Ceramics at Akin
The majority of our studios are suitable for ceramics production work with the following exceptions:
Akin Dupont:
Shared Memberships at Akin Dupont are not suitable for ceramics work.
Dedicated memberships at Akin Dupont in room 204 are not suitable for ceramics work (any studio code that starts with “DUP1”) .
Akin Yonge-St Clair
Dedicated Memberships at Akin Yonge St Clair in units 501, 202 or 1102 are not suitable for ceramics work (any studio code that starts with “YON501”, “YON202” or “YON1102”) .
Kilns at Akin
There are member-run kilns at three of our studio locations (Akin Davsiville, Dupont and St Clair) that offer firing services to members. Please note that Akin does not guarantee availability or pricing of the kiln firing services offered by these members, as they are privately operated.
The kiln technician at Akin St Clair offers a pick-up and drop-off service for Akin Niagara and Akin Richmond-Bathurst members (or anyone who lives near those locations) who wish to fire their ceramic pieces in the Akin St Clair kiln.
You can find out the details at the following links:
Akin Queen East has partnered with Lost & Found Project Space—located just down the street—to offer kiln firing services, with Akin members receiving 20% off each firing. Read the full blog post here for more details.
Ceramics Resources
Akin studios do not offer any ceramics-related classes, tutoring, workshops, tools, materials or equipment with memberships. There are many options in the city if you are looking for a workspace that also includes equipment or instructions. Click here for a list of recommended resources for ceramics artists in Toronto.
Ceramics Health and Safety
Here is an exceprt from our Health and Safety Policy as it relates to ceramics use in the studio:
Dust and powder? Always wear a mask and eye goggles to protect yourself. The silicates in clay, glazes and colourants can be extremely harmful.
If you’re using loud tools, protect your ears.
Always wear protective non flammable clothing when a flame is being used and make sure an extinguisher is close by.
Mop or wash down your area and all surfaces when finished working with clay. NEVER sweep or dry scrape surfaces. You simply need to mop, rinse the mop, mop, rinse the mop and mop, until the residual smear is gone. This is the only safe way!
No dumping of clay clumps or plaster in any drainage including sink or toilet. Never put clay water down the sink without letting it separate first, then pour off the water as best as you can.
Sanding of fired or dried greenware clay should always include water, ie: sanding is predicated by spraying or dabbing with wet sponge and water to rinse and prevent silicate dust getting into the collective air flow.
Overglazes (metallic lustres) contain organic solvents and should be applied in a well-ventilated area while wearing a fume-filtering (organic vapour) respirator. For studios not equipped with proper air filtration, circulation, or a ventilation booth, application of the lustre needs to take place outdoors. Do not consume food or drinks while applying, and remove lustres from skin immediately (wearing disposable gloves during application can be very helpful).
During firing, odours are not dangerous but can be offensive. These odors quickly leave the area if the kiln has a vented hood and or an exhaust fan.