GENERAL
Where is the studio?
​The home studio is near the Rainier Beach Library and Redwing Cafe. It is 1.7 miles from the Rainier Beach light rail station. If you attend a class, I will send you directions but I don't want internet creeps to know where I live!
What's your cancellation policy?
-
After you have paid, you can cancel the class 2 weeks before the start date for a 100% refund minus fees.
-
After that, if all class slots fills, you get a 100% refund minus fees. Please notify me as soon as possible so I can reach out to people on the waiting list.
-
If the class slot doesn’t fill, you will receive a 50% refund.
What if I miss a class during a multiweek course?
I will have 1 makeup class per season for series classes. Since folks may miss different classes, it will cover various gaps students have from the missed classes.
​
Workshops are 1-2 days so they do not have a makeup class. If you know you will miss the class reach out as soon as possible.
What is included in the class?
-
All basic and some advanced clay, glaze, underglaze, and other materials needed for each class (within reason y’all!)
-
All basic and some advanced tools
-
Firing costs
-
Multiweek courses will have open studio hours where I will be on site while you work independently.
-
1 makeup class per multiweek class to encourage people to stay home when they are sick.
Do you teach wheel techniques?
No buds. My focus is handbuilding and there are lots of lovely studios that teach throwing classes.
What equipment do you have?
-
Shimpo slab roller
-
4” Northstar extruder with a variety of dies
-
Shimpo Electric Wheel (no instruction will be given on the wheel)
-
Seattle Pottery Supply front loading kiln (12 cubic feet)
-
So many Power tools and misc small equipment
-
Spray booth coming in 2024.
Do you have very cute sweet cats?
Yes! Thanks for asking. The cats are not allowed in the studio but they hang out in public spaces. Scallywag is likely the only cat you will see because she is social, loves pets, and will high five for treats. Feelings and Biscuit hide from people but are also very very cute.
COVID PRECAUTIONS
Are masks and vaccination required?
Vaccination is required! I will ask for proof.
​
-
Masks are required in the public spaces of the house, but there are entrances to the studio without going through the house.
-
Masks are currently not required in the studios but this may change depending on public health guidelines. If you sign up for a class, please be prepared for the possibility of using a mask.
-
If you have respiratory issues or other health concerns, let me know and talk to your doctor. A mask or respirator might be suggested.
Can I attend class if I'm feeling sick?
No dudes. My sister lives with me and has an autoimmune disease. Let’s all take care of each other!
Is there filtered air?
Yes! Each room has air purifiers with hepa filters.
ACCESSIBILITY
For an accessiblity needs that I have not addressed or that you have questions about please reach out to me.
Accessibility in all its forms is a high priority for me and my community. Since my home is on a hill, there are limitations. There are always options for me to ensure accessibility, whether that means investing in new furniture, finding an alternative location at my house, or teaching at another venue. I am here for it!
Can I bring my service animal?
Yes! Please reach out ASAP so I can notify folks in case an animal affects their ability to attend a class.
Is your studio accessible for wheelchairs and mobility limitations?
My main home studio rooms are accessible by 13 steps. I have outdoor and garage areas that are wheelchair accessible. I can set these up for most classes with advanced notice. I can also find other venues to teach at for folks with limited mobility.
I have a hard time with _______ type of learning.
Same my guys! Generally, I combine a few different ways to understand a concept or technique but if you know what works (or doesn’t work) for you, let me know at anytime.
What's your stool weight limit?
Currently all stools have a 350 lb. weight limit.
SLIDING SCALE
What is sliding scale?
Sliding Scale is a form of mutual aid that acknowledges financial barriers to access. This is a self-reported system with a variable pricing structure that allows us to recognize our financial privileges and vulnerabilities and live by our values.
Why use sliding scale?
We know and feel the extreme income disparity in Seattle and surrounding areas. We also know that this disproportionately affects BIPOC, queer, AFAB, and disability communities. There is no fairness under capitalism, but there can be more equity and support within smaller communities, like this one here.
What do these levels mean to Whatever Factory?
The Supporter Level offsets the cost for folks who need your support and allows Whatever Factory to grow.
The Sustaining Level pays a living wage for teaching and works toward repaying the initial investments in this teaching studio.
The Contributing Level covers tools, materials, and a reduced rate for teaching.
What sliding scale level is right for me?
This is a self-reported system and figuring out where we fit into this is complex. Here is a great guide from the amazing artist Andrea Vollgas.
​
-
Consider paying more on the scale if you:
-
own the home you live in
-
have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money
-
travel recreationally
-
have access to family money and resources in times of need
-
work part-time by choice
-
have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education, gender privilege, racial privilege, thin privilege, class background, etc. Even if you are not currently exercising your earning power, I ask you to recognize this as a choice.
Consider paying less on the scale if you:
-
are a person who experiences discrimination and/or violence related to systematic oppression
-
have medical expenses, been denied work, or experience discrimination related to ableism
-
are eligible for public assistance
-
have immigration-related expenses
-
are a sex worker who experiences occupational discrimination (personal or legislative)
-
are an unpaid community organizer
-
are a returning citizen who has been denied work due to incarceration history
-
are supporting children, family members in need or have other dependents
-
are an elder with limited financial support
-
If none of these levels work with your financial situation, please reach out. I also offer some needs-based scholarships, trades, and other options.
What if the sliding scale price range is still to high for my circumstances?
I totally get that. I sometimes do full or partial trades for classes. I also offer some needs-based scholarships. Please reach out to see what options are available.