Frequently Asked Questions

What are Flux Castro's studio hours?

Monday through Thursday, 3pm to 10pm. Friday through Sunday, 10am to 10pm. Hours may change as the studio grows; this page always shows the current schedule.

What kind of studio is Flux Castro?

Flux Castro is a mid-fire pottery studio in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood at 2283 Market Street. We fire exclusively in electric kilns to cone 5/6, and we formulate our own glazes in-house. We offer classes to beginner, intermediate, and advanced students for wheel and handbuilding as well as memberships to those who can work independently in the studio.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the studio. This is partly for their own health: clay and glaze dust settles close to the floor, right where dogs breathe. Service animals are welcome.

How big are member cubbies?

Each member cubby is 12.5 in wide, 15.75 in tall, and 18 in deep. That's enough room for a Giffin Grip and bats, one or two bags of clay, and your pottery tools.

What is the class cancellation policy?

If you cancel 7 or more days before your class starts, you can choose a 50% refund or apply the full amount to a future class of equal value. If you cancel less than 7 days before your class starts, we can't offer a refund, but you can transfer your spot to someone else. If Flux Castro cancels a class, we'll reschedule it, or you can join another session.

What happens if I miss a session in a multi-week class?

Missed sessions can't be made up. You're welcome to come to the studio and sit in on another class covering the same material.

Can I use the studio outside of class time?

Yes. Students in multi-week classes are encouraged to use the studio during open hours, including while other classes are in session.

What clay can I use at Flux Castro?

Students and members can use reclaimed studio clay for free, or buy 25 lb bags of clay at the studio. We currently stock these clay bodies:

• Charcoal
• B-Mix
• Dragon Fruit
• Red Velvet
• Speckled Buff
• Porcelain (Nara 5)
• Hawaiian Red

Can I bring my own clay?

No. Outside clay is not permitted. Clay rated for a different temperature can melt or bloat in a cone 5/6 firing and damage kiln shelves and other people's work.

Can I bring my own glazes?

Outside glazes must be cleared with a studio technician before you use them. Flux Castro formulates its own glazes in-house, and all studio glazes are available to students and members.

What size are your kilns?

Flux Castro has two Skutt electric kilns:

• Skutt KM1627-3PK (oval): interior about 46 in x 31 in and 27 in tall, 18.5 cubic feet. Specifications: https://skutt.com/products-page/ceramic-kilns/km-1627-3pk/
• Skutt KM1231-3PK (round): interior about 28 in in diameter and 31 in tall, 11.6 cubic feet. Specifications: https://skutt.com/products-page/ceramic-kilns/km-1231pk/

These are the largest electric Skutt kilns available, so they're great for large pieces.

Shelves and posts take up part of each chamber, so the largest piece you can fire is smaller than these interior dimensions. Ask a studio technician before starting a very large piece.

Do you charge extra to fire large pieces?

Not currently. We do our best to fire every piece at no extra cost. As the studio gets busier over the next few months, we may introduce a fee for oversized work, and this page will be updated if that changes.

Is Flux Castro hiring?

We are not hiring right now. If you'd like to be considered for future openings, email hello@fluxcastro.com with a bit about your ceramics background, and we'll keep you in mind.