FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR MOVE TO CAMELIA STREET

These are questions asked by current Members and Students. If you have any questions you’d like answered, complete the form HERE and we will post the answers on this page. 

where is the new location?

722 Camelia Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. The corner of 4th and Camelia Streets, one block south of Gilman Street.

What about parking?

There is ample, unrestricted street parking on Camelia and Fourth Streets and in the adjacent streets (Fifth, Page, etc) as well as bicycle parking in the front of the building and in our new, secure bike cage. 

What if I have a lot of work to take into the Studio and I can’t find a parking spot close by? 

We are working with the city to designate a loading zone at the entrance. You will be able to drop off/pick up your things before/after you park in the neighborhood. Additionally, there will be a blue zone for disabled parking near the entrance of the building and a single disabled spot on our property on Camelia Street at the corner of Fourth.

What about evening security and safety?

Our building will have ample exterior lighting and exterior cameras. Additionally, we and our neighbors are applying to the City of Berkeley for additional street lighting. The front door will be closed at all times and accessed only by your Member or Student key fob. 

What about acoustics in our new space?

Clay recycling will be in its own room. Noise will be minimized because the compressor will be located outside the building. Additionally, we will be working on baffling certain areas so that acoustics will be maximized.

Will there be the same number of wheels and work tables- or more??

We’ll have the same number of wheels and tables, however, the Member room will have 18 wheels and 4 hand building tables. Additionally, the tables and wheels in the class areas will be accessible to Members outside of class times. 

Will the clean-up situation be the same? Our current set-up causes congestion and has bad circulation/ flow, will that be improved?

There will be two full cleaning stations.

Drying racks and rack organization? Will we have more open storage?

The Studio will have a little more open storage than our current setup (yay)! There will be designated open storage for Members, and Students will have designated storage according to their class. All open storage will be at ground level and accessible. 

What is the length of closure and how soon will we get to come back and start working? 

Right now, we can’t confirm how long we’ll be closed, but we will let you all know as soon as those details are worked out. 

What will I do while the Studio is closed? 

We are planning some programming for the time that we’re closed, including some off-site workshops. Additionally, similar to the time during our closure during Covid, we are thinking of creating take-home kits (wheels, glazes etc.) so you can continue working at home. We also plan to have a “first firing” event where you can contribute work to our test firings of the gas kilns. 

Will I still be able to fire my own member kiln? If so, How soon?

Yes, we will have a select number of member kilns initially available, with more in Phase 2.

What will be different? For better or for worse?

Yes, it will be different! Instead of one open space, the space is divided so that Members and Students can use the Studio with less disruption to each other. It’s great too because we own the space and we won’t be subject to the volatility of leases and landlords.

What about Doom and work moving through the Studio?

Doom will remain the same for the Member storage. However, bisque will no longer be allowed to be stored on open storage racks. Student class storage will be cleared after the last class session.

Will the hours be the same?

Yes. Hours will be the same and we’ll resume 24 hr access for Members after they complete a new closing orientation.

Kitchen for Members to use or break space?

There will be a communal/community space for folks to hang out and eat, with a fridge, kettle, microwave, and tables/chairs. This will be separate to the Staff break room.

Are cubbies bigger? I heard there are no cubbies??

Member cubbies are 24”W x 12”H x 14”D. 

Will the gallery have a street view or more accessibility to the public?

When the gallery opens, it will have a storefront that faces Fourth Street. This will be in Phase II.

What is the move-in schedule?

We are currently working on a schedule. Our move date is June 23 and we need to be out of our current space by June 30. Members will be responsible for moving their own work (check the calendar and we’ll also notify Members of final firings, removal of clay and items from cubbies and open storage). At this stage, Members can expect to get back to working with clay in the Studio by most likely the third week in July. We will notify Members about roll-in orientations as soon as we have a schedule

Will there be hooks or space for personal storage?

There will be hooks on tables to hang your personal items as well as some throughout the Studio.

Will there be acces to Communal tools?

Communal tools will have the same access as our current space.

WIll Member fees stay the same? 

Member fees will not increase this year. Our usual price increase schedule is every two years.

What’s the maximum amount of Members

We will have the same number of Members as we have currently but with more space.

Will there be Private storage?

No more paid extra storage in our new space. 

What do I do with my in-progress work during this time? Will you move it for me?

We will not be moving anyone’s work into the new space. Anything not cleared by June 16 will be recycled, donated or disposed of. We will add a couple of links to resources her soon for best practices to transport ware at all stages. 

When is the last time I can work in the Studio?

Once the last glaze firing is complete, we need to complete packing final packing for the move. So we anticipate that June 16 will be the last day. Dates are subject to change (though it won’t be earlier than this date).

Is there heating or airflow?

There will be passive airflow - no movement of air. Heating will be added after the move. This is one of the most costly expenses of our renovation (getting a system that heats without air movement) so we are doing this during Phase 1a).

DAMP ROOM OR DRY ROOM?

There will be a damp room. There will be no dry room. We ask you to dry your work on the shelf and process in a timely manner. 

When are classes going to start back up?

We are working on a schedule right now and will announce this as soon as we can.