Membership Benefits

All ceramics co-op members are welcomed into the greater Union Project community, and are encouraged to actively participate in our mission to create community by connecting neighbors and celebrating art and faith in a common space.

Studio schedule permitting, full and associate members are entitled to approximately 10 cu. ft. space in communal bisque firings each month, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only co-op members who have been approved by UP staff may operate kilns. To perform a firing, approved members must schedule and obtain permission from Union Project staff. Members are responsible for loading and unloading kilns. Unloading must be done in a timely manner. Unless otherwise specified, Union Project staff must be present at time of firing. Firing priority is always given to Union Project ceramic class work. Members are entitled to participate in at least one gas firing per month, and space will be shared based on participants.

Full members enjoy 24-hour studio access and unlimited use of non-programmed studio space. Equipment use includes studio glazes, potters wheels, slab roller, clay mixer, pugmill, extruder, and scales. Each full member will have labeled personal storage space (approximately 94 cu ft) for artwork and limited space for personal equipment allocated by Union Project staff.

Associate members are guaranteed access to the studio during Union Project hours (9 AM - 5 PM Mon-Fri), as well as extended hours contingent upon current number of full members. Associate members have the same access to studio equipment as full members. Each associate member will have labeled personal storage space (approximately 47 cu ft) for artwork, tools, and clay.

For more information about our co-op, you can read our full co-op agreement or contact our arts liaison at 412-363-4550 x22 or clayunionproject.org.

To Apply for Membership:

Each perspective full and associate member applicant undergoes an application process in which the applicant submits a current resume, a brief letter of interest indicating motivation to join co-op and experience with clay, and complete an interview with a Union Project staff member.  Applicants are encouraged to provide 10 slides of current artwork.  An associate member may apply for full membership after six months. All applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis until spaces are filled.  Accepted members must submit a completed and signed agreement form and his/her refundable deposit before receiving benefits.

A firing membership is available for single firings only.  The facility currently has two electric kilns, one forced air reduction gas kiln, and one offsite woodfire kiln available.  The membership will be for use of one kiln for one firing only. Firing members must be present at the kiln loading and unloading, supervised by UP staff, and must assist with kiln maintenance at the completion of the firing.

Membership decisions are made at the discretion of Union Project staff and will be reevaluated periodically to determine that each membership agreement is fulfilled.

Cost Of Membership:

Full Members: $300/month, $3,000/year, refundable $300 deposit
Associate Members: $120/month, $1,200/year, refundable $120 deposit, and 3 UP service hours
Firing Members: $30 per electric firing, $20 per 12inx24inx6in space in gas kiln