STUDIO ACCESS

Need more shop time?

For a small fee, we provide Studio Access outside of course hours in the welding, blacksmithing, and jewelry departments. This is an affordable way to access tools and equipment as well as the supervision of an experienced studio monitor to finish the project that you began during your course or start a brand new project.
If you are 18 years of age or younger and you have taken a course in welding, blacksmithing, or jewelry at The Steel Yard, you can access the studio free of charge during designated times. Complete the Community Studio Access Request Form. You will receive an email once we have confirmed availability and eligibility.

HOW TO GET STUDIO ACCESS

Step 1: Take a course! Studio Access is limited to people who’ve previously taken a BEGINNER & above level welding, blacksmithing or jewelry course at The Steel Yard. We offer Community Studio Access for ceramics only to those currently enrolled in a ceramics course.

Please note: If it has been more than 2 years since you have used The Steel Yard’s studios, we ask that you take another course to refresh you on machinery and our Studio Policies. We do not currently offer additional shop-time/studio access in the ceramics department.

Step 2: PAY for your appointment. Studio access is $35.00 per 3-hour session (see exception for youth access below). Please purchase a 3-hour slot from our Course Catalog.

Step 3: REQUEST using this Community Studio Access Request Form. It must be completed at least a 24 HOURS prior to the requested access date. Currently, we offer Studio Access on THURSDAYS from 3-6 PM, FRIDAYS from 5:30-8:30PM, and SUNDAYS from 5-8 PM. Please submit one form per attendee per date. Be sure to check our Calendar to confirm that the session will be running prior to your request.

Step 4: ATTEND your reserved session. Please arrive to your session on time; the monitors will lock the studio doors after 30 minutes. If you arrive past the first half hour, please ring the doorbell for assistance.

Community Studio Access FAQ

What is Community Studio Access (CSA)?

Community Studio Access is available to any current student or alumni who has been in the studio within the past two years.

The Steel Yard offers students in multi-week classes one complimentary Community Studio Access session each week for the duration of their course. Once the class concludes, students in Jewelry, Blacksmithing, and Welding can continue to use the studios for a fee on Thursdays 3-6 PM, Fridays 5:30-8:30 PM, and Sundays 5-8 PM.

What if I attended a class more than 2 years ago? Can I still attend Community Studio Access?

Studios, tools, and safety policies change. If it has been more than two years since you have participated in a course or have utilized CSA, please take another class to get reacquainted with the studio.

Is payment required? How do I pay?

Each session of Community Studio Access costs $35. Students can pay online through the course catalog tab on The Steel Yard website or pay cash or check upon arrival.

****Please register 24 hours in advance to ensure you have space in the studio. Visit https://www.thesteelyard.org/product/community-studio-access/ for complete directions.

Do I still have to pay the full rate if I can’t attend the whole three hours?

Yes. As a reminder, the door will be locked after the first 30 minutes of Community Studio Access. If you arrive after 30 minutes, please ring the doorbell to alert the monitor, and they will let you in.

Will there be someone in the shop there to help me?

This is your opportunity to take what you’ve learned in class and build independence! A monitor will always be on-site to assist in purchasing materials and ensure safety protocols and best practices are followed.

What is Community Studio Access Etiquette:

Everyone in the studio is in pursuit of their creative practice. With this in mind, we ask that all attendees respect other community members and act in a non-disruptive way.
Pack in, Pack out
CSA attendees are expected to clean up after themselves and return tools to their homes during the last 20 minutes of studio time.

****Attendees should alert the monitor about any gas or oxygen tanks in the studios that are low or out of gas by the end of the session.

I have more questions. Who can I talk to?

If you have specific questions after reviewing our website, please email education@thesteelyard.org.

Do I get a place to store my work?

No. We have a strict pack-in/pack-out policy for folks using community studio hours.

What is the procedure?

Check-in with the monitor
Sign in
Get creative!
15 minutes before the end CSA = clean up your space and return tools to their homes

Can I bring guests? Friends? Pet? Child?
No. For everyone’s safety, we ask that you and only you show up for your community studio hours.

*** The only exception to this is if you require a caretaker to be with you at all times.

Do you offer access to the ceramics department during CSA?
We do not offer CSA in the ceramics department due to kiln capacity. We do provide advanced ceramic courses and guided open studios throughout the year. Alternatively, other studios in the area offer membership-based studio access. See the list Artist Resource List on our website, or scan the QR code below.

NEED EVEN MORE SHOP TIME?

Do you need more time to work on a project, prototype, or commission piece? Our Micro-Residency is a great way for you to get 24/7 studio access, for at least one month, or up to a maximum of three months.