Mentor Open Studio Time is an opportunity for SGP mentors to use the studio space, equipment, and tools for their own independent creative work. We are incredibly grateful for the time, knowledge, and creativity our mentors share with SGP students, and we hope these sessions provide an opportunity for mentors to continue developing their own artistic practices.

Mentor Open Studio sessions are a privilege offered to active SGP mentors. To ensure the studio remains safe, functional, and welcoming for everyone, all participating mentors agree to the following terms and expectations.

1. Use of Studio Space and Equipment

Mentor Open Studio Time is entirely independent, self-guided work time. These sessions are not instructional sessions, and no teaching, demonstrations, equipment training, or technical assistance will be provided.

• Mentors may use SGP’s available studio equipment, tools, and workspaces during designated Mentor Open Studio sessions.

• Mentors may only operate machinery, tools, and equipment they have been previously trained to use and are fully comfortable operating independently.

• Mentors are responsible for knowing how to safely operate all equipment they choose to use. If you are unfamiliar with a piece of equipment or unsure how to operate it safely, do not use it.

• No instruction, demonstrations, or training will be provided during Open Studio sessions. Mentors should not expect SGP staff or fellow mentors to provide equipment instruction or technical guidance.

• All equipment and tools must be used responsibly and in accordance with established safety procedures.

• Equipment and tools must be returned to their designated locations after use.

• SGP equipment and tools must remain at the studio and may not be removed or borrowed.

  Kiln Use and Firing

• Mentors are not permitted to operate, program, load, or fire any SGP kilns at any time.

• Any projects requiring kiln firing must be brought to Kate for scheduling and firing.

• Mentors are responsible for determining their own firing needs and preparing a proposed firing schedule for their projects, including firing temperatures, ramp rates, holds, and any other relevant details.

• Proposed firing schedules must be submitted to Kate for review and approval before any firing takes place. Kate will review schedules for safety and compatibility with the kiln but will not create, research, or develop firing schedules on behalf of mentors. If a schedule is incomplete, unclear, or raises safety concerns, Kate may request revisions or decline the firing.

2. Materials and Consumable Supplies

Mentors are responsible for providing all materials and consumable supplies needed for their personal projects. SGP does not provide materials or consumables for personal mentor projects.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Sheet glass and scrap glass

• Copper foil

• Solder

• Flux

• Patina

• Cleaning solutions and other chemicals

• Any additional consumable supplies specific to your project

SGP’s materials and supplies are reserved for student programming and organizational use and may not be used for personal projects under any circumstances.

3. Storage of Personal Materials

• Each mentor may use one designated shelf on the mentor shelving unit at the back of the studio for personal project materials and supplies.

• Mentors are responsible for keeping their designated shelf neat and organized.

• Personal chemicals, including flux, patina, and other studio chemicals, may be stored at SGP provided they are kept in the designated flammable storage cabinet.

• All stored chemicals must be clearly labeled with the mentor’s name and the contents of the container.

• Chemicals must remain in their original, properly labeled containers. Safety Data Sheets must be available for chemicals used or stored in the studio. Kate must be alerted to any chemicals that you will be storing in the flammable cabinet and a SDS sheet must be provided prior to the chemical entering the studio.

• Personal materials and supplies must remain within your designated storage area only.

• SGP reserves the right to request the removal of improperly stored, unlabeled, or unsafe materials.

4. Food and Personal Supplies

• Mentors are responsible for bringing their own food, snacks, and beverages during Open Studio sessions.

• Food and snacks purchased or provided for SGP’s afterschool student programming are reserved exclusively for students and may not be consumed by mentors.

• Food and beverages must be kept away from work surfaces, tools, equipment, and chemicals.

• All personal food waste, packaging, and containers must be disposed of properly before leaving the studio. Any food left in the studio or fridge after open studio time has concluded weekly will be disposed of.

5. Cleanup and Studio Maintenance

Maintaining a clean and safe studio is a shared responsibility. All mentors are expected to clean up after themselves throughout each session.

At the conclusion of every Mentor Open Studio session, all participating mentors must contribute to a full studio cleanup, including:

• Sweeping the entire studio floor.

• Mopping the studio floor.

• Wiping down all worktables and surfaces.

• Cleaning and returning all tools and equipment to their designated locations.

• Properly disposing of waste and putting away all materials.

• Ensuring all chemicals are safely stored and all workspaces are left clean and ready for the next studio users.

Cleanup is a required part of every session, not an optional responsibility. Mentors should plan their work time accordingly and allow enough time at the end of each session to complete these tasks together.

6. Safety and Shared Studio Expectations

• Mentors must follow all applicable studio safety guidelines and equipment procedures.

• Mentors are responsible for assessing their own abilities and working within their level of training and experience.

• Only use equipment and machinery you have been trained to operate and can safely use independently.

• Open Studio is self-guided work time. Mentors should not rely on SGP staff or fellow mentors for instruction, demonstrations, or technical training.

