Participation Agreement

HEART & HEARTH POTTERY

Welcome to the Hearth

When you join us — whether for a class, a day, or a year — you become part of our hearth. Everyone here is a member in some form, and everyone shares in both the magic and the responsibility. At Heart & Hearth Pottery, we believe in the magic of clay and fire — in creating together, building community, and honoring each piece as part of a journey. Pottery, like life, can be unpredictable. This document exists to keep our shared space safe, clear, and sustainable.

Please read with care: it protects you, the Studio, and our creative community.

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement:

• “Studio” means Heart & Hearth Pottery, located at 436 S Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, California 90290, and any other location, temporary venue, event space, farmers market, private residence, festival, birthday party, retreat, or site where Heart & Hearth Pottery conducts or sponsors classes, workshops, demonstrations, events, or related activities (collectively, “Studio Locations”).

• “Participant” (or “I”) means the individual signing below, including heirs, executors, administrators, guardians, dependents, representatives, assigns, and any guests brought by Participant.

• “Membership” means the relationship established between the Studio and Participant by signing this Agreement. Membership may take the following forms:

  • Full Membership: Ongoing monthly or annual access to Studio Locations, facilities, and privileges.

  • Day Membership: A one-day membership granting access to Studio Locations and/or participation in specific Activities, valid only for the calendar day of issue.

  • Class Membership: A temporary membership granted for the duration of a scheduled class, granting access to Studio Locations and equipment solely during that class session. Class Membership automatically terminates at the conclusion

  • of the class.

  • Event Membership: A membership granted for the duration of a workshop, retreat, birthday party, private event, or other time-limited Activity. Event Membership includes access to Studio Locations only during the scheduled event.

  • “Guests” are individuals who accompany a Member to Studio Locations, including visitors to the Gallery. Guests may not participate in Activities without signing this Agreement and are subject to all Studio rules.

  • “Gallery” refers to the Heart & Hearth Pottery Members’ Gallery, where Members may display and share work. Visitors are welcome to view the Gallery as invited guests of the Studio.

• “Activities” means any and all use of the Studio or Studio Locations, including but not limited to: use of pottery wheels, slab rollers, kilns, extruders, mixers, shelves, stools, tools, sponges, brooms, mops, clay, glazes, glaze buckets, sinks, cleaning supplies, furniture, or participation in classes, workshops, demonstrations, private events, or open studio hours, whether supervised or unsupervised.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Clay teaches impermanence. Pieces break, things spill, accidents happen. By signing this, you’re saying “yes” to the journey, bumps and all, and acknowledging that no one else can walk it for you. I acknowledge that Activities involve inherent and serious risks, including but not limited to:

• Physical Hazards: burns from kilns or hot work, cuts, abrasions, punctures, slips, trips, falls on wet or dusty floors, impacts from falling objects, heavy lifting injuries, equipment collapse, or entanglement in machinery such as slab rollers and wheels.

• Chemical & Environmental Hazards: exposure to clay dust, glaze chemicals, silica, fumes, smoke, mold, or cleaning products which may cause acute or long-term health effects, including but not limited to asthma, silicosis, cancer, allergic reactions, or chemical burns.

• Electrical & Fire Hazards: shock, fire, or explosion from kilns, wiring, or

malfunctioning equipment.

• Other Participants: risks of harm caused by negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts of other individuals.

• Unforeseen Hazards: emotional distress, humiliation, reputational harm, infectious diseases (including COVID-19 or similar), vandalism, criminal acts of third parties, acts of God such as earthquakes, floods, or other hazards not specifically listed.I understand that these risks exist not only at the primary Studio facility but also at any Studio Location, including farmers markets, festivals, schools, private residences, or other off-site venues.

I knowingly and voluntarily assume all such risks, whether known or later discovered, and accept full responsibility for my participation, regardless of cause, including negligence, gross negligence, strict liability, breach of warranty, breach of contract, or any other legal theory.

