GUIDELINES
the studio
GENERAL:
This Manual provides general information about the facilities, equipment, and supplies, as well as general studio use policies at AlterWork Studios (AlterWork) Each participating resident or member (the Artist) is required to read this Manual prior to a residency at AlterWork.
The Artist will not be allowed to use the studio unless they read and agree with the policies described in this Manual. This Manual is a legally binding document. By signing it, the Artist agrees to follow the instructions and policies provided in the Manual. If an artist is found not following these instructions and policies, he/she will be denied access immediately.
If instructions on particular equipment or materials are not clear in this Manual, please consult the Studio Director or a staff member for more detailed information.
Equipment highlighted within this manual is not to be used without a demo session with a staff member.
As all equipment and space is shared among artists, we ask that consideration and common sense be used in helping keep the studio be in excellent condition for those using it.
ACCESS:
AlterWork is accessible seven days a week from 9am-11pm. Those hours may change during Holidays. The Artists receive a key and are responsible for keeping the premises safe and locked when they are not in the vicinity or when they leave. Once in the facility, the Artist can work as long as he/she likes.
SAFETY AND SECURITY:
Our studio work space is only accessible to members. The front gallery is open to the public between 11am and 8pm during exhibitions or pop up shops only. Tours of the studios and facilities may be provided by Studio Director or Studio Assistants only. If the Studio Director or Studio Assistants are not available at the time, the visitor interested in viewing the facilities may be given Studio Director’s email information (located by the front desk). For your own safety, and the safety of other artists and staff, please do not allow unknown visitors into the studio. If suspicious persons should enter the reception, studios or the bathrooms, consult the Studio Assistant if available, or call 911.
A Fire Extinguisher is located by the front desk of AlterWork. The facilities are equipped with a sprinkler system.
TRASH:
AlterWork is a commercial space, subject to waste removal vendor contracts. Recycling laws must be followed in the studios. You must separate paper, plastic, glass and metal from regular trash and dispose in receptacles throughout the studio areas. Flammable trash should be placed in the red metal cans provided by the sink area. Clean trash bags are provided by AlterWork and are located in the maintenance closet. All food waste must be carried out with you! Do not throw any food waste in our waste bins.
MAINTENACE:
Artists should keep all equipment clean and in operable condition. If any piece of equipment is not working properly, the Artist should report this to the staff and not attempt to repair the equipment (including tools, bathrooms, lights, etc.). AlterWork does not have a cleaning service, and Studio Assistants are not hired to clean the studio after the Artist. Therefore, the Artists are in charge of cleaning after themselves, and returning tools back where they belong. Brooms and brushes as well as a mop and bucket and all other cleaning supplies are stored in the maintenance closet in the bathroom and readily available. While Artists are encouraged to move any piece of equipment to where they need it, they are obligated to return them to their proper location.
TOOLS:
AlterWork Studios provides the Artist with tools for various disciplines. All of these tools are free and available for the Artist to use, however no one is allowed to use any tool that they do not know how to use. The Artist has the responsibility of asking for help and instruction from Studio Director or Studio Assistants with any tools that they do not know how to use. AlterWork will not be responsible for any damage to your work or yourself resulting from the use of equipment you did not know how to operate. The Artist will be held responsible for damages to our equipment and tools if they were used improperly or without knowledge of its proper use. The Artist is responsible for keeping tools in good condition while using them, cleaning them and placing them back in their place after use. Although you may use portable tools in your private studio no tools or equipment may be kept at the private studios or your personal shelves. They must be cleaned and returned after each use. The ceramics kilns are not to be used or fired by anyone other then Studio Director or Staff.
STUDIO SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS:
AlterWork does not allow the use of spray paint on its premises. We also ask that you clean with odorless paint thinner whenever possible.
All materials and supplies are the sole responsibility of the artist for their own individual work. AlterWork may provide some free recycled or donated supplies for everyone to use as they are available but the studio does not have the responsibility to purchase Artist supplies. If you want to donate any of your surplus supplies to the studio please notify the Studio Assistant of Studio Director. A list of places to purchase supplies is available at the studio.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Each month the calendar of workshops, classes, events and shows in the studio is posted on our website. Please check this calendar frequently. The Artist has the use of the gallery included in their membership. We encourage all our Artist residents to curate shows, put on exhibitions or events of their own in the gallery space.
MEMBERSHIP:
AlterWork Studios does not require a term commitment or a lease. All Artists must give a one-month deposit and a written one month notice to the Studio Director, prior to ending their membership or requesting to change the terms of their membership. All members are required to agree and abide by all the terms of this agreement. All members are required to fill out ‘Member Information Form’ and keep their credit card on file with the studio for the studios security. The deposit shall be returned to the Artist if no breach of contract or damage to AlterWork Studio’s property has been caused by the Artist during the Artists residency at AlterWork Studios.
