PRIVATE EVENT

frequently asked questions

When can I have a private event at Walls of Clay?

Typically, we have private events before or after studio hours.  If you need to schedule something during studio hours, please call us to see if we can work it into the schedule.

How do I reserve a private event?

You can reserve online; click here.  Or give us a call at 972.547.4472 or email us to check availability.  We can reserve a private event either in person or by phone.

Is there a fee or deposit required to reserve a private event?

Reservations are required along with a $75 non-refundable deposit. The deposit will be applied towards price of the pottery or glass, providing the minimum requirement is purchased ($225). If your group does not meet the minimum purchase requirement, your deposit of $75 will be converted to room rental fee and will NOT be applied towards any purchases. No exceptions.

Is my $75 deposit applied towards the event?

Yes, providing that your group reaches the minimum requirement of $225 (before tax) in pottery.  Here is the scoop: we are opening and staffing our studio after studio hours so we ask that you paint a minimum of $225 in pottery and/or glass during the two hour event.

If you do not meet the minimum requirement ($200 before tax) during your event, the deposit of $75 will be converted to a room rental charge.

How many adults can your studio hold?

The front of our studio can hold a maximum of 28 adults, but this will be a jam-packed house and we do not recommend this many people at once.  We can also hold an additional 8 adults in our private room. If you are planning on reaching the maximum numbers, please know that there will NOT be any space or extra tables for food/drinks/presents.  If you are unfamiliar with the size of our studio and layout, we encourage you to visit our studio before reserving a time slot.

What if my group does not reach the minimum amount of $225 during the 2 hour event?

After your guests select their pieces to paint (or glass to fuse) our staff will do a quick courtesy tally to see whether or not you have reached the $225 (before tax) minimum.  If you are below, we will let you know the shortage and give you an opportunity to paint something in addition, switch a lesser piece for a more expensive one, add-on, etc.

If your group does not meet the minimum purchase requirement, your deposit of $75 will be converted to room rental fee and will NOT be applied towards
any purchases. No exceptions.

What if just a friend or two wants to get together and we don't want to book a private event?

We have extended our studio hours on Friday nights. Our studio is open 11 – 9 on Friday, so you can come in and paint/fuse items of your choice without worry of meeting our private event requirements.  Please note:  if you are anticipating more than 6 people in your group, we strongly recommend calling in advance so that we are properly staffed.

What if we need more time than 2 hours for our private event?

We open and staff the studio for two (2) hours at no charge.  If some of the painters do not finish painting within the two hours, we are happy to wrap up their pieces and send them home whoever did not finish.  They are then welcome to return to the studio to finish, and there is no charge to do so.

 It is important to keep in mind that your two hours starts at the time we have agreed upon, for example 6:30 – 8:30, not when guests arrive.  We will do our best to keep the party moving forward and will politely notify guests when there is 1 hour left, 30 minutes left and so on so that everyone can budget their time accordingly.

What happens if my private event goes longer than 2 hours?

We allow 2 hours for a private event at no charge.  Please note that the event starts at the time that is reserved, not when guests arrive.  If the event runs past 2 hours, your deposit will be forfeited AND you will be billed $60 for every 30 minutes past the 2 hours, in addition to the forfeiture of your deposit.  If you and/or your guests cannot complete your pottery project within two hours, you are welcome to take your piece(s) home and return at a later date, at no charge.  Do to the nature of glass fusing; glass projects must be completed in the allotted two hours.

When do you need a final headcount?

A final headcount is required three (3) business days prior to the party. An email will be sent the Wednesday/Thursday prior to your party date requesting the final head count. Please check your email and respond.  This is an important step so that we are staffed according to the size of your group.

Not everyone on my guest list will want to paint pottery or fuse glass, is this a problem?

We understand there may certain situations when not everyone present will paint pottery or fuse glass. For example, parents of a teen private event may wish to mingle, take pictures, set food up etc. Or the new director of a preschool may wish to spend the 2 hours getting to know his/her staff. In these instances, we will allow up to 2 non painters/glass fusers at no charge.  Any additional non-painters/glass fusers beyond the first 2 will incur a studio fee of $10 per person.

Can we bring in food and if yes, do we need paper goods?

Yes and Yes! You are welcome to bring in food, though do keep in mind that you have two hours for the event and most of this time will be needed to plan and paint your pieces of pottery.  If you opt to bring in food such as snacks and/or dessert, please bring in the needed paper goods, cups and/or utensils.

Can I bring in alcoholic beverages?

Yes, you are welcome to bring in wine, beer, etc. However, there are a few rules that you need to be aware of.  For the most part, these are not our rules, but those of the city of McKinney and TABC…so don’t shoot the messenger!  You must be 21 years of age and have identification if asked.  An alcohol waiver needs to be signed the night of the event.  It’s quick and easy, the verbage is below for your review. We cannot open your wine, so it would be wise to bring a your own corkscrew or bottle opener.  While we are happy to pour your paint for you, we cannot pour your adult beverages.  And here is the biggie…you cannot, under any circumstances, leave our store with an open container.  The sidewalk is off limits – you must leave your glass of vino (or beverage of choice) inside the store.  So, yes you can bring in adult beverages but please, drink responsibly – someone is counting on you coming home at the end of the night!

ALCOHOL POLICY/WAIVER (if applicable):  I agree that I am 21 years of age or older and will consume my alcoholic beverages responsibly. I release and waive any and all claims or action that may arise against Walls of Clay, LLC, its affiliates, successors or assigns as well as the owner and employees/contractors as a result of anything which occurs before, during or after my session including to but not limited to injury, loss, theft or damage to any person or property.