Studios FAQ

GENERAL STUDIO INFORMATION

Where are you located?
121 Princess Street, north of Barton on the East side of Sherman.
If you go over the train tracks you’ve gone too far!

Here’s a google map

When are you open?
Monday to Friday: 9-9 for members / 9-4 for staff
Saturday, Sunday: 9-5

Can I come by for a tour?
We offer tours regularly, please click here to see when our next available date is.

Can you recommend a gift for someone? Or can I purchase a course on behalf of somebody
For sure! We’re happy to point you in the right direction if you’d like to gift someone a course - send us an email any time: hello@hamiltoncraftstudios.com

We also offer gift cards that you can purchase through the website.

MEMBERSHIP AND COURSES

Are courses beginner friendly?
Almost all of our courses are beginner friendly. We’ve started adding some intermediate courses and recommend you double check the listing prior to registration as each course listing includes information about what skill level a specific course or workshop will cater to.

Can I register for this course with absolutely no previous experience?
We hope you do! We’ve had folks at all skill levels join us in every studio and we’re sure they’ve all learned something or had the opportunity to explore new techniques. We’re driven to ensure a successful experience for everyone that joins a program at HCS and we’d love for you to join us.

How much does a membership cost?
Our trial membership is for 3 months. When you register for this membership you have 4 options for renewal. Click here to see the membership registration page.

Option 1 - Standard Membership
Trial Cost $333
Monthly Renewal $145

Option 2 - Standard Membership, 3 month renewal
Trial Cost $333
Quarterly Renewal $130.50 / month, billed every 3 months at $391.50

Option 3 - Standard Membership + Wood Studio Access
Trial Cost $333
Monthly Renewal $175

Option 4 - Standard Membership + Wood Studio Access, 3 month renewal
Trial Cost $333
Quarterly Renewal $130.50 / month, billed every 3 months at $472.50

We also offer an Emerging Artist Membership that includes more access and storage.

Can I just sign up for one month to try it out?
Unfortunately no. We offer a very reasonable 3 month initial trial period for membership. That gives us the time we require to get the full HCS experience before moving to monthly payments.

If you want to try the space out before committing to a membership, we highly recommend registering for a class or workshop and taking advantage of the access add-ons available to specific courses.

Do you offer camp/course/membership subsidies?
If we can, we will. We have events throughout the year to raise money so that we are able to offer discounted rates and free access to folks in need. This surplus gets utilized regularly, so we are often unable to assist. Please email us, if we are able - we are happy to help.

If you or anyone you know would like to donate to our camp fund or our community membership/course support fund we would greatly appreciate it!

GENERAL STUDIO ACCESS

Can I rent studio space?
Yes, we have several spaces for emerging artists and full-time makers. If you’re an artist looking for additional storage and access we have Emerging Artist Memberships available. Email us at hello@hamiltoncraftstudios.com

What equipment is off-limits, and how can I get access?
Each studio has communal equipment available, and lots of tools and equipment for our members to use.

Some equipment requires training and should only be used if you have received this training and can confidently and properly use it. A general rule to apply is if you don’t know how to use it - you shouldn’t.

Please email for additional information hello@hamiltoncraftstudios.com

Here are some items that are only available to EAs, F/T Makers and Staff:
Ceramics:
Kilns
Sanding equipment
Glaze making equipment

Textiles:
Industrial Sewing Machines
Industrial Tufting Machine

Woodworking:
Panel Saw
CNC Machine
Laser Cutter
Thickness Sander
SCM jointer
Any machinery located in F/T and EA bays.

If you would like to learn how to access these machines please reach out and we will arrange training or point you to a workshop that will enable you to access the machines.

When can I access the space for drop in?
Only registered participants can access the Ceramics and Textiles Studios during scheduled drop ins. You can book a drop in by clicking here

Wood studio members and registered course participants that have been granted access may attend the wood studio drop in sessions. Book through this link by clicking here.

Wood Studio drop in sessions are accessible by all Wood Studio Members who have passed the safety test.

Where can I store my work-in-progress, and how much does storage cost?Each studio has storage options available.
In Ceramics, General Arts and Textiles a full Shelf is $35, a half shelf is $17.50.

In Woodworking a small area is $35, a Large area is $70 and project storage is available on a project-to-project basis. Please speak to the tech on duty to make storage arrangements.

Can I access the space outside my class time?
Members can access the space during open hours. Class participants often get drop in passes for studio access outside of class time. We have recently added the opportunity to purchase a short term access add-on for course participants so they may access the studios through the duration of their course. Your specific available access is outlined during your first class and details are sent via email to ensure you make the most of that time during your program.

Studio Calendars:
Ceramics
Textiles
Woodworking
Drop-Ins / Clubs

Can I bring my pet into the studio?
No. If you bring your dog here I won’t get any work done and it’ll be a whole thing.

But also - no. As much as we love your animals, only service animals are welcome in the space.

