HCS General Member Guidelines

These guidelines apply to all Hamilton Craft Studios (HCS) members, regardless of studio or membership tier. They outline how we work together to keep our spaces safe, respectful, welcoming, and sustainable for everyone.

Studio Access

Members must be in good standing and have signed all required waivers, agreements, and documentation.

Studio access is limited to your assigned tier and corresponding hours.

Members are welcome in the studio during scheduled classes. Class participants have priority on wheels, equipment, and designated class work areas during class times. Members are asked to work in other areas of the studio and avoid equipment in use by a class.

Only members who have completed a studio-specific orientation may access that studio or its equipment.

Studio calendars are available on the website and updated regularly. Please check the calendar before each visit to see whether classes are scheduled in the areas or on the equipment you plan to use.

Conduct and Community Expectations

Treat every member, guest, and staff person with courtesy, respect, and professionalism.

HCS has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, bullying, or hate speech of any kind.

Respect different experience levels and artistic practices. Our space is for everyone.

Intellectual property and artistic integrity must be upheld. Do not copy, reproduce, or sell work that mimics another artist's style or concepts.

Shared Space Use

Members are welcome to use communal areas including the kitchen, coworking spaces, lounge, and washrooms.

Clean up after yourself. Leave all shared spaces clean and organized.

Label your items in the fridge. Any unlabelled food may be removed.

Return all shared tools and supplies to their designated homes after use.

Safety and Equipment Use

Do not use tools, equipment, or materials you have not been trained to operate.

Always wear appropriate safety gear, including PPE when required.

Report any damaged or malfunctioning equipment to staff immediately.

Respect all signage, tool restrictions, and space-specific safety procedures.

Misuse or negligence that results in damage may lead to a repair fee or revocation of access.

Cleaning and Studio Care

Leave your space cleaner than you found it. Wipe, sweep, mop, and reset.

Return tools, clean equipment, and safely dispose of waste and scraps.

Do not leave projects, tools, or materials in communal spaces unless you have arranged storage.

Follow the specific cleaning protocols for each studio (ceramics, wood, textiles, etc.).

Communal Stewardship

HCS runs on shared care. All members contribute to the upkeep of the studio, and we encourage everyone to take ownership in ways both big and small. If something needs doing, such as refilling rinse buckets, wiping a table, or tidying tools, please take initiative. Stewardship builds community.

Membership Tiers and Access

Each membership tier includes specific access rights and responsibilities. Please refer to your membership document for details.

Members may only access the studios, equipment, and resources assigned to their tier.

By participating in this community, you agree to uphold these guidelines. We are glad you are here. Thank you for making HCS a better place for everyone.

Additional Guidelines

• Members are responsible for checking the studio calendar before arriving to confirm the space and equipment they wish to use are available.
• Only HCS-owned tools and shared resources may be used. Please do not use tools from a member's personal storage.
• Non-members are not permitted to work in the studio, including assisting active members.
• Visitors must check in with HCS staff before entering or using any part of the facility.
• All broken or malfunctioning tools should be reported immediately to hello@hamiltoncraftstudios.com.
• Storage is only permitted with an active storage agreement. Do not leave tools or materials on site without permission.
• Large or long-term projects that require extended space use must be coordinated in advance with studio staff.
• Members are expected to make space for others. Common areas must be shared respectfully during drop-in hours.
• PPE (including safety glasses) must be worn when using machinery in the wood studio. Proper attire is required: closed-toe shoes, no loose clothing or jewelry.
• Do not sweep in the ceramics studio. Dust must be managed by mopping only.
• Always leave the studio better than you found it. A little extra effort from everyone keeps the space functional and welcoming.