STUDIO INFORMATION

When is Bayan Studio’s grand opening?

We are excited to announce that Bayan Studio is scheduled for a grand opening in early April 2026! You don't have to wait until then to see the space. We'll be hosting a few special preview events in February and March 2026 to give you a sneak peek of our progress.

How large is the studio?

Bayan Studio is a spacious 7,500 square feet of open workspace, featuring impressive 20-foot ceilings. We've also secured a major convenience for our community: a dedicated parking lot with 30 private spots, a feature unheard of in the Oak Park, IL area.

What type of equipment and tools will Bayan have available?

Our facility is designed for both instruction and production, featuring state-of-the-art equipment:

• Wheels: A total of 36 electric pottery wheels (16 dedicated to members and 20 reserved for classes).

• Firing: Two professional-grade production kilns for reliable firing.

• Clay Prep: A heavy-duty pug mill for reclaiming clay and a large slab roller.

• Workspace: Multiple 4x8 communal worktables and a full selection of shared pottery tools.

Where is Bayan Studio located?

You'll find Bayan Studio situated in the bustling Madison Street corridor of historic Oak Park, Illinois. Our location offers exceptional accessibility:

• By Car: Easily accessible right off I-290.

• Public Transit: Walkable distance from both the Chicago Green Line and Blue Line CTA stops.

• Local Access: Walking distance from the main Village of Oak Park area.

• Parking: We offer free private parking in our dedicated lot.

MEMBERSHIP & OPEN STUDIO

What are the different membership tiers and what is included?

At Bayan Studio, we offer flexible membership commitments with 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month tiers. The longer your commitment, the better your monthly rate will be.

All members receive a comprehensive package designed to let you show up and start creating:

• 24/7 Access: Keyless, secured access to the studio 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (with slight restrictions between 11 PM and 6 AM).

• Storage Shelf: A generous personal storage shelf measuring 48" wide x 24" deep x 16" high.

• Clay: 25 lbs of stoneware clay included monthly, with the option to purchase additional clay at a discounted rate.

• Firing: Unlimited bisque and glaze firing for all items made with studio-provided clay (Cone 5-10 firing).

• Equipment: Full, shared access to our pottery wheels, work tables, reclaim bats, aprons, towels, and various studio tools.

I’ve never worked with ceramics before, can I become a member?

We recommend that beginners take a few classes first to become familiar with the basic techniques of wheel throwing or hand-building. Membership is a commitment to being self-sufficient in the studio. We want your membership experience to be rewarding, not frustrating!

If you already have prior experience, you'll simply complete a short questionnaire during the application process to ensure you have the foundational knowledge to work independently.

How do I become a member? Is there a waitlist?

To become a member, simply navigate to the Membership section of the Bayan Studio website and select your preferred commitment tier.

There is a one-time administrative fee upon sign-up, after which you only pay your monthly rate for the duration of your membership.

Membership is currently limited. We encourage you to apply quickly to be part of our inaugural group! Once we reach our maximum capacity, we will start a waitlist, and applicants will be notified as a post opens up.

What are the specific “Open Studio” hours for members?

Members enjoy 24/7 keyless, secured access to the studio. There are slight access limitations between 11 PM and 6 AM, which primarily affect access points for safety and security.

Please note: Students enrolled in classes will have limited Open Studio access during weekday evenings and weekend afternoons.

Can I bring my own clay and glazes?

Yes, but you must get pre-approval for any clay or glazes that are not provided by Bayan Studio.

We fire at a high range (Cone 5/6 up to Cone 10). Any unapproved material that is not formulated for these high temperatures could melt, run, and potentially cause significant damage to our kilns and the work of other members.

Is there a minimum commitment for a membership plan?

Yes, our 3-month membership tier is the minimum commitment available.

Do members receive a discount on classes or workshops?

Absolutely! As a valued member, you receive a 20% discount on all specialty workshops offered by Bayan Studio.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

How do I register for classes or workshops, and when does enrollment open?

Ready to sign up? All enrollment for both classes and workshops is handled online only through the Bayan Studio website.

