FAQ

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

Are you open to the public?

Northern Light Art Studio is a member-only space. Non-members are not permitted to be in the space unsupervised for any amount of time.

Our Gallery & Boutique are open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm or by appointment. Please fill out the contact form below to schedule an appointment.

We also regularly host public-facing events and would love to show you around! Please check out the calendar for our upcoming events, and follow us on Instragram @nlas.mn to stay up to date, or reach out to us to schedule a tour!

What types of artists do you support?

Northern Light Art Studio is designed for visual arts and potters. We have a number of community workspaces for painting and pottery, pottery wheels, and dedicated workspaces. We also have private studios available for rent.

We reserve the right to reject artforms that may be disruptive or hazardous to our community members. Mediums such as spray painting or large scale epoxy projects may not be the right fit for our studio. If you have any questions about your artistic medium, please direct them to our team at northernlightartstudiomn@gmail.com.

I have another question. How can we get in touch?

We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at northernlightartstudiomn@gmail.com or fill out the contact form. A member of our team will get back to you.

CLASS QUESTIONS:

How do I know what classes are available?

Class information is available under our Classes page and on our Calendar. To register for a session, choose the appropriate quantity and click Add to Cart. In your Cart, complete the checkout process to complete your registration.

What’s the difference between Workshops and Courses?

Workshops are typically 1-time events focused on a specific method. For example, Intro to Wheel Throwing or Sgraffito Surface Decoration. Some workshops may be two-part sessions spaced apart to allow for firing or other processes. Workshops typically last 2-3 hours, but may be longer or shorter depending on the class.

Courses are multi-week recurring sessions focused on a longer process. For example, Pottery 101 will introduce the full process of making pottery including wheel throwing, trimming, surface decoration and more. Course lengths vary depending on class structure and level.

How do I pick up my pieces?

Turn-around time for student pottery is 4-6 weeks. When they’re ready for pickup, you’ll receive an email notification.

Pickup is available during Gallery & Boutique open hours Saturday and Sunday from 10-2pm. Head to the Pottery Pick-up shelf in the Boutique to find your works and take them home!

The class I want to take sold out. How can I sign up for the next session? Can I join a waitlist?

New classes are added to the Calendar regularly and will be announced on our Instagram @nlas.mn. Instagram is currently the best place to stay aware of new class offerings, session dates, and other happenings.

We’re also working on a newsletter to provide regular updates to the community, including new classes and events. To join our newsletter, please fill out our contact form requesting to be added.

We do not currently maintain a waitlist for classes as drop outs are very rare. In the case a spot opens up, we will announce the opening on our Instagram stories.

I want to take a class with my friends! Do you do birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or other private events?

Yes - we can do private sessions! Private sessions are required for parties of 5 or more. Rates depend on the type of workshop. We’re happy to share more information and work with you on organizing your event - please fill out our contact form and include the type of session(s) you are looking for, number of attendees, and the dates you are interested in. A member of our team will get back to you!

I have another question. How can we get in touch?

We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at northernlightartstudiomn@gmail.com or fill out the contact form. A member of our team will get back to you.

MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS:

What are the member hours?

Members have fob access to the studios everyday between 8am-11pm. This includes cleaning time, so please plan accordingly.

Staying in the space for any period from 11pm-8am is strictly prohibited.

If I join as a pottery member, what is supplied by NLAS? Do I need to buy my own clay or glazes?

NLAS provides all the materials you need to get creating! We usually have community reclaim clay available for free to members, and a small selection of underglazes and glazes. That said, most potters are after a specific look and choose to purchase their own clay and glazes.

NLAS has all the tools required to create pottery from start to finish, including basic tools, wheels, workspaces, slab roller, scales, and more.

Community clay and glazes are usually available but are not guaranteed.

Are there community dipping glazes available?

At this time we do not have community dipping glazes. We know this is a highly requested offering and have not ruled it out for the future.

How many kilns do you have? What cone do you fire to? How often do the kilns run?

We have two Skutt electric kilns, and fire glaze to Cone 6 (mid-fire). Our kilns are run as they are filled, rather than on a schedule. On average, we are firing one glaze and one bisque per week, but this changes throughout the year based on member and student work volumes.

If I join as a painter/2D visual arts member, what is supplied by NLAS? Do I need to buy my own canvases or paint?

NLAS provides all the materials you need to get creating! We have a selection of donated canvases available for reuse for free to members, a small selection of acrylic paint, and a variety of brushes, pens, pencils, and markers. That said, most artists are after a specific look and choose to purchase their own supplies such as canvases, paints, and brushes in accordance to their artistic goals.

Community paints are usually available but are not guaranteed.

Can I bring guests?

Yes - bring your friends! Guests are welcome in the studio. Guests must follow the code of conduct and cleaning practices laid out in your member orientation.

This policy is subject to change as needed.

Does NLAS offer art fairs or other opportunities to sell our work?

Yes! We regularly host Open Houses, Art Markets, Galleries and other community events. These events will include opportunities to set up a table and sell your works. Our Artist Boutique features additional opportunities to sell and display work. Please send us a note at northernlightartstudiomn@gmail.com if you are interested in vending, displaying or selling your work at NLAS.

I have another question. How can we get in touch?

We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at northernlightartstudiomn@gmail.com or fill out the contact form. A member of our team will get back to you.