Intermediate DIY Membership

Intermediate DIY Membership is LOAM’s most independent studio offering, designed for experienced ceramic makers who want greater autonomy over their materials, workflow, glazing, and firings. This is a shared studio environment intended for self-directed practice rather than instructional learning.

This membership is best suited for makers who:

• Have strong independent ceramic experience
  
• Are comfortable working without direct instruction
  
• Have experience glazing and firing work— or are willing to invest in learning these skills through a private lesson or group class
  
• Are producing collections, commissions, or ongoing bodies of work
  
• Want greater control over materials and process
  
• Value shared professional infrastructure without maintaining a private studio

This membership is not appropriate for beginners or makers seeking a class-style environment.

DIY Membership is available by application only.

Interested makers can apply through the website or contact us directly at info@loamclaystudio.ca. Applications help us ensure the studio is a good fit for both the applicant and the shared DIY community.

Selected applicants may be invited for a studio conversation or orientation before approval.

Intermediate DIY Membership includes:

• Dedicated personal shelf space
  
• Access to the DIY Studio during designated studio hours
• Key access after a 3-month active making probation period outside of regular studio hours
• Shared access to professional studio equipment
• The ability to use your own clay bodies and glazes
• Access to kiln firings within the DIY system
• A community of experienced ceramic makers

Yes. DIY members may use clay bodies and glazes within studio guidelines.

Because shared firings impact both equipment and other makers’ work, all materials must meet LOAM’s firing and safety requirements. Certain materials or processes may require approval before use.

Yes. DIY members are responsible for loading and managing their own firings within the shared kiln system.

Firings are coordinated collaboratively among DIY members and are charged per load. Members are expected to understand kiln safety, loading practices, and firing procedures before participating independently.

DIY members should already have kiln knowledge and firing experience. However, an orientation to LOAM’s kiln systems, firing procedures, and studio expectations may be required before independent use.

No. Firings are charged separately per kiln load. DIY members coordinate shared firings together to maximize kiln efficiency and studio resources.

Yes — cone 10 firings are available within the DIY Studio system.

Due to the significantly higher energy use and increased wear and tear on kiln elements and equipment at higher temperatures, cone 10 firings are priced at $100 per firing.

DIY Studio can support small-scale production, commissions, and collection work, but it is not intended for high-volume industrial production.

Because the studio operates within a shared environment, members are expected to work in a way that respects shared space, kiln capacity, equipment, and community balance.

Yes. Many DIY members create work for commissions, markets, exhibitions, or ongoing collections. Reach out to us about hosting an exhibition at LOAM.

DIY members have access to shared studio equipment and designated DIY Studio resources, including use of the LOAM slab roller and access to space within our glaze kitchen to safely mix and work with your own glaze materials.

When working with glaze materials, proper PPE approved by LOAM must be worn at all times.

Do I need to clean up after each session?

Absolutely. DIY members are expected to maintain a high standard of cleanliness, organization, and shared studio etiquette.

Members are responsible for:

• Thoroughly cleaning their workspace after each session
  
• Returning tools and equipment to their proper locations
  
• Managing materials safely and respectfully
  
• Emptying their garbage and maintaining their designated areas
  
• Participating in shared studio cleaning expectations, including bathroom cleaning responsibilities within the DIY Studio
  
• Respecting shared spaces, equipment, and workflows

DIY Studio operates with a high level of member responsibility and accountability.

Yes. Members are provided with dedicated shelf space for works in progress, tools, and approved materials. All items must be clearly labeled and stored within your designated area.

No. This is not a supervised or instructional studio environment. While staff may provide occasional operational guidance, DIY members are expected to work independently and responsibly.

Our team reviews all applications carefully to ensure a strong fit within the studio community and technical expectations of the space. Approved applicants will be contacted regarding next steps, orientation requirements, studio policies, and availability.