OLIO POLICIES
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1. Respectful Behavior Policy
At Olio Arts & Music Center, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for people of all ages and backgrounds. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, we ask all visitors, artists, students, and guests to be mindful of their behavior while in our space.
All individuals are expected to use respectful language and engage in conversation topics appropriate for a shared, all-ages environment. Guests should remain aware of their surroundings, including the presence of children, families, and others who may be sensitive to language or subject matter.
We ask that individuals avoid engaging in political discussions or other sensitive topics in open, shared spaces when those conversations may create discomfort or disrupt the welcoming atmosphere for others.
All members of our community are expected to treat one another with kindness and consideration, including staff, instructors, volunteers, and fellow guests. Behavior that is disruptive, inappropriate, or offensive to others is not aligned with our values and may be addressed by staff.
Olio reserves the right to ask individuals to modify their behavior or leave the premises if these expectations are not met.
2. Code of Conduct
Olio Arts & Music Center is committed to fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all individuals who enter our space. Whether participating in a class, attending an event, volunteering, or simply visiting, all individuals are expected to contribute positively to the shared atmosphere.
We ask all participants to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect for others, the space, and the creative process. This includes being mindful of language, tone, and behavior in all interactions. Disruptive behavior, including excessive noise, inappropriate comments, or actions that interfere with others’ ability to enjoy the space, will not be tolerated.
Respect for personal boundaries is essential. Physical, verbal, or nonverbal behaviors that make others uncomfortable are not appropriate in this environment. Collaboration and conversation are encouraged, but should always be rooted in mutual respect.
All guests must comply with posted policies and directions from staff, instructors, and volunteers. Failure to adhere to the Code of Conduct may result in a verbal warning, removal from the premises, or restriction from future participation.
3. Anti-Harassment & Non-Discrimination Policy
Olio Arts & Music Center is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment free from harassment and discrimination of any kind. We believe that creativity thrives in spaces where individuals feel respected, valued, and supported.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome verbal comments, offensive jokes, slurs, intimidation, inappropriate physical contact, or any behavior that creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment. Discrimination based on identity, background, beliefs, or personal characteristics will not be tolerated.
This policy applies to all individuals, including staff, instructors, volunteers, artists, and visitors. Everyone shares responsibility in maintaining a respectful atmosphere.
Any individual who experiences or witnesses harassment or discrimination is encouraged to report the incident to staff. Reports will be taken seriously and addressed in a timely and respectful manner. Confidentiality will be maintained whenever possible.
Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern is strictly prohibited.
4. Youth Safety & Family-Friendly Environment Policy
Olio Arts & Music Center values being a welcoming and safe space for individuals of all ages, including children and families. We strive to maintain an environment that supports positive, age-appropriate experiences.
Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times unless they are participating in a structured, supervised program. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their children understand and follow all guidelines while in the space.
All guests share responsibility in maintaining a family-friendly environment. Language, topics of conversation, and behavior should remain appropriate for mixed-age audiences. Guests are expected to be aware of their surroundings and adjust accordingly when children are present.
Staff and instructors prioritize the safety and well-being of youth participants. Any concerns regarding safety should be reported immediately.
5. Studio & Equipment Use Policy
Olio provides shared studio spaces and equipment to support a wide range of artistic practices. In order to maintain a safe and functional environment, all users must follow established guidelines.
Only individuals who have received proper training or authorization may use specialized equipment. Safety protocols must be followed at all times, including the use of protective gear where required.
Users are responsible for cleaning their work areas, tools, and equipment after each use. Shared spaces should be left in a condition that is ready for the next user. Materials and tools must be returned to their proper locations.
Any damaged equipment, safety hazards, or concerns should be reported to staff immediately. Misuse of equipment or failure to follow safety guidelines may result in restricted access to studio facilities.
6. Attendance, Registration & Cancellation Policy
Olio Arts & Music Center offers a variety of classes, workshops, camps, and lessons designed to serve a wide range of ages and experience levels. Because many of our programs have limited capacity and require advance preparation, we maintain the following registration and cancellation guidelines.
All classes, camps, lessons, and workshops are considered non-refundable once registration and payment have been completed. This policy allows us to properly plan, staff, and supply each program while supporting the artists and instructors who lead them.
If Olio must cancel a class due to weather, health concerns, emergencies, or low enrollment, registered participants will be notified as soon as possible. In these situations, participants will be offered an Olio account credit for the canceled class or, when possible, the option to transfer into another available program.
If a participant needs to cancel their registration, notice must be provided at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the class or program in order to receive an Olio credit. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the start time, as well as no-shows, are not eligible for credit or refund.
Service charges and processing fees are non-refundable.
By registering for a program, participants acknowledge and agree to these terms.
7. Photography & Media Release Policy
Olio Arts & Music Center may photograph or document classes, events, and exhibitions for promotional and archival purposes. These materials may be used in print, online, and social media platforms.
Participation in Olio programs or events implies consent to be photographed or recorded unless an individual explicitly opts out. Guests who prefer not to be included in media should notify staff in advance.
We ask that individuals respect the privacy of others when taking personal photos. Always obtain permission before photographing or recording other participants or their work.
8. Artwork & Exhibition Policy
Olio Arts & Music Center supports artists by providing opportunities to exhibit and share their work with the community. All submitted work must be original or created with proper rights and permissions.
All artwork submitted to Olio exhibits must be original and must not infringe upon any copyright, right of publicity, moral right, or any other proprietary or third-party right. By submitting work, the artist warrants that they have not used any copyrighted or licensed material (including text or visual images) in the artwork, or in the creation of the artwork, without the express written permission of the rights holder.
