WHEN ARE YOUR OFFICE HOURS?
We recommend scheduling appointments beforehand to ensure someone is in the office to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I NEED TO BRING ANY MATERIALS TO CLASS?
No, we provide all the materials you will need. For our clay classes however, you might be mindful about the clothing you wear, or think about bringing an apron if you wish (we also provide aprons).
WHERE CAN I PARK?
For our 800 Moss Street location, we have a small parking lot to the side of our studio, or you can park on the street outside the studio. We encourage street parking for our 1724 McAlester Street location.
DO YOU OFFER A TRIAL CLASS?
We do not offer a trial class for 6-week courses, but there are many beginner-level classes offered each session. You can also try a one-time workshop found here.
MAY I TAKE AN UPPER-LEVEL CLASS WITHOUT COMPLETING THE PREREQUISITES IF I HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE IN THAT MEDIUM?
Possibly. Please give us a call or email the appropriate studio manager to discuss your previous experience and find the best class fit:
For adult clay: clay@schoolofservice.org
For adult weaving, spinning, and other fiber arts: fibers@schoolofservice.org
For kids' classes and camps: youthprograms@schoolofservice.org
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
If you cancel at least three full weeks before the start of the program, you will receive a full refund minus the non-refundable fee of $30. You may be able to switch to a different available class or program. No refunds or credits are given after three weeks before the start of the program. I we cancel due to low enrollment, COVID-19, or other unforeseen circumstances, we will issue a full refund.
DOES ACCESS ARTS OFFER WAITLISTS?
Access Arts does offer waitlists when classes fill. If a seat opens back up, staff will begin contacting people on the waitlist in the order they joined until the seat is taken. If you would like to receive an email notification when registration opens each session, please sign up for the mailing list.
WHEN’S THE NEXT SESSION STARTING?
For upcoming sessions, please refer to our Class Schedule here.
DO YOU OFFER GIFT CERTIFICATES?
Yes! Gift certificates for the studio make a great gift for friends and loved ones. Gift certificates can be used for any adult or youth class, camp, workshop, or private event. Get yours here.
DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE PARTIES OR SPECIAL EVENTS?
Yes! Go to this page to find more information and begin booking your event!
WHAT AGES DO YOUTH CLASSES SERVE?
For our Elementary Summer Camps, students must be going into first - sixth grade in the Fall Semester. For our secondary grade Summer Camps, the participants must be going into sixth - twelfth grades in the fall. For School's Out, students must be enrolled in Kindergarten - sixth grade. The specific ages for each of our 6-week classes are listed on our youth 6-week page.
IF I WANT TO SEND MY CHILD TO SUMMER CAMP, BUT THEY HAVE A CONFLICT THAT PREVENTS THEM FROM GOING THE FULL DAY, CAN I STILL SIGN THEM UP?
This year we are offering half-day camp options in addition to the full day. While we don't offer a discounted option for those with scheduling conflict, your child can attend and arrive late, leave early, or miss days; however, you should contact us to let us know.
WHAT SORT OF CLAY IS BEING USED IN THE 6-WEEK CLASSES?
We use Cone 6 Stoneware that produces a light, white color when fired, and we also offer porcelain for purchase at cost. We fire students’ work in an electric kiln (oxidation firing). Occasionally we offer the opportunity to fire the work in our gas kiln (cone 10 reduction firing) or participate in a wood firing with our resident artists.
SHOULD I STAY WHILE MY CHILD IS IN A CLASS OR TAKING ART LESSONS?
Not at all; it is best for students to be focused on their art and not dividing their attention between their art and their parents. Please drop them off and enjoy some time to yourself!
IN THE PARENT+YOUTH CLAY CLASSES, ARE BOTH MYSELF AND MY CHILD ALLOWED TO COME TO OPEN STUDIO HOURS?
Yes! All participants of these classes are allowed to come to open studio hours, we just ask that both you and your child are working on your clay projects. We try to avoid having individuals in the studio who aren't actively working on their pieces as space and materials are already tight.
CAN I SIGN UP FOR A CLASS IN THE MIDDLE OF A SESSION?
Typically no, but there is a new session every other month, so make sure to look at the schedule and be the first to sign up for the following session!
WHAT IS THE CANCELATION POLICY?
When inclement weather occurs, class cancelations will be decided by the instructor of the class. If WE cancel any 6-week classes due to weather or COVID-19, they will be made up at a later date. If a class is not canceled, but a student feels unsafe traveling, they can stay home, but NO make-up class will be provided. We encourage you to make up any lost time during open studio hours and ask about any material missed during the following class.
Your instructor will contact you via email if a class is canceled, at least 4 hours in advance. Please make sure they have your correct contact information.
WHEN ARE OPEN STUDIO HOURS?
You can find open studio hours for our clay studio and fibers studio under the Adult Programs tab, on the Clay or Fibers web pages.
DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS IF YOU CAN’T PAY THE FULL AMOUNT FOR CLASSES?
Yes! We provide scholarships for almost all of our youth and adult programming, but we have a limited number of spots available each session. Submit your application today!