Membership fees are per person. All Artists assistants and collaborators must pay the same membership fees and sign the same contract as all The Artists of the studio. No one, under any circumstance or for any reason or occasion, no matter how short or small is allowed to touch or use any of the studio equipment or do any sort of work within the Studio premises without signing this here contract, having the required information on file and providing payment.
Membership fees are on a monthly basis only. No monthly fee may be prorated, skipped or cancelled for the purpose of vacations or the Artists inability to attend the studio for any period of time or for any reason. The Artist has the option to have a monthly membership in good standing or vacate the premises as per the above stated terms.
END OF MEMBERSHIP:
All members must clear out all their property, supplies and artwork, finished or unfinished, and return the studio key by the end hour of their rental. Any materials left in the studio, including artwork in drying racks, screens, etc. will be considered abandoned or donated if left after the rental period ended. The membership will remain active and your credit card charged if you do not clear your tools and artwork from the space or if you do not return the key. Furthermore, if you do not return the key after the rental period ended and you have vacated the premises, your card will be charged $250 members keys and lock replacement fee.
RECEPTION DESK:
The reception desk is to be used by Staff Director or Studio Assistants only. All Studio information can be found on the countertop of the reception desk for visitors. The Artist may use the computer and printer for research or simple tasks. All packages addressed to the artist will be placed by the reception desk. Please look for your packages there, and move them to your shelf right away. AlterWork will not be responsible for the safety of the packages.
COMMON AREAS:
Restrooms: There are two unisex restrooms located in facilities, one in the private studio side and one in the shared studio side. Please keep the Restrooms clean at all times. Let staff know if any of the restroom supplies are running low.
Nook: Our nook is located in the back of the shared studio space. It provides a place for artists to meet each other, talk, read get inspired. The bookcase has numerous art-related books and magazines. Please do not take any of these with you.
Kitchenette: The Studio provides a fridge and coffee machine. Please consider that these are small appliances used by everyone. Clean out the coffee machine after use and do not fill the fridge without leaving room for others. While you may eat in the studio, please remember that no food is allowed to be left overnight in AlterWork. All food and drink items must be taken with you and disposed of outside the studio.
Storage Area and Drying Racks: Storage shelves are located in the basement. Artists can have one shelf for their personal supplies. Artists who have a private studio space may use all drying rack and painting racks but do not get a shelf. All your supplies must fit on your shelf. Any items stored on the floor or against a wall between shelving units will be removed from the studio by staff, as they are a fire hazard. Storage space is not negotiable and no expansions will be granted. AlterWork will not be responsible for items left elsewhere. If you bring your own equipment, such as fans, buckets, etc., you must store them on your shelf. Label your shelf clearly with your name, as well as any other personal supplies. Please do not use supplies from other shelves—they belong to other artists. And, do not store any paper of cardboard between the shelves—this blocks access to other shelves. AlterWork maintains a lost and found, so check with staff if you are missing an item, or find an item that has been left out. Do not leave your prints or paintings there for longer than necessary; this is not long-term storage. Do not leave plexiglass, plates, boards, plastic bags, and other non-print items on these racks.
Work Tables: Please do not cut anything or spread any kind of ink or paint directly on work tables. There are cutting mats, newsprint to protect the tables and glass slabs for inking. Use the work tables for drawing, sewing, preparation, or other activities but consider that hey are shared work areas.
Utility Sink: This sink is located next to the bathroom. Clean it after use. Do not use this sink for the disposal of clay, inks, paints, solvents and flammable liquids. There are other means of disposal available for these uses.
Wi-Fi: Free wi-fi is available at the studio.
Heat/AC and Energy Conservation: The Artists are asked to conserve energy and cooperate in studio temperature control. If the AC or heat is on please do not leave the door open. If the Studio is too cool let the staff know and we will make necessary adjustments. The thermostat instructions are located next to the thermostat. Please note that we will not run the AC during a kiln firing. Turn all lights and electrical appliances off, or unplug them when not in use. Do not leave the water faucets running or dripping and report a leak if you come across one.
The above paragraphs must be initialed and the following form signed before you are admitted to the studio:
Acknowledgement
I, ____________________________________________, the undersigned hereby (please print full name)
acknowledge that I have read the Studio Guidelines and that I am aware of the proper use and maintenance of all AlterWork equipment, facilities, and supplies. Accordingly, I will be responsible for payment of damages caused to equipment, facilities and supplies because of my improper use or improper maintenance. Furthermore, as set out in the Manual, I am aware of materials and supplies located in AlterWork and, hence, any cost incurred by me that could have been avoided by referring to the Manual, shall not be the responsibility of AlterWork.
I further acknowledge that I enter upon the premises with the full knowledge of its conditions and that I assume sole responsibility for any loss of personal property and injuries that may be sustained. I also agree to not hold AlterWork Studios liable and to save the AlterWork Studios harmless with regard to all such liability.