Since our classes fill up quickly, here's how to secure your spot:

• Current Students Get Priority: If you are currently enrolled, you'll have the opportunity to register for the next session at least one week before enrollment opens to the general public.

• Be Prepared: For public registration, we highly recommend you subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to receive the exact date and time enrollment goes live.

What is the refund or cancellation policy for classes and workshops?

All class and workshop enrollment fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please ensure you can commit to the schedule before registering.

• If Bayan Studio cancels a class or workshop, you will be given the option to receive a full refund or a credit that can be applied toward a future class or workshop.

Do I need prior experience to take a class?

No, prior experience is not required for our Beginner Classes—they are designed for students brand new to ceramics!

You must have prior experience, such as having completed a beginner course or equivalent classes at another studio, before enrolling in Intermediate Classes or Specialty Workshops.

What should I bring to my first class?

Just bring yourself and your imagination! Bayan Studio provides all essential items:

• Shared tools

• Studio aprons

• Towels

If you choose to bring your own personal tools, please remember to take them home after each session or ensure they are stored on your designated shelf.

Do I get a shelf during my class?

Yes, you will be assigned a shelf to store your in-progress work. Students will share a shelf with a fellow student. The shelf dimensions are 24 inches wide x 24 inches deep x 16 inches high.

If I miss a class, are there make-up sessions or alternative practice times?

We do not offer make-up sessions for missed classes. However, you may use our scheduled Student Open Studio Hoursduring the week to practice on your own time and catch up on any missed work.

Is the “unlimited clay” for students truly unlimited, and does it cover all clay bodies?

Yes, all students have access to unlimited studio clay for their projects. Your class or workshop fee is all-inclusive and covers:

• Unlimited use of our stoneware high-fire clay.

• All necessary glazes.

• All bisque and glaze firing costs for items made with studio clay.

Note: Students are instructed to place any unfired (greenware) clay they do not plan to fire into specific reclaim buckets so it can be recycled through our pug mill, minimizing waste.

What happens to my pieces after I finish my class or workshop?

You must pick up your completed, fired pieces within two (2) weeks after your last scheduled class or workshop session. Pieces not claimed within this period may be donated or discarded due to limited storage space..

FIRING & KILN OPERATIONS

What cone/temperature do you fire to?

We focus exclusively on high-fire ceramics to ensure durability and quality. Our standard firing schedules are:

• Classes & Workshops: We fire to high-fire Cone 6 Oxidation.

• Members: Members have the choice of firing to either high-fire Cone 6 Oxidation or high-fire Cone 10 Oxidation.

How long does it take for pieces to be bisque fired and then glaze fired?

Our goal is a fast turnaround, but it depends on kiln capacity. Generally, you can expect a turnaround of one week from the time you place a piece on the "Fire Ready" shelf.

For example, if you place a bisque piece on the shelf on Sunday, it should be ready to glaze by the following weekend. We encourage you to check your shelves frequently, as pieces may be ready sooner!

What types of clay are permitted in the kilns? Are specific high-fire clays provided?

To protect our equipment and maintain quality, we only permit high-fire stoneware and porcelain that meets our specific temperature requirements.

• Students: We provide high-fire stoneware clay for class use.

• Members: Members receive 25 lbs of high-fire stoneware clay monthly and may purchase other high-fire clay bodies (including porcelain) sold in the studio.

What is the clay reclaim policy?

• Students: All students are instructed to dispose of any unfired greenware or trimmings they do not plan to fire into specific reclaim buckets. This studio stoneware is then processed through our pug mill and provided to future students.

• Members: Members are expected to manage and reclaim their own clay separately from the student supply.

How are firing fees calculated?

• Students and Members do not pay a firing fee for any pieces made with studio-provided clay.

• Non-Members and Members using non-studio clay (which must be pre-approved) will be charged a firing fee based on the piece's cubic volume.

Can non-members use your firing services?

Yes, we offer firing services to the local community. Non-members may submit pre-approved pieces (based on clay and glaze type) for firing.

Please note that students and members receive absolute priority. Non-member firing is typically scheduled once a month and is based on available kiln space.

Where and how long are finished pieces stored for pick-up?

