STUDIO POLICIES for
Drawing, Painting, & Kids Classes 

STUDIO HANDBOOK & POLICIES
Hedgeapple Arts strives to be open and inclusive to all. We make efforts to support our belief that “ART IS FOR EVERYONE!” With that in mind, we also know that we have our own limitations of staffing, space, and resources, and believe it’s important to share information that may help artists and their families decide if our classes, camps, or workshops are a good fit for them at this time. 

We are open to learning more about how we can continually grow and improve to make our studio a great experience for everyone!

SECTION A:  GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS
1.  RECOMMENDED AGES FOR CLASSES & FLEXIBILITY: Please note that if your child is on the edge of a certain age range, and you think they should “go up or down” a level to give them a better experience, or to be in class with a sibling or friend, please reach out to us in advance. We are open to flexible ages in certain camps and classes, but ask that you discuss it with Katie in advance.

2. INSTRUCTION & PARTICIPATION:
2-1. Artists should be able to comply with verbal instruction from instructors and staff. We are open to using accommodations such as picture cards, and simple sign language, if given advance notice.
2-2. Artists in drop-off classes should be able to focus on an art project for a period ranging from 15-20 minutes and up, depending on the class, and target age group for the camp/class. 

3. BEHAVIOR: We want everyone to have a great experience! Therefore, expectations for the studio space, art supplies, makerspace materials, etc., will be shared with artists. Students who intentionally break materials, supplies, or do not use the art studio space as instructed will have a verbal warning and redirection from the teacher/instructor. If behavior continues, a parent/guardian will be contacted. If behavior continues, the artist may be removed from the class without refund. Again, we want everyone to have the best possible experience! We understand that “kids will be kids,” and that different ages & stages have different behavioral expectations; however, we also know that kids are capable of kind, creative, and amazing things! 

4. INDEPENDENT RESTROOM USE (for Drop-Off Classes) :  Artists in drop-off classes should be able to use the restroom independently, including advocating for themselves if they need to use the facilities. We encourage artists to use the restrooms before class starts, since our studio time often flies by! Independent restroom use includes being able to get to the restroom down the hall, and unbuckle/button/zip their own clothing in the restroom. If unable to do this a parent or authorized aide must stay on the premises to assist if needed.  Artists with special needs requiring an aide should contact the instructor prior to registration. The exception to this is the parent and child art class, when an adult is present with the child during class.

5. DRINKING/EATING: Unless stated otherwise, we do not allow outside food in our studios. We encourage artists to bring a bottle of water. Artists in drop-off classes should be able to open and close a water bottle and drink unassisted.

6. SPACE ACCESSIBILITY:  Artists should be able to get around on their own independently by walking, with the use of a walker, cane, or wheelchair. We are always working towards being as inclusive and accessible as possible, but we also understand that we may not be able to  accommodate every situation or need at this time. Please note that we are located in a historic building that has been made as accessible as possible, but may not accommodate every wheelchair or situation. There are a few steps down to access the studio, but there is also a ramp. The doorway to the studio is approximately 30” wide (but double-check with us to make sure if your chair/device is close to that same width.) There are restrooms on the same level as the studio and an elevator up the hall, leading to more accessible restrooms on the floor above the studio.

SECTION B:  REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
1.  Tuition/Fees:  Payment in full must accompany all class registrations in advance. Payment information is on the registration site. If you wish to pay in cash, please reach out to Katie in advance. 

2. Confirmations:  Hedgeapple Arts makes an effort to confirm classes with you in advance (typically automated from our system.)  Since people sign up at different times, we cannot guarantee a written confirmation in advance. If you do not hear from us, please attend the class as scheduled.

3. Canceled/Missed Classes:  Class make-ups are given only when the teacher cancels an entire class. There is no guarantee that the make-up session will align with the same schedule. Your notification of your inability to attend a class is a courtesy to the teacher, but we regret we cannot excuse you from payment of the class. Hedgeapple Arts reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or implement a substitute teacher plan for unexpected instructor absences. Substitute teachers/instructors (who have a background check,)  are an option, but not a guarantee. 

4. Late Registration:  When space permits, late registrations will be accepted at full cost.

5. Refunds/Credits for Low Enrollment/ Class Cancellation: Classes may be canceled if enrollment does not meet predetermined minimums. In the case of class cancellation the student/family will be contacted by a member of Hedgeapple Arts' staff who will assist in moving the student to another class, placing fees paid as credit on account for future use, or refunding the full amount of the class.

6. Observation of Classes/Lessons:  Individuals accompanying students to “drop-off” classes/lessons are asked to remain outside of the classroom/studio space during all classes/lessons. This ensures a quality learning environment for all students with limited disruptions. If a class is described as a “parent and child”-style class, ONE adult may accompany each registered student. 

7. Parking:  Free parking is available in the East parking lot during class times. Kids should be walked to the studio, please. Also, remember that the alley can have traffic pass through; please be aware. No parking in the alley, please.