Can I bring my kids into the studio?
No. Sorry - kids are welcome to join us during registered kids programs, private events, some open studio days and family programs. But for liability purposes, HCS does not permit children to be in the studio for extended periods.

CERAMIC STUDIO

Do you teach ceramic courses?
Do we ever! HCS has amazing ceramics classes taught by incredible artist-instructors. Click here to see what classes are registering now.

TEXTILES STUDIO

Do you teach textile/fibre/sewing courses?
More and more textiles focused courses are being added to the calendar every season. We currently offer garment, quilting, home decor, alterations, beginner, intermediate and youth courses. We can’t wait to add more!

WOOD STUDIO

Do you teach woodworking?
Furniture making, carving, turning and more! HCS has fantastic woodworking classes taught by incredible craftspersons. Click here to see what classes are registering now.

Can I access the woodstudio with absolutely no woodworking experience?
No - and for good reason! This studio has all the hazardous machinery in it. Members must pass a hands-on safety test with our technician prior to gaining access to the woodstudio. If you do not have any experience in a wood studio, or do not think you can confidently work independently in a wood studio, we highly recommend joining our table or cabinetry course. They’re both geared to new woodworkers and participants work through the machinery operations and learn safe practices through the duration of the program. Once you’ve completed a course you’ll be able to pass the safety test and gain access to the studio as a member.

TOOLS, MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

Can I take materials, supplies or tools home?
Course materials in each studio should remain on site. In some cases, for example our garment sewing programs, there is no issue with bringing your projects home to work on them. Other programs, the materials become a health and safety issue (clay = silica dust) or may be too cumbersome (woodworking table project) and we recommend you leave all materials in your designated storage area.

The studio's tools and machines must not be removed from the studio at any time. The tools are the property of HCS and are used by classes, members, workshop participants and our community daily. Please do not remove any tool that you do not own personally.

What supplies are available in the studios?
Materials and consumables are the personal liability/responsibility of each member. You must purchase or provide your own clay, fabrics, glue, wood, underglazes, sandpaper, etc.

Many materials are available for purchase at the studio or online.

Clay and Wood MUST be purchased through the studio. Please contact us with any questions you may have regarding how to purchase or order these materials.

If I don’t have my own materials, supplies and tools, do you sell them?
We do. We have a wide range of raw materials to purchase in the studio. From wood and sheet goods, sandpaper and glue to fabric, thread, clay and sculpting tools.

Visit the STORE link on the website to see which tools and materials are available.
For Wood Studio materials, please speak directly to the tech on duty during drop in or email orders@hamiltoncraftstudios.com

Can I bring in my own materials, supplies and tools?
You can. We have lots of tools, machinery and infrastructure in place for members to use, but when it comes to materials you’ll need to bring what you will be using. HCS sells some materials like wood and clay on site and we recommend checking with us first before bringing any of these materials in to work on. HCS is not responsible for member tools stored at the studio.

Clay MUST be bought through the studio as it includes fees that cover glazes and firing.

Do you sell materials?
We do! Everything you need to get a project started. Please contact us at orders@hamiltoncraftstudios.com or visit our website and peruse our Shop listings.

KIDS PROGRAMS AND CAMPS

What are your age groups for kids camps and PA days?
Our age groups are 7 - 12, which to us means 7 and 12 this year. If your kid is 6 and turns 7 in 2024, they’ll do great. If your kid is 12 but turns 13 this year, they’ll also do great.

Why does your camp charge HST?
Certain camps, specifically public entities, are exempt from HST and therefore do not charge. HCS is a private organization and must charge and submit HST for each transaction.

Do you offer early drop-off or late pick-up for camps?
Not at this time. As our program grows, our capacity to offer more services such as aftercare will as well.

PRIVATE EVENTS, GROUP BOOKINGS AND WORKSHOPS

Can I host an event at HCS?
You can host all kinds of events at HCS.

If you’re looking to book a kids birthday party CLICK HERE

If you’re interested in a larger event, hosting your own workshops or renting space for a larger/long term project please email us hello@hamiltoncraftstudios.com

Can you run a workshop for my event?
We would love to. There are associated costs and depending on which activity you choose we will send an estimate that covers materials and instructor fees. Once confirmed we require payment up front to secure the instructor and purchase materials. For now, we’re asking folks to email us details and dates and we can begin working together to plan your event: hello@hamiltoncraftstudios.com

What kind of workshops can you run for events?
Any and all! We always recommend something low stakes and easy to accomplish, something that leaves people feeling accomplished and happy they were able to make something. We’re happy to discuss options at any time. Our most successful workshops are generally in clay and textiles, but we’ve also run larger group workshops in woodworking. Please email us to plan your group workshop: hello@hamiltoncraftstudios.com

I have a project I need done, do you make this?
Maybe. Your best bet is to email pictures and details. Our first option is to reach out to the more experienced makers in our community to see if they are available to work with you. If we can’t find someone within the community at HCS we are well connected to the great maker community of Hamilton and will help you find someone that can take on your project.