Finished pieces are stored on a designated "Pick-Up Shelf" for at least two (2) weeks after your class, workshop, or membership commitment ends. Please ensure you retrieve your work within this timeframe, or make prior arrangements with the studio manager.

STUDIO SPACE & AMENITIES

Is the 7,500 square feet studio always open for drop-in/tours, or only by appointment?

Access to our large studio is strictly controlled through a secured keyless entry system for the safety of our members and their work.

Therefore, the studio is only available for tours by appointment. Please contact us to schedule a visit!

What equipment is available for general use?

We provide a full range of high-quality equipment and shared tools for general use by members and students:

• Pottery Wheels: Total of 36 pottery wheels are available: 16 dedicated to members and 20 reserved for classes. All wheels are available on a first-come, first-served basis during Open Studio Hours.

• Worktables: Several large 4-foot by 8-foot communal worktables are available for hand-building, trimming, and general use.

• Clay Prep: Full access to a professional slab roller and an extruder for efficient clay preparation.

• Glazing: Access to all community glazes is provided at the dedicated Kulay (Color) Bar.

• Tools: Shared studio tools, brushes, and throwing bats are available for all members and students.

Do you offer parking or is the studio easily accessible by public transit?

We offer fantastic accessibility options:

• Parking: Bayan Studio has a large, private parking lot with 30 spaces right at our location. If the lot is full, there are ample paid parking options in the immediate area.

• Public Transit: We are conveniently located less than a mile walk from either the Chicago Transit Authority’s Green Line or Blue Line Austin stop.

What are the studio’s safety and cleanup protocols?

See the Safety and Clean Up protocol instructions section.

Is there a dedicated area for glazing, reclaiming clay, or wet sanding?

Yes, we have dedicated zones to promote a clean and organized workspace:

• Glazing: The Kulay (Color) Bar is our dedicated station for all glaze work.

• Reclaiming: Clay reclaiming may be done at any workstation. Reclaiming bats are provided for students and members to manage their clay scraps.

• Wet Sanding: We have a specific, separate area for wet sanding, utilizing a designated wet sanding wheel. This activity must be done with a NIOSH-approved mask and with the dust particle collection machine actively running. Please note: Wet sanding is restricted to sporadic use due to noise, and cannot be used for production pieces for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Are there locker facilities available for tools and personal items?

We do not provide dedicated lockers. Instead, you should utilize your assigned storage shelf:

• Members receive a large, private shelf (48"w x 24"d x 16"h).

• Students receive a shared shelf (24"w x 24"d x 16"h).

For coats, shoes, and smaller personal belongings, we have coat hangers and cubbies available near the entrance.

COMMUNITY & EVENTS

Do you host private events, like corporate team-building or birthday parties?

Yes, we do! Our spacious 7,500 sq ft studio is the perfect unique venue for private gatherings. We offer instructor-guided introductory experiences perfect for:

• Corporate Team-Building: A fun, hands-on session that fosters collaboration and creativity.

• Private Parties: Celebrate birthdays, holidays, or special occasions with a memorable pottery experience.

Please contact the studio manager directly to discuss group size, rates, and to schedule your event.

How can I find out about upcoming community events, artist talks, or studio sales?

We have a vibrant studio culture and several ways to keep you informed:

• Newsletter (Recommended): The best way to get all the news first is by subscribing to the Bayan Studio newsletter. We send out timely announcements about events, early registration dates, and special opportunities.

• Social Media: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for visual updates, event reminders, and behind-the-scenes content.

• Studio Bulletin Board: Check the physical bulletin board near the entrance for weekly updates and sign-up sheets.

Is there an opportunity to exhibit or sell my work through the studio?

Absolutely! We are committed to helping our artists showcase their progress and talent. We offer a few pathways to exhibit and sell:

• Quarterly Studio Sales: We host sales throughout the year where members and students can rent space to sell their finished work directly to the public.

• Gallery Wall: We maintain a dedicated gallery wall for short-term exhibitions, providing a professional space to display your best pieces.

Keep an eye on the studio newsletter for specific application deadlines and details for these opportunities!