many will actually participate
> but perhaps there will be 8 of us. We will probably rent a small
> warehouse space in D.C./ MAryland area. Any advise on how to deal with
> all the variables like making studio policy, splitting costs, those who
> use it alot like for production versus those who use it very part-time
> whose responsible for rent, how to split the jobs, do you set it up like
> a business or just people sharing a space and insurance. Is it wise to
> have several different membership levels including people who just drop
> in and use the space. HAs anyone done this and is there any advice or
> pitfalls we should be aware of. Thanks in advance.>
> Rachael
>
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DeBorah Goletz on tue 23 may 00
Rachael,
If you choose to have different membership levels, you might base them on
space requirements rather than on how often people use the studio. Many
studios feature a common area with wheels/slab roller/tables/glaze area
surrounded by smaller private work spaces. A private work space (which the
user could equip as desired) would cost more than renting just a shelf space
in the common area. Usually the common area users have more limited access,
as when this area is used for classes, or when access depends on someone
else being in the studio (you have to determine who gets access keys). If
you choose to have common kilns, you can use a sign-up sheet, so each member
pays a fee when they fire. Generally a high firing costs more than a bisque
based on fuel consumption. It's not a bad idea to require each member to
spend a couple hours per week or month doing shared studio chores like
cleaning kiln shelves, bathrooms, mopping the studio or mixing glazes (use a
sign-up for this too - accountability helps people not to "forget"). Many
pitfalls can be avoided with effective (and well posted) studio policies.
Best of luck with your exciting endeavour.
DeBorah Goletz
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