Kiln Firing

Ceramics
21

I think an important distinction in this discussion is that MakeICT is not a traditional pottery studio business. It’s a nonprofit makerspace built around shared community access, volunteering, and member participation across many areas — not just ceramics. Comparing it directly to commercial pottery studios that charge firing fees, class fees, and operate as for-profit businesses does not feel like a one-to-one comparison. We already contribute through memberships, volunteering, donations, and community involvement.

I also agree with the point that was raised about volunteer tasks and improving awareness of what needs attention in the studio. Honestly, this was the first time I had seen such a complete list of routine tasks, and I think that highlights part of the issue — newer or less involved members may genuinely not know all the ways they can help.

I think clearer instructions, organization, and communication around volunteering could go a long way. For example, reclaim and the pug mill are often discussed as major tasks, but many members may not know how to get involved, who to ask, what training is needed, or what the actual process looks like. Having documented responsibilities, volunteer signups, quick training sessions, or even simple “here’s how you can help today” guidance could make it much easier for people to contribute. Even small things like emptying buckets, wiping down wheels and stools, mopping floors, cleaning ware boards and shelves, organizing tools and bats, washing towels, and generally noticing what needs attention all help reduce the burden on the smaller group of volunteers currently carrying much of the workload.

Personally, I’d rather see us strengthen volunteer participation, accountability, communication, and community engagement first before moving toward adding firing fees. Accessibility is one of the things that makes MakeICT valuable, especially for newer potters, hobbyists, and people who may not be able to afford traditional studio pricing.

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I agree. I don’t Think Anyone wants to add firing fees really. The biggest issues lately have been some people not taking care of their own messes and not following basic studio guidelines that help keep it running smoothly.

This series of posts hopefully will raise awareness that it takes a village to keep the studio operational and that everyone needs to do their part.

Also though makers do need to consider that kiln space is limited and they need to remember the space and kilns are shared by many (and a quickly growing many) and it is not fair to abuse the space or equipment or to the overwork the volunteers.

As far as the other things needing done routinely, There are monthly ceramics meetings where all this can be and often is discussed. The meeting dates are posted on the makeict calendar and on the chalk board. Tony does a great job of organizing and running the meetings and the space. But- not many attend the meetings. Also those that do attend are often those who already step up and try to help. We encourage members to come to the meetings! We often share a snack or two and it’s a great way to meet others and find out what’s happening or needs addressed in the studio.

I mentioned other places and fees so members are aware of how amazing our space is. I was not suggesting we should be trying to make money like profits. But there are many expenses and supplies like the clay and glazes need to be reimbursed.
Te bmix clay and glazes are being offered to members at reimbursment pricing- not pricing that makes money for makeict. The only reason the bmix is this affordable is that the studio buys in bulk and passes the discount to members.

If anyone would like to take over the pug mill and the task of turning reclaim into usable clay, please let Tony know. Ed will be happy to train you. It is labor intensive though so the volunteer needs to be able.

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I agree with a lot of what you said about volunteer participation, communication, organization, and making tasks more accessible and visible to members. I think improving those systems is part of the solution.

At the same time, I don’t feel the concerns being raised are really about trying to turn us into a commercial pottery studio or moving away from accessibility. My point was more about recognizing that ceramics has very real physical and time limitations, regardless of whether the space is nonprofit or commercial. Kilns only hold so much, firings take time, equipment wears, and volunteer capacity is finite.

I also want to clarify that I’m not advocating for expensive firing firing fees or creating barriers for casual users or newer potters. In fact, I specifically mentioned ideas like modest honor-system contributions of $ or time only for very high volume users to help offset the increased maintenance costs and labor, or volume based firing limits because I think accessibility is important too.

What concerns me most is sustainability and fairness as usage increases. Right now a very small group of volunteers is carrying a very large amount of labor to keep the ceramics area functioning. And just to be clear, I am not one of them, I just saw the need to do more myself and wanted to encourage others to contribute more if possible. That said, even with stronger volunteer participation, which I fully support, there is still a practical limit to firing capacity and workload in a shared studio environment.

To me, this isn’t about making MakeICT operate like a for profit pottery studio. Its about adapting thoughtfully to growth so the space remains healthy, accessible, and sustainable for everyone long term.