COVID-19 Policies: Updated April 2023

Since 2020, Claymakers has followed and often exceeded state and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19 in order to keep all community members safely engaged in doing what we love. Over the past year, many of the metrics we base our precautions on have changed for the better; in light of that, Claymakers’ COVID policies will be changing, beginning April 18, 2023.

Changes to our COVID-19 Policies

  • As of April 18, 2023, masks will be optional indoors, but are encouraged for those who wish to wear them. However, when community spread is at a high level, we will resume required masking for students, customers, and staff.

Ongoing COVID-19 Policies

  • Proof of vaccination is still required to participate in classes + workshops at Claymakers.

  • If you don’t feel well: Please stay home; our class makeup policy allows you to schedule a makeup class in cases of illness. Contact Executive Director Emily Lassiter at info@claymakers.org for help scheduling a makeup class.

  • If you have a COVID exposure: Please stay home until you have a negative test, taken at least 5 days after your exposure.

  • If you test positive for COVID: Please only return to the studio once you have a negative antigen test + have quarantined for at least 7 days following your positive test, Students recovering from COVID should wear a KN95 mask through day 10.

Claymakers COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

All staff, instructors, and community members participating in time-intensive activities—in-person classes, in-studio glazing, and studio renters (both individual studio renters + Open Studio Pass holders)—will be required to show proof of vaccination with a 14-day completion period as of Monday, September 13th, 2021.

Eligible unvaccinated individuals may apply for a documented medical exemption, which will require a signed attestation from a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina. Those granted a medical exemption will be required to provide a negative test upon each visit to the studio.

After much consideration, this is the safest choice for our community, where many folks are immunocompromised, and people spend long periods of time in close proximity. Our intent is not to engage in politics, but to keep everyone safe and confident about coming into a community setting. Over the past two years, we have done everything in our power to ensure the health and safety of our community. This new policy shows that our commitment remains as strong as ever.

For 20 years, our mission has been to sustain a thriving community of artists, students, and teachers. Throughout the pandemic, you have trusted us to make decisions that allow us to safely continue serving you. We look forward to a time when gathering is not as fraught, but for the time being, we appreciate your trust, understanding, and cooperation in safeguarding each and every person in our community.

If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please contact Executive Director Emily Lassiter at info@claymakers.org. For more information regarding our COVID-19 policies, please see below.

Claymakers COVID-19 + Vaccination Policies FAQs

  • As of September 13, 2021, all students attending in-person classes, people doing in-studio glazing, and studio renters (both private studios and Open Studio Pass holders) must provide proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccination + 14 days completion.

  • As of April 18, 2023, masks will be optional indoors, but are encouraged for those who wish to wear them. However, when community spread is at a high level, we will resume required masking for students, customers, and staff.

  • This policy will go into effect on Monday, September 13th, 2021.

  • Proof of vaccination + 14 days may include a physical card or a photo of a complete vaccination card. Out of concern for data privacy, we will not ask for a copy of your card; we will merely examine your physical card or a photo. Students will only need to do this at their first class session.

  • Eligible unvaccinated individuals can apply for a medical exemption, which will require a signed attestation from a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina. Those granted a medical exemption will be required to provide a negative PCR test before entering the building upon each visit.

    The COVID-19 vaccine medical exemption request is available here; to give us adequate time to process these requests, students and renters must submit the request to info@claymakers.org no more than 7 days before the beginning of a class session.

  • Individual with complete vaccination but completion less than14 days prior to their first class/visit will be admitted, as long as they also show a negative PCR test from within 72 hours before their visit.

  • If you received the vaccine in North Carolina, you can create an account through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and download a copy of your vaccination record here. If you were vaccinated outside of North Carolina, find the Immunization Information Systems through the CDC here.

  • If you have a COVID exposure: Please stay home for at least 5 full days post-exposure, and wait to come back to the studio until you have a negative COVID test (PCR or rapid).

    If you test positive for COVID: Please only return to the studio once you have a negative antigen test + have quarantined for at least 7 days following your positive test. Students recovering from COVID should wear a KN95 mask through day 10.

    If you miss a class due to a COVID exposure or positive test, please let us know and we will help you get it made up.