Workshop Studios

Accessibility note: Due to space requirements, this event is only accessible by stairs.

About the Instructor:

Mark Johnson (he/him) is a photographer, designer, and maker based in Calgary, Alberta. His background blends science and creativity, with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science and a Design Diploma in Exhibit Presentations. Mark is constantly expanding his creative toolkit – educated graphic designer, self-taught woodworker, amateur potter, avid skier, and professional photographer. This diverse skill set allows him to approach projects from unique angles and create interesting intersections in his work.

"My philosophy is simple: create things that work beautifully and last. Whether I'm capturing images, designing spaces, or crafting objects, I enjoy things that get better over time. When not working with clients, you'll find me skiing in the Rockies, building furniture in my workshop, or finding new ways to stay active and creative."

Website & Instagram

Common Questions

Minimum age / Can I register my child for this class?

The participant must be at minimum 16 years old to be registered and attend class unaccompanied and 12 years old accompanied with an adult. Our instruction is centred around teaching adults. If a minor is less developed than an adult, they may find our instruction methods and pace challenging. We do not guarantee any accommodation of instruction geared to minors.

Workshop is a mature environment where there are very hot kilns in unrestricted production areas; mature art that can contain challenging matters such as profanity, nudity, and mature & challenging subjects; responsible consumption of legal substances such as alcohol in both common areas and private studios, and marijuana outdoors; and lively discussion that is not censored for young ears. By registering a minor, you are agreeing to the risks and environment that they will be entering. If you are registering as a minor, you confirm that a guardian has reviewed this warning and has consented to you registering.

What are the regulations surrounding COVID?

We have built a new classroom with 2m distance between wheels to create a safer environment.

As the pandemic changes, we are unsure of what our COVID-19 policy will look like at the start of this class. We will closely monitor local numbers and update you prior to the class.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that you won’t mind getting clay on. Most clays do not stain and can wash out, however, if your class is working with iron-rich clays then staining may occur. The studio has aprons available for all students to wear while working. We recommend long hair be tied back and jewelry be removed before class begins.

Practice Hours

As this is a one-day workshop, our usual class practice hours are not included.

What about health, safety & cleanup?

Each participant in the class is required to keep all surfaces clean of clay and glaze and to clean all areas including the floor around his workstation thoroughly before they leave. This is to minimize any risks caused by breathing clay and glaze dust.

Cleanup

As previously mentioned, classrooms must be left in a clean condition. Students are responsible for following Workshop’s cleaning protocols which are as follows: pottery wheels cleaned, the floor around wheels wiped, rag washed and draped over upside down stool, aprons wiped down with a large yellow sponge, the floor around sinks and clay storage cleaned, and wedging tables washed off.

Clean-up should be done with a wet sponge or a mop. Avoid sweeping in the ceramics studio as it will cause tiny hazardous clay dust particles to become airborne.

Cancellations

Classes cancelled within 48h of the start date are subject to refunds only if a replacement is found for your signup. Classes cancelled anytime prior to 48h from the start date are subject to a 5% cancellation fee to cover our processing fees. Classes are subject to cancellations by Workshop in the case of low enrolment. If classes are cancelled by Workshop, you will receive a full refund, including processing fees.

What about Workshop being a safer space?

Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at Workshop Studios regardless of age, ancestry, colour, family status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, place of origin, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or source of income.

Workshop Studios does not tolerate abusive or discriminatory behaviour. Such behaviour is grounds for removal from the studio and may result in the cancellation of future registrations or a permanent ban.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Any harassing behaviour which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment is unacceptable conduct. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Verbal behaviour: Jokes, slurs, derogatory remarks, abusive language
• Physical & visual: Unwanted touching, staring, filming or photographing
• Visual displays: Derogatory items, posters, photographs, drawings
• Verbal advances: Any unwanted or unwelcome verbal contact

If you feel you have been subject to any harassment, discriminatory behaviour or other abuse, please contact a Workshop Staff member. All communication is strictly confidential. We will work with you and if needed, and with your consent, with an independent mediator to address the issue.

Anyone exhibiting these behaviours can be asked to leave at any time by Workshop staff. By signing up to this workshop, you agree to read and follow our Safer Space Policy.