Olio reserves the right to curate exhibitions and make final decisions regarding acceptance, placement, and presentation of artwork. Not all submissions may be accepted.
Artists are responsible for ensuring that their work is exhibition-ready, including proper framing, wiring, labeling, and overall presentation.
Details regarding sales, commissions, insurance, and artwork pickup will be clearly communicated prior to each exhibition.
9. Volunteer & Staff Expectations Policy
Volunteers and staff are essential to the success of Olio Arts & Music Center and serve as representatives of the organization. As such, they are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and conduct.
This includes treating all individuals with respect, maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment, and following all organizational policies and procedures.
Volunteers and staff should communicate clearly, work collaboratively, and support one another. Maintaining appropriate boundaries with participants and guests is essential.
Failure to meet expectations may result in reassignment, additional training, or termination of volunteer or staff roles.
10. Substance-Free Environment Policy
To ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, Olio maintains a substance-free environment during regular operations.
The use of illegal substances or misuse of medications is strictly prohibited. Alcohol is not permitted unless it is part of an approved and sanctioned event.
Individuals who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be asked to leave the premises. This policy is in place to protect the safety, well-being, and experience of all guests.
11. Conflict Resolution & Reporting Policy
Olio encourages open communication and constructive resolution of conflicts. We recognize that disagreements may arise and are committed to addressing them respectfully.
Individuals are encouraged to bring concerns to staff or leadership as soon as possible. Reports will be handled thoughtfully and, when appropriate, confidentially.
Our goal is to resolve issues in a fair and respectful manner while maintaining a positive environment for all. Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns is not tolerated.
12. Facility Use & Rental Policy
Olio’s facilities may be available for use by outside groups and organizations. All renters and participants must adhere to Olio policies.
The space must be treated with respect and left clean and in good condition. Any damage to the facility or equipment must be reported and may result in additional fees.
Failure to comply with policies may result in loss of rental privileges.
13. Accessibility & Inclusion Statement
Olio Arts & Music Center is committed to fostering an environment that is accessible and inclusive to all members of the community.
We strive to accommodate a wide range of needs and abilities whenever possible. Individuals are encouraged to communicate any accessibility needs in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
We believe that access to creativity and artistic expression should be available to everyone, and we are committed to continually improving our practices to support that goal.
14. Key FOB Policy
Olio provides key FOB access to certain members, artists, or approved individuals to support extended use of the facility. This access is a privilege and is intended to support responsible, independent use of the space.
Each individual is issued one key FOB at no cost. FOBs are assigned to specific individuals and should not be shared or transferred to others.
If a key FOB is lost, stolen, or damaged, it is the responsibility of the holder to notify Olio as soon as possible. Replacement FOBs will incur a $10 fee.
Misuse of FOB access, including allowing unauthorized entry or use of the facility outside of approved guidelines, may result in revocation of access privileges.
Olio reserves the right to deactivate or revoke FOB access at any time if policies are not followed or if access is no longer required.
15. Handling, Care, & Liability of Artwork
Olio is committed to the respectful and careful handling of all artwork entrusted to us. All staff and volunteers involved in the installation, deinstallation, and display of exhibits will treat each piece with the utmost care and professionalism.
While every effort is made to ensure the safety and security of all artwork, Olio cannot guarantee against loss, theft, or damage. Artists understand and agree that they are responsible for maintaining their own insurance coverage for their work while it is on site, in transit, or on display.
In the event that any artwork is damaged while in Olio’s care, Olio will promptly notify the artist to discuss the situation and determine appropriate next steps. Olio will not attempt to repair, alter, or otherwise fix any damaged artwork.
Artists are responsible for ensuring that their work is structurally sound, properly prepared for display, and suitable for handling and exhibition. Olio reserves the right to decline or remove work that is deemed unstable or presents a risk to people or other artwork.
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All Olio classes, camps, lessons and workshops are non-refundable unless Olio cancels due to weather, health, an emergency, or low attendance. In those cases, the student will be notified of the cancellation as soon as possible and will be offered a credit for the class that is canceled, or (if possible) the option to move into a different class being offered.
Paid student cancellations must occur 48 hours prior to class start time to receive Olio credit.
Service charges are non-refundable. -
To help us manage studio space and materials, the following timelines apply to all pottery left at Olio, unless prior arrangements have been made with staff:
Greenware (unfired work):
Must be claimed within 6 months. After this time, unclaimed pieces will be recycled.Bisque-fired work:
Must be claimed within 6 months. After this time, pieces will be donated or sold in the gift shop, with proceeds benefiting Olio.Glaze-fired work:
Must be claimed within 6 months. After this time, pieces will be donated or sold in the gift shop, with proceeds benefiting Olio.
Olio is not responsible for damage or loss of work left beyond these timeframes.
Olio Board of Directors Approved: 5/19/2026
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Olio instructors and volunteers handle all pottery with the utmost care and respect throughout the forming, drying, glazing, and firing processes.
Due to the nature of ceramics, damage can occur that is beyond our control, including but not limited to cracking, warping, glaze defects, or kiln-related issues.
If a piece is damaged while in Olio’s care, the situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. When appropriate, Olio may offer the artist a number of studio hours equivalent to the time invested in creating the piece as a way to make it right.
By participating in the pottery studio, artists acknowledge and accept the inherent risks of the ceramic process, including the possibility of loss or damage during firing.
Olio Board of Directors Approved: 5/19/2026