SECTION C:  STUDIO CULTURE, POLICIES, & EXPECTATIONS
1.  RESPECT FOR MATERIALS & SAFETY:  Students/Artists will use many different tools and materials, which may include, but are not limited to:  scissors, x-acto knives, clay, sharp tools, paint, and more. Since many of our classes have an independent, process-based component, we expect that our students will comply with safety protocols, and that they are reinforced by parents/guardians. It is impossible for any instructor to have their eyes on every student at every moment. Therefore, we expect artists/participants to use materials and tools responsibly. Additionally, in order to keep everyone safe, there is no running, climbing, throwing, or similar behaviors allowed in the studio or common areas. Parents and/or guardians will reinforce safety information with their young artists, remind them that no art supplies are edible, and that materials should be used carefully as directed by the instructor.

2. LOCATION DETAILS:  The Art Studio is located in Asbury United Methodist Church’s historic building at 196 S. Harrison Avenue in downtown Kankakee. It is conveniently located right across the side street from the Kankakee County Courthouse. Please park in the parking lot behind the church (East side) and go through the courtyard. Press the buzzer, enter, and turn left. The Hedge studio is located just down the ramp to your left.

3.  DROP-OFF & PICK-UP:  The art instructor is in the Art Studio/classroom area and is not able to escort students from the studio to vehicles, or vice versa. It is up to the parent/grandparent/guardian to drop off and pick-up their student, from studio door to studio door. Parents may choose to have their student walk in and out on their own from age 12 and up, or at their discretion - please communicate this before doing so. No student should be running through or crossing the alley alone. Please do not park in or block the alley. Hedgeapple Arts, its owner, employees, volunteers, and Asbury UMC are not responsible for students during the drop-off and pick-up process. Participants should follow the guidelines listed above.

SECTION C:  STUDIO CULTURE, POLICIES, & EXPECTATIONS (continued)
4. WAITING AREA & COMMON SPACES: Please read each class description to learn if a class is a drop-off class, or a class where a parent/grandparent/guardian should stay. If a class is a drop-off class, no one else may wait in the studio classroom. If it is a “parent and me”- type class, each child may be accompanied by ONE adult. If parents/guardians need to stay close during class, they may sit in the waiting area just outside of the Art Studio spaces. Please be respectful of the shared common areas; artists, parents, guardians, etc. may not wander throughout the rest of the building, and must remain in the designated waiting area.

5. RESTROOM LOCATIONS:  Please use the common restrooms in the hallway outside the Art Studio. More accessible restrooms are located upstairs via elevator. Please read the posted signs for appropriate disposal of items. No diapers should be disposed of on the premises, please. 

6. RESPECT FOR TIME:  No late or early drop-offs. No exceptions. A late fee that begins at $10 will be assessed for late pick-ups. The instructor is not responsible for students who arrive too early or are picked up late.  No refunds or pro-rating of class fees will be given for late or missed classes - thank you for your understanding. Every effort will be made to start and end classes in a timely manner, which includes student artists helping clean up their workspace.

7. CANCELLATIONS: Hedgeapple Arts reserves the right to cancel classes due to weather, illness, or other reasons. If a class is canceled by Hedgeapple Arts due to weather, effort will be made to schedule a date for a make-up class, if possible, with the understanding that weather make-ups will not always be possible due to the calendar schedule, and that the make-up may not align with the regular class time, understanding that the timeframe may not work for all participants. In the event of a cancellation, every effort will be made to communicate any cancellations to the students and parents/guardians, if applicable. Due to the nature of our business, no refunds or make-up classes will be offered for classes missed by participants.

8. ILLNESS & COVID-19 POLICY:  Art is hands-on and collaborative, therefore we want to make sure we take measures to minimize exposure to illness. Hedgeapple Arts will make every effort to follow health and safety protocols, understanding that it may change if outbreaks (of any illness) occur. If implemented, our participants are expected to follow the same protocols for our classes. We want everyone (including the immunocompromised) to have as safe of an experience as possible.  

    Please do not come to the studio if the participant:

  - has a fever of 100 or higher, or is not 24-hours fever-free without medication.

- has tested positive for Covid-19 within the past 5 days.

- has symptoms for Covid-19 and has been around someone with Covid-19 within 7 days.

- has symptoms of a cold, flu, or other illness that cannot be managed with medicine.

- has experienced vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours.

- has any other symptoms or conditions that could be passed onto others. 

- If you or your child test positive for Covid-19 or another contagious illness, please notify the owner or instructor so that
  additional cleaning and safety measures can take place. Again, we want everyone to be as safe as possible.

9. Most importantly… RESPECT FOR PEOPLE (KINDNESS IS COOL.)  

It is important to us that we create a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone is treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. We welcome all participants and respect all backgrounds and gender expressions. If you have a question or concern, we ask that you bring it to us in a polite manner and give us the opportunity to address your concern - and if we’ve made a mistake, let us try to make it right. A little kindness goes a long way and we want everyone to have a great experience. In situations where unacceptable behavior or conduct has occurred, Hedgeapple Arts reserves the right to refuse service, suspend, and/or dismiss a student for disciplinary reasons, unacceptable behavior, or conduct, possibly without refund.  Let’s work together to create a space where people feel welcome and can be themselves!

PLEASE READ COURSE DESCRIPTION AND RELEASE/LIABILITY FORM, AS WELL.