RELEASE & WAIVER OF LIABILITY

We open this hearth in good faith. In return, you agree not to turn accidents or missteps into battles. This is a community of trust. I, on behalf of myself and my heirs, executors, and assigns, hereby fully and forever release,discharge, and covenant not to sue the Studio from any and all claims, actions, liabilities, damages, expenses, or causes of action of any kind, whether known or later discovered, arising out of or relating to Activities, including those caused by negligence, gross negligence, or any act or omission of the Studio, now or in the future, during or after participation has ended, and regardless of whether the Activities occur at the primary Studio facility or any other Studio Location.

INDEMNIFICATION

We rise and fall together here. Protecting the hearth means taking responsibility for your part in keeping it whole. I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Studio from any claims, demands, costs,

damages, or legal expenses (including attorneys’ fees) brought by me, my family, my guests, or third parties, arising out of my conduct or participation. If I or anyone on my behalf brings a claim in violation of this Agreement, I agree to pay all defense costs and attorneys’ fees.

STUDIO CONDUCT, TERMINATION, AND REMEDIES

We value free expression, but not at the expense of safety and respect. Think of this space as sacred ground — if you trample it, you’ll be asked to leave.The Studio is a private enterprise with the right to set community standards. I agree to conduct myself respectfully, follow safety protocols, and comply with staff instructions. The Studio may, at its sole discretion, suspend or terminate my membership or access, with or

without prior notice, for conduct deemed by the Studio to be: unsafe, unlawful, harassing,threatening, violent, intoxicated, materially disruptive, damaging to property, or otherwise inconsistent with the Studio’s mission or values. Such termination shall not entitle me to a refund of fees, unless the Studio decides otherwise in its sole discretion. I agree to indemnify the Studio for costs, damages, or attorneys’ fees arising out of my conduct.

The Studio prohibits unlawful discrimination and will not exclude persons on the basis of protected characteristics under applicable law.

MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION & DISCLAIMER

We’ll always do our best to help in a crisis, but we’re artists, not doctors. Your health isnultimately in your own hands. The Studio has no duty to provide medical care. Any medical aid rendered is voluntary and not

guaranteed. The Studio makes no representation or guarantee regarding the adequacy or outcome of any medical care that may be rendered. I authorize the Studio to obtain emergency treatment at my expense and release the Studio from liability related to medical assistance.

I accept full responsibility for all medical costs, outcomes, and consequences of any injury, illness, or emergency that may arise during participation, whether known or later discovered.

PROPERTY & HOBBY USE DISCLAIMER

Clay has a mind of its own. Sometimes a piece you love won’t survive the fire — and that’s part of the teaching. This studio is here for exploration and joy, not mass production.The Studio is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property, including artwork, tools, or personal belongings. The Studio makes no guarantee that Participant’s work will be completed, fired successfully, or free from cracks, breaks, or flaws. Kilns may damage, warp, or destroy work.The Studio is intended for recreational, educational, and hobby use only. It is not a production or manufacturing facility. The Studio is not liable for lost profits, sales, business losses, or loss of use of Participant’s work, even if such loss delays, disrupts, or prevents Participant’s personal, educational, or business plans.

GOVERNING LAW & ARBITRATION

If disagreements ever arise, we’ll resolve them fairly, simply, and directly — not by dragging the hearth into conflict. This Agreement shall be interpreted under the laws of the State of California. Any dispute shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in Los Angeles County, California, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Participant waives any right to jury trial or class action.

MISCELLANEOUS

These words keep the fire lit and the boundaries clear. Read them as a container — one that lets creativity flourish without chaos.

• This Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law.

• If any portion is invalid, the remainder shall remain enforceable.

• This Agreement is binding in perpetuity and survives termination of membership.

• This Agreement applies to Activities at all Studio Locations, whether permanent, temporary, or mobile.

• This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior discussions or understandings.

• Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS AGREEMENT. I SIGN IT VOLUNTARILY, UNDERSTANDING I AM GIVING UP LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE. By signing this document, I acknowledge the inherent risks and voluntarily assume full responsibility for any injury, damage, or loss that may result from my participation. I hereby waive and release the business, its owners, and its staff from any and all liability, past, present, and future, relating to the services provided.