Category:Pottery Studio

The pottery studio at the Port City Makerspace is a dedicated space for potters and ceramic artists to create, experiment, and develop their skills.

• Potter's needles
• Cut-off wires
• Fettling knives
• Ribs and scrapers
• Loop, wire and ribbon tools
• Wooden modeling tools
• Sponges
• Assorted forms and templates
• Brushes
  • Slip brushes have wood handles with brightly colored tips.
  • Glaze brushes have all-wood handles.
  • Wax resist brushes are brightly colored, Crayola branded, and have no wood. Wash wax resist brushes separately from glaze and slip brushes.

(See the Shop Store for current offerings and to make purchases.)

• B-Mix 5
  • Its smooth, porcelain texture is a pleasure to throw and form, and it fires to a cream color in oxidation.
  • Shrinkage ~12.0%; Absorption ~2.3%
• B-3 Brown
  • Pliable clay with smooth grog and color from manganese and iron. Fires brown/black in oxidation.
  • Shrinkage ~10.0%; Absorption ~3.0%
• No.50
  • Light sand color with fine black specks that show through glazes. Excellent throwing body.
  • Shrinkage: ~12.0%; Absorption ~2.93%
• No.55
  • Off-white stoneware clay excellent for wheel work. Minor speckling caused by fireclay.
  • Shrinkage ~10.8%; Absorption ~1.9%
• No.60
  • Tan/buff stoneware clay with specks that bleed through the glaze, giving the appearance of iron burning through, typical of reduction effects.
  • Shrinkage ~10.9%; Absorption ~1.7%
• No.65
  • A plastic stoneware body that works well for functional whiteware.
  • Shrinkage ~13%; Absorption ~1%
• No.80
  • Fires red-brown. Very plastic for throwing.
  • Shrinkage ~14.0%; Absorption ~0.9%

• 266 Umbria
  • Gives a reduction-like dark brown color in an electric kiln. Smooth and plastic. Good for all techniques.
  • Shrinkage ~13%; Absorption ~1.4%

• A Glaze Membership is required per person (inclusive of children) for access to PCMS glazes. For current monthly fees, see the Shop Store.
• Currently we are sourcing Amaco and Coyote glazes for brushing and layering. See studio manager with any questions about availability or requests for additions to our stock.
• Always check glaze labels for application instructions, firing tips and needs, and food-safety rating before using. If your glaze/glazes might run or be more fluid, label your piece requesting a cookie or stilt.

• If a piece of yours is missing from where you expected it to be, it may have found its way to "pottery jail" on the lowermost shelf of the glaze fire rack. A piece may be sent here if it has any issues, which may include:
  • missing names, labels, logos, or marks;
  • inadequate glazing (eg. glazed bottoms/feet, glaze too close to bottom on the sides, etc.);
  • broken pieces; or
  • any pieces needing further clarification or additional info on status before going into the kiln.
• If your piece is in pottery jail, speak with the Kiln Master or text to their phone number listed on the shelf to find out what's needed to get your piece back into the firing process.

• Always wear appropriate attire: wear closed-toe shoes, and avoid loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in equipment.
• Follow all safety instructions provided for the use of equipment (e.g., kilns, wheels and grinders).
• Do not operate any machinery without proper training.
• Report any accidents, injuries or equipment malfunctions immediately to the shop manager or general manager.

• Currently, members do not need to sign up for studio time in advance, but be aware this policy may need to change as demand increases.
• Respect others' studio time and workspace; avoid using another member's personal materials or equipment without permission.
• Clean all tools and workspaces after use (e.g., clean clay tools, wash wheels, brushes and buckets and wipe down workstations).
• Keep the studio tidy and organized, including cleaning up clay debris and assisting with emptying water buckets and maintaining clean sink and floors.

• Only use the glazes and clays purchased through the Port City Makerspace Pottery Studio. Any outside clay or glaze must be approved by the studio manager.
• Store personal materials in designated rented lockers and label them with your name.

• Only authorized personnel may operate the kiln. Do not attempt to fire your own pieces unless you have received proper training and approval from the shop manager.
• Pieces must be properly labeled or marked before the bisque firing, to ensure they are not mistakenly taken by others and to follow up on any firing incidents. Unmarked work will be held in "pottery jail" for a time till this is corrected.
• Firing schedules will usually be posted in advance. Always check with the kiln master regarding changes in schedules or specific firing needs (temperature, time, etc.).
• Any damage to the kiln or other equipment due to improper use may result in repair charges.

• Be respectful and considerate of other studio members.
• No disruptive or disrespectful behavior, including inappropriate language or actions.
• Be mindful of shared space and limit personal belongings to designated areas.

• Check the completions status of your work before coming to pick it up; a Slack message will usually be sent out when a kiln is unloaded. Be prepared to be flexible regarding delays or changes in firing schedules.
• Place your work on the proper shelf when it is ready for bisque and glaze firings.

• Access to makerspace glazes requires a monthly glaze membership in addition to the general PCMS membership. Glaze memberships are per person, inclusive of children, not per family.

• Do not copy or replicate others' artwork without permission.
• Be mindful of others' privacy and work and do not photograph or share their creations without consent.

• Recycle clay scraps and slip in the buckets by the wheels. 'Any clay that falls on the floor must be thrown out.
• Please keep water usage to a minimum, and adhere to the rules and requirements of the sink and cleaning process.
• Give yourself enough time to make sure you're leaving the studio as you wish you'd find it.

• Pottery storage spaces are available for rent. For current monthly fees, see the Shop Store.
• 17″x15″ storage spaces with a card tag, a ventilated door, and an independent locking system.
• Space holds up to 55 pounds.