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Wheelhouse Studios Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled some of the most common questions and answers we receive here at Wheelhouse. If there’s a question not on here, please feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help.

Have one of your own questions?

Wheelhouse Studios is a lifelong education program designed for adult learners. Due to liability reasons and State of Wisconsin Mandatory Reporter of Child Abuse guidelines, we cannot accommodate individuals under the age of 18 in our classes or open studio. There are no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your understanding.

Please note with private group events, children and teens can be accommodated under some circumstances with chaperones. Please contact wheelhouse@union.wisc.edu to learn more.
Check out our parking page for information about where to park. There are University and City parking options nearby.
The Wheelhouse Studios (WhS) Community Guidelines exist to promote a positive, safe, and creative environment as well as common expectations for patrons utilizing the facility.
WhS cultivates an inclusive art community that values respect and learning. No physical or verbal abuse or discrimination of any form will be tolerated. Patrons found to be violating the WhS Community Guidelines will receive a verbal warning. Further violations may result in loss of studio privileges including access to spaces.
Patrons MUST:
- Treat each other with dignity and respect, cultivating a welcoming art community.
- Listen to and comply with any safety instructions or requests from WhS staff.
- Use all tools and equipment safely and properly.
- Secure clothes, hair, jewelry, etc. in order to safely use tools and equipment (closed toe shoes, no loose jewelry, hair tied).
- Report any unsafe conditions or actions to WhS staff immediately.
- Use Whs materials. No outside materials are permitted at WhS, any exceptions must be approved by the Director.
- Be good stewards of the studio environment by using all common equipment and supplies respectfully and by keeping work areas safe.
- Clean the entirety of work areas prior to departure.
- Respect the workspace of other patrons, including keeping personal noise levels to a minimum, i.e. “inside voices,” and refraining from using electronic devices except with headphones.
- Write your name on any tools that you bring to the studio, especially if they may get left out.
- Take finished work home to enjoy and share. If an art piece is left at the studio, it must have a name, date, and phone number of the patron. Works left longer than 2 weeks will be disposed of.
- Have an inspired, safe and fun time using imagination and innovation in the creation of amazing works of art.
Patrons may NOT:
- Borrow tools, supplies or equipment from WhS or other patrons without permission.
- Touch, disturb, damage, or play with artwork created by (or being created by) others without their explicit permission.
Read the Wisconsin Union's Patron Code of Conduct.
Wheelhouse Studios users are not permitted to bring in their own materials, as this poses a compatibility and safety risk. We stock a large variety of studio art materials for purchase, and we require purchase of clay from Wheelhouse Studios when using the ceramics area. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Excluding ceramic materials, some exceptions may apply with prior approval. Please email wheelhouse@union.wisc.edu with inquiries.
To ensure both firing compatibility and glazing compatibility, all users of the ceramics studio are required to purchase and use clay sourced at Wheelhouse Studios. The success of all users in their ceramic art is our ultimate goal. Mixing clay bodies within a single kiln can result in explosions (ruining everyone’s works). Our glazes are formulated and tested to work well with the clay bodies that we offer for sale.
Any class participant may register one additional person in the same course, as their guest, at the same per-person rate as their eligibility allows (student, Union Member, etc.). Subject to space availability.
Yes, we do accept registrations for courses that have already started, provided there is still space available in the class. Fees are not prorated for late registrations, however.
NOTE: If you are looking in our booking system for a course that has already started, you need to change the search settings under “When.”
Setting up an account allows you to more easily register in the future, access a complete record of your previous registrations, and print a personal schedule. Wheelhouse Studios will not share or sell your information to anyone outside of the program.
A full refund of class fees can be issued if we cancel a course. If you elect to drop or transfer, we must receive notice at least three full business days prior to the start date. A $5.00 service fee is assessed for any refund request. Refund requests need to be called in or emailed to the office as refunds cannot be processed via the website. No refunds are issued for inability to attend published rain dates. Receipts will not be mailed for credit card refunds; please consult your monthly card statement for confirmation.
Your satisfaction is important to us. If you are dissatisfied with your class, please let us know. Depending on the situation we can issue a refund or transfer to another course.
Courses Meeting Outdoors - Most classes have a scheduled "rain date" or are scheduled to meet rain or shine. This information should be included in the course description and/or on your Course Confirmation Notice. Assume your class is running unless you hear from your instructor or our office. There are no refunds for inability to attend scheduled rain dates or missing a scheduled course due to weather.
Major Storm Cancellations - All Wheelhouse classes are canceled if UW-Madison cancels classes. The University rarely does this. Individual courses may be canceled at the instructor's request even if the UW remains open. Should this happen we attempt to reach all participants for any canceled class. We will also update our voice mail (Main phone line at (608) 262-3156) with cancellations.
The first step to becoming a Wheelhouse Studios instructor is to complete our Application and Course Proposal Form. This is available on the Instructors page. We can also mail or email you these forms. Call our office at (608) 262-3156 for answers to any questions you may have and/or to request that the forms be sent to you.
Yes! We are a perfect spot for your group event with friends, family, or co-workers. Group art-making events include activities such as wood burning, mosaics, or painting. Prices typically between $15 - $35 per person. Learn more at our group event page, where you can also fill out a group event inquiry form to get more information.
Yes! Throughout the semester, we host a variety of free events, including our popular Free Art Fridays. In the summer months, you can also enjoy free art-making at the Terrace Art Zone outside on the Memorial Union Terrace. One of the best ways to stay in the loop of what’s happening at Wheelhouse is to join our mailing list!