Michigan Art Center Policies
Welcome to the Michigan Art Center (MAC), located in Garden City, MI. Our mission is to cultivate a safe, creative, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all participants, including students, artists, instructors, staff, and guests. We invite you to review our art center policies carefully before enrolling in our ceramics classes, jewelry workshops, or any other events such as private gatherings and open studios.
Online Registration (Recommended)
Online registration is the fastest and preferred method to secure your place in our ceramics classes, jewelry workshops, and events. Registration operates on a first-come, first-served basis and requires full payment at the time of registration. Enrollment is only confirmed once your payment is successfully processed. Michigan Art Center reserves the right to cancel, combine, reschedule, or substitute instructors/classes as needed.
Phone & Walk-In Registration
Phone and walk-in registrations are accepted based on availability; however, spots cannot be guaranteed without payment. A full payment is necessary to hold your registration.
Missed Classes
Classes missed for any reason—personal matters, illness, travel, work, weather, or scheduling issues—are typically not eligible for refunds or make-up sessions. Make-up classes are not guaranteed and may only occur if space and scheduling allow. Open studio time is intended to support ongoing class work and does not substitute for instructional class hours.
Refund Policy for Dropped Classes, Workshops & Cancelled Classes
Refund requests made at least 14 days prior to the start date of a class or workshop may receive a refund or studio credit, minus any applicable processing fees. No refunds will be awarded once classes or workshops commence. Note that workshops, specialty events, and private events may have separate refund policies. If Michigan Art Center cancels a class or workshop, participants will receive either a full refund or studio credit toward a future class or event.
Credits
Studio credits may be issued at the discretion of Michigan Art Center. These credits can be applied toward eligible MAC classes, workshops, events, or approved purchases. Please be aware that credits are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. They must be used before the expiration date provided at the time of issuance, as expired credits will not be extended or reissued.
Production Potters
Production potters are artists approved to utilize MAC studio facilities, kilns, shelving, and equipment for their ceramic works. They are required to adhere to all studio safety and cleaning procedures, accurately label all shelves and work, respect shared studio spaces, and promptly pick up finished pieces due to limited storage.
Clay
To maintain consistency and safety in firing, all clay and unfinished work must stay within the studio. Outside clay bodies are not allowed unless expressly approved by MAC staff. Students must clearly label their clay and work with their first name and last initial, as improperly identified items may be recycled. Clay allocations may vary based on class type, membership, or studio programs.
Personal Belongings Left on Shelves
Please refrain from leaving personal belongings, tools, food, or drinks on shelves for long periods. Michigan Art Center cannot be held responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Any unclaimed items left for an extended duration may be moved, donated, recycled, or discarded.
Wetware Cutoff Date
Wet or leather-hard work must be completed by the posted semester cutoff date, as work not ready for firing by this date may not be processed during the current semester. Students should manage project timelines carefully to ensure adequate drying and firing time.
Bisqueware | Glazed Pieces
Due to limited shelving, students are responsible for promptly collecting bisque and glazed work after notification. Items awaiting glaze should be completed in a timely manner. Private event pieces will be held in the designated pickup area for up to three months after notification, after which unclaimed work may be relocated, donated, or discarded.
Studio Time
Open studio time is exclusively available to currently enrolled students, approved members, staff, or authorized artists. Cleanliness is mandatory, and students should tidy their work areas after use. Participants must respect fellow students, instructors, production potters, and shared studio equipment, with MAC reserving the right to suspend privileges for unsafe behavior or policy violations.
Drop-Ins
Drop-in studio use may be permitted based on availability. Advance approval or registration might be needed, and all drop-in participants must comply with MAC policies and safety procedures.
Studio Safety & Liability
Engaging in pottery and studio activities involves inherent risks such as minor injuries from tools or equipment, burns from kilns, and slips or falls due to wet surfaces. By participating in classes, workshops, or studio activities, participants accept these risks and agree to follow safety rules and staff directions.
To ensure safety:
- Always walk carefully, as floors may be wet or slippery.
- Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.
- No running is allowed inside the studio.
- Access to the kiln room is restricted to authorized personnel only.
- Grinding tools should only be used under staff supervision.
- Request rolling carts when moving large items.
- Mats are for standing comfort; do not roll glaze buckets or equipment across them.
Michigan Art Center LLC, its owners, instructors, staff, and affiliates are not liable for minor injuries occurring during normal participation in studio activities.
Private Events & Alcohol Policy
Michigan Art Center may permit alcohol at select private events, where guests must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol at their own risk. MAC reserves the right to refuse entry or participation to anyone deemed impaired or unsafe.
Photo & Media Release
Michigan Art Center may take photos or record activities for marketing and promotional purposes. If you do not wish to appear in any photos or videos, please inform the staff in writing.
Right to Refuse Service
Michigan Art Center retains the right to refuse service or participation to anyone exhibiting unsafe, disruptive, disrespectful, or inappropriate behavior.
Policy Updates
Michigan Art Center may update or modify its studio policies at any time to enhance operations, safety, and participant experience.
Contact Information
Disclaimer
Information provided on this website, including class schedules, pricing, memberships, workshops, policies, studio hours, events, products, and services, may be updated, modified, or changed at any time without prior notice.
While Michigan Art Center in Garden City, MI strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, occasional typographical errors, pricing inaccuracies, scheduling changes, or product availability changes may occur.
Participation in ceramics classes, pottery workshops, private events, open studio sessions, and other studio activities involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:
- minor cuts or abrasions,
- burns from kilns or hot surfaces,
- slip, trip, or fall hazards,
- equipment-related injuries,
- and possible breakage or damage to ceramic work during drying, glazing, firing, handling, shelving, or transportation.
By registering for or participating in Michigan Art Center activities, participants acknowledge and voluntarily accept these inherent risks.
Michigan Art Center LLC, its owners, instructors, employees, independent contractors, volunteers, and affiliates shall not be held liable for:
- minor injuries occurring during normal participation,
- loss or damage to pottery or personal belongings,
- missed classes due to weather, emergencies, instructor illness, equipment failure, or unforeseen operational circumstances,
- or temporary interruptions to studio operations, equipment, firing schedules, or facility access.
Michigan Art Center reserves the right to enforce its art center policies, including:
- refusing service,
- terminating registrations, memberships, or studio access,
- removing participants from classes, workshops, private events, open studio sessions, or studio activities,
if conduct violates studio policies, creates unsafe conditions, damages property, disrupts studio operations, or negatively impacts staff, students, or guests.
Violation of studio policies or safety guidelines may result in immediate dismissal from studio activities without refund.