Terms & Conditions – Heart Pottery Studios

1) Overview & Acceptance of Terms

By accessing our website, visiting our studio, or purchasing/participating in any class, workshop, membership, event, or related offering (collectively, the “Services”), you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions (“Terms”). If you do not agree, do not use the Services. We may update these Terms from time to time; continued use constitutes acceptance of any changes.

2) Eligibility & Accounts

• You represent that you are at least the age of majority in Ontario (18 years). Where an offering expressly permits minors, a parent/guardian must provide consent, and supervision may be required.
• You agree to provide current, complete, and accurate account and billing information and to promptly update it as needed.

3) Online Store & Platform

• Our e-commerce, scheduling, and communications may be supported by third-party service providers (e.g., payment processors, booking tools, email delivery platforms). Use of those tools may be subject to their respective terms and privacy policies.
• Prices and availability may change without notice. We may modify or discontinue any feature or Service at any time.

4) Studio Rules & Safety Requirements

• Follow staff instructions at all times and complete any required orientation or safety briefing.
• Wear appropriate clothing that will not catch on equipment; tie back long hair; do not wear dangling jewelry or accessories during studio activities.
• Never approach, load, unload, or operate kilns without express consent and direct supervision by staff.
• Use tools and equipment properly and only for their intended purpose; report any defects or hazards immediately.
• Clean your work area and communal spaces after use; respect shared equipment, materials, and other patrons’ work.
• No harassment or discrimination. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for abusive, threatening, or discriminatory behavior.
• Substances: Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while using equipment is prohibited. Offerings that include alcohol (if any) require government-issued photo ID and compliance with applicable laws.
• Personal property: You are responsible for your belongings. We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
• Pick-up windows: We may set time windows for picking up finished pieces. Items not collected within the posted window may be discarded due to space and safety constraints.

5) Photography & Media Policy

• We may photograph or record studio spaces and works for social media, website, newsletters, or other promotional/operational purposes. We endeavor to credit artists where feasible.
• If you are featured individually, we will normally approach you first. For general, communal documentation, we cannot guarantee that individual pieces will not appear in the background.
• If you wish to request credit, removal, or a copy of an image depicting your work, please email info@heartpotterystudios.com with details (post link/date, description). We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate.

6) Intellectual Property & User Content

• All site content, branding, and materials are owned by or licensed to Heart Pottery Studios and are protected by applicable IP laws.
• If you submit content (ideas, feedback, testimonials, images you own), you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, publish, and display that content for the operation and promotion of the Services, unless you explicitly restrict usage in writing.

7) Prohibited Uses (Website & Studio)

You agree not to: (a) use the site or Services for unlawful purposes; (b) infringe any IP or privacy rights; (c) harass, abuse, defame, or discriminate against others; (d) upload malware or attempt to disrupt operations; (e) scrape or collect others’ personal data; (f) circumvent security; (g) misrepresent identity; (h) disregard safety rules or staff instructions.

8) Assumption of Risk & Health Acknowledgement (Liability Waiver)

Inherent Risks. You understand and voluntarily accept that pottery involves inherent risks, including but not limited to: working with clay, glazes and chemicals; exposure to dust (e.g., silica); sharp tools; rotating machinery; heavy objects; heat, hot surfaces, and kilns; slips, trips, and falls. These risks can result in physical or psychological injury, illness, burns, cuts, disfigurement, allergies, temporary or permanent disability, paralysis, property damage or loss, emotional or economic loss, and, in extremely rare cases, death.

Health Status. You represent that you have considered your health status, consulted healthcare professionals as needed, and are fit to participate. You agree to notify staff of any relevant medical conditions or allergies that may affect your participation.

Personal Property. You accept responsibility for your personal property while on premises.

Kilns & Equipment. You agree not to load, unload, or operate kilns or restricted equipment without staff consent and direct supervision.

9) Release of Liability & Indemnity

• To the maximum extent permitted by law, you: Release and discharge Heart Pottery Studios, its owners, directors, staff, contractors, volunteers, agents, successors, and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, costs, and expenses arising out of or related to your participation in the Services or presence at our premises, including those alleging negligence of the Released Parties, except in jurisdictions where such releases are prohibited or to the extent arising from gross negligence, willful misconduct, or violations of law by the Released Parties.
• Agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any third-party claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your breach of these Terms, your negligence, or your violation of law.

10) Disclaimers

• The Services are provided “as is” and “as available.” We do not guarantee uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free operation.
• We do not warrant that results obtained from classes, firings, or use of materials/equipment will meet expectations or be free of defects (e.g., cracking, warping, glaze results).
• Certain laws may not allow limitations on implied warranties; if so, some limitations may not apply to you.

11) Damages & Studio Costs

You agree to pay for damages you cause to equipment, facilities, or other patrons’ work due to misuse or failure to follow instructions, normal wear and tear excepted.

12) Third-Party Services & Links

We may provide access to third-party tools or link to third-party sites. Such tools/sites are provided as is without warranties, and your use is at your own risk. Review their terms and policies before using.

13) Personal Information & Communications

Your submission of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy (see website footer). If you opt-in to marketing, we will comply with Canada’s anti-spam rules (CASL). You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in our emails or by contacting us.

14) Modifications to Terms (No Cancellation/Refund Terms Included)

We may update these Terms from time to time by posting a new version on our website. The latest version will control. Note: Any cancellation or refund matters are intentionally omitted from this document and, if applicable, will appear in a separate policy.

15) Termination

We may suspend or terminate access to the site or studio for safety or conduct reasons, or for material breaches of these Terms. Obligations that by their nature should survive termination (e.g., indemnity, IP, limitations of liability) will survive.

16) Severability & No Waiver

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force. Our failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver of our rights.

17) Governing Law & Venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. You agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Toronto, Ontario for any disputes not subject to an alternative dispute resolution process agreed by the parties.

18) Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any documents incorporated by reference (including the Privacy Policy and posted studio rules), constitute the entire agreement between you and Heart Pottery Studios with respect to the Services and supersede prior understandings.