• Appropriate personal protective equipment must be used when necessary.

• Chemicals must be handled and stored safely.

• Alcohol, recreational drugs, and any other substances that may impair judgment or the ability to safely operate equipment are prohibited before or during Open Studio sessions. Mentors must not participate while under the influence of any impairing substance.

• Any broken equipment, damaged tools, spills, accidents, injuries, or safety concerns must be reported to SGP staff promptly.

• Mentors are expected to be respectful of other studio users and mindful that the space primarily serves SGP’s educational programming.

• Personal projects must not interfere with scheduled student programming or other pre-existing studio activities.

• Mentors must leave the studio in a safe and clean condition before leaving.

7. Emergency Procedures

Mentors are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the studio’s emergency procedures and the locations of essential safety equipment before participating in Open Studio.

This includes knowing the locations of:

• First aid kit

• Fire extinguishers

• Eyewash station

• Emergency exits

• Emergency contact information

In the event of an injury, accident, fire, or other emergency, mentors must prioritize personal safety, follow applicable emergency procedures, and contact emergency services (911) when necessary. SGP staff must be notified of any incident as soon as reasonably possible.

Mentors must not attempt to operate equipment or address an emergency beyond their training or abilities.

8. Scheduling and Access

• Mentors must sign up in advance for each Mentor Open Studio session.

• Open Studio access is limited to designated days and times.

• Mentors may not bring guests or outside participants into the studio without prior approval from SGP.

• Studio access is intended for mentors’ own personal artistic work and may not be used for unauthorized workshops or activities.

• Mentors may not provide instruction or conduct outside classes, lessons, or workshops during Open Studio sessions.

9. Voluntary Participation, Assumption of Risk, and Personal Responsibility

Mentor Open Studio Time is provided as an optional opportunity for active SGP mentors to independently use the studio for their own creative projects. Participation is entirely voluntary, and mentors are not required to attend or participate.

Mentors understand that glassworking and the use of studio equipment involve inherent risks. These may include, but are not limited to, cuts from broken or sharp glass, burns from hot materials and equipment, injuries involving tools and machinery, exposure to chemicals and fumes, eye injuries, and other accidents that may occur in a working studio environment.

By choosing to participate, mentors acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with independent studio work and agree to take responsibility for their own safety and actions.

Mentors further acknowledge that:

• Open Studio is self-guided and does not include instruction, supervision, demonstrations, or equipment training.

• They are responsible for ensuring they have the knowledge and experience necessary to safely operate any equipment they choose to use.

• They will not attempt to operate unfamiliar equipment or perform processes they are not comfortable completing independently.

• They will follow all established safety procedures and use appropriate protective equipment.

• They will immediately report any injuries, accidents, equipment damage, or unsafe conditions to SGP.

SGP provides access to its studio space, tools, and equipment as a courtesy to its mentors. Mentors participate at their own discretion and are responsible for exercising appropriate care and judgment throughout their participation. To the extent permitted by applicable law, mentors agree to release and hold harmless The Stained Glass Project, its representatives, and authorized personnel from claims arising from their voluntary participation in Open Studio activities.

10. Suspension or Revocation of Open Studio Privileges

SGP reserves the right to restrict access to specific equipment, ask a mentor to stop an activity, or suspend or revoke Open Studio privileges if a mentor:

• Fails to follow established safety procedures.

• Uses equipment or machinery improperly or without appropriate training.

• Fails to maintain a clean and safe working environment.

• Misuses SGP equipment, tools, or materials.

• Violates any of the terms outlined in this agreement.

• Engages in behavior that compromises the safety or well-being of other studio users.

SGP may update these guidelines as needed. Continued participation in Mentor Open Studio requires adherence to the most current version of this agreement.

11. Agreement and Acknowledgment

By signing up for Mentor Open Studio Time, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to follow all guidelines and responsibilities outlined in this agreement.

I understand and acknowledge that:

• Participation in Mentor Open Studio is entirely voluntary.

• Open Studio is independent, self-guided work time, and no instruction, demonstrations, supervision, or equipment training will be provided.

• I may only operate equipment and machinery that I have been trained to use and am comfortable operating independently.

• I am responsible for providing all consumable materials and supplies for my personal projects.

• I must properly label and store all personal chemicals and supplies.

• I must bring my own food and may not consume snacks or food designated for SGP students.

• I am responsible for cleaning up after myself and participating in the full studio cleanup at the end of every session.

• I understand the inherent risks associated with glassworking and independent studio use and accept responsibility for my own participation and safety practices.

• I will familiarize myself with the studio’s emergency procedures and promptly report any injuries, accidents, or safety concerns.

• Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the suspension or revocation of my Open Studio privileges.

By signing up for Mentor Open Studio Time, I confirm that I have read and agree to these terms and understand that continued access to the studio is contingent upon following them.