Equity & Inclusion Commitment
Inclusivity Clause
Penguin Foot Pottery was created to be a place where everyone feels welcome. This is a space for creativity, learning, and expression. We expect those entering our studio to enter with compassion and respect for one another.
We work to amplify underrepresented voices, especially those in BIPOC and AAPI communities. We stand with the LGBTQIA+. Hate has no home here.
Community Support
Our work doesn’t end here, but this is what we are currently doing to uphold our values of inclusivity and equity in our studio community:
We keep our classes, workshops, and monthly membership prices low and do not have any extra charges for tools, materials, or firings/glazes. We offer a lot of glaze and material options!
Free open studio time for students to come practice outside of class with instructors available for help.
Offer a standing wheel, wheel risers, handicap friendly bathroom, and classrooms with no stairs. We continue to think of ways to improve the accessibility of pottery to all different body types and abilities, and welcome any further ideas!
Focus on diversity and inclusion in both our hiring practices and TA program. We consciously try to lift up underrepresented and marginalized groups, either with our past scholarship fund or through our current Clay It Forward initiative.
Invite and respect people’s pronouns and offer our own in both class introductions and email signatures.
Provide visual aids for students who may be hard of hearing or non English speakers.
Provide an anonymous feedback form to current students and members in a monthly email. Management is also available for scheduled, in-person meetings.
Members get access to participate in studio pottery sales and borrow festival equipment at no cost.
We work continuously with both HR and legal consultants to audit ourselves and to adhere to city & state laws and compliance standards.
Employee Equity
Instructors receive a competitive W2 pay and benefits package, health insurance with dental & vision (for full-time 30+ hours), 4% matching 401k retirement plans, an education stipend, PTO/sick leave, and an annual four weeks off during scheduled studio breaks. To encourage their growth as artists, instructors also receive free firings, glazes, and materials, and have 24/7 access to the studio.
These initiatives of growth have been largely due to the feedback and support of our staff and community. We encourage you to share with us your hopes and concerns to help us further grow as a business! Please fill out this anonymous form if there is anything you would like us to consider.
We do read each and every one of your responses, but if you would rather speak in person we can be reached directly Chris[at]penguinfoot.com or Paige[at]penguinfoot.com to schedule time.