Foci MCGA Terms and Conditions
For all Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Art classes, experiences, demonstrations, rentals, and socials.
Refunds, Expirations, and Transfer of Funds:
Applies to all Foci MCGA programming
Refunds: Foci MCGA does not fully refund any classes.* A 50-percent refund will be given for cancellations made at least 14 days before the start of class. No refund will be given after that time. If you need to cancel, please email contact@mnglassart.org or call 612-759-8476. If it is necessary for us to cancel a class for any reason, a full refund will be given. Deposits, administrative fees, and consultation fees are nonrefundable. *Youth & Teen Glass Camp registrations qualify for a 100-percent discount for cancellations made in writing at least 14 days before the start of class - this applies to Youth/Teen Glass Camps only.
Transfers: If you would like to transfer your registration to another class date, a request must be made in writing to contact@mnglassart.org at least 14 days prior to the scheduled activity to avoid transfer/rescheduling fees. Class transfers are not guaranteed and are dependent on enrollment availability of the class you seek to transfer into. In the case that your request cannot be accommodated, the refund policy will apply. If we are able to accommodate your request, an administrative transfer fee will incur.
Expiration: All registrations expire after one year from purchase if not used. After one year, all payments made are non-refundable.
Minimum Participation Requirements:
Applies to all Foci MCGA programming
Arrival: Please aim to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure you are able to park, fill out the required forms, and get settled in prior to the start time.
Age: Minimum age requirements vary for different class categories. Discovery class participation minimum starts at age 9. Core classes start at age 14. Some classes require a parent or guardian to purchase an accompanying seat in the class. Please read the full age requirements below before signing a minor up for a class.
Waivers: All students and parents of minor students are required to read and sign a waiver, which indicates all of the safety risks involved with glassmaking and provides contact information.
Adult Liability Release (Required for Glass Discoveries, Core Classes, and Private Socials)
Minor Liability Release (Required for Glass Discoveries, Core Classes, and Private Socials)
Camp Minor Liability Release Form & Emergency Contact Form (Required for Youth and Teen Camps, must submit prior to camp start date)
Health: It is the responsibility of the student to take care of themselves if they possess any health or cognitive conditions that could be affected by working in Foci MCGA’s facilities. It is the responsibility of the student to notify staff of such conditions, should it affect their health and impair regular studio operations.
Impairment: Students are not permitted to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during class.
Clothing & What to Bring: Please wear comfortable closed toe shoes that cover the foot entirely (no crocs, heels, or sandals). Foci MCGA will provide safety glasses, but you are welcome to bring your own.
For glassblowing, neon, and flameworking classes: Please wear comfortable cotton clothing that can get dirty. Avoid clothing comprised mostly from highly synthetic materials - these have the potential to melt. Shorts must be longer for protection while sitting. You may want to bring something to drink as the studio can get hot - we also have a free water fountain and some cold drinks available for purchase.
For kilnforming, casting, mosaic, and stained glass classes: Please wear comfortable cotton clothing that can get dirty. You may want to consider wearing an apron or smock.
Code of Conduct & Anti-Discrimination: Foci MCGA does not permit disrespectful conduct toward its members, guests, employees, vendors or property. Studio users are expected to treat Foci MCGA staff and others utilizing or patronizing Foci MCGA facilities with courtesy and respect. Failure to comply may result in the studio user’s permanent removal from access to any and all Foci MCGA events and facilities at the discretion of the Executive Director. Foci MCGA has a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination or harassment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, public assistance, age, sexual orientation, familial status, or local human rights commission activity.
Accessibility Accommodations: If you will need any accommodations, please reach out to us at contact@mnglassart.org in advance so we can notify the instructor and ensure we provide a seamless experience at the studio!
Age Requirements:
Applies to all Foci MCGA programming
Depending on which class you sign up for, age requirement for participation may vary. Please note that some classes may require a parent or guardian to be present, while others may require a parent or guardian to also purchase a seat for themselves in the class. Classes are categorized by glass processes being taught and intensity of the class. If you would like to bring a child under the age of 9 to experience glass we offer group Glassblowing Demonstrations that do not have an age restriction. Please direct any questions to contact@mnglassart.org.
Introductory Glass Discovery Experiences and Private Glass Socials:
Minors ages 9-13 are allowed to participate with a parent/guardian who has also purchased a seat in the class. (Our studio space cannot accommodate additional non-participating spectators, and youth under the age of 14 cannot attend alone for safety reasons.)
Minors ages 14-17 are allowed to work independently with parent’s permission (signed Minor Liability Release form on file).
Open to adults of any age
Core Classes, Visiting Artist Workshops, and Tech Sessions:
Open to adults of any age
Minors age 14-17 are allowed to enroll in class with parent’s permission (signed Minor Liability Release form on file).
Not open to people under 14 years of age.
Youth Glass Camps are open to ages 9-12. Prior to camp start date a parent/guardian is required to submit a Minor Liability Release Form & Emergency Contact Form.
Teen Glass Camps are open to ages 13-18. Prior to camp start date a parent/guardian is required to submit a Minor Liability Release Form & Emergency Contact Form.
Design Your Own (Hands-Off) Glass Activities:
No age limit for “Design Your Own” hands-off activities, but children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
No age limit for attending events, but children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
Private Educational Glass Demonstrations and Youth Partnership Programming:
Open to ages 9 and up - Youth and teen groups are required to have at least one non-participating chaperone per 4 students. Foci MCGA reserves the right to refuse further service if chaperone requirements are not met.
Foci MCGA Staff will have their hands full with equipment and studio management, therefore it will be the responsibility of chaperones to manage student behavior. Please review the following responsibilities with chaperones:
Prevent unsafe actions such as rough-housing or running in the studio.
Assist with student engagement during narration and demonstrations by instructors - crucial safety information will be shared during these times
Prevent students from touching equipment, glass, or tools since they may be very hot and very sharp.
Encourage students to keep talking to a minimum during narration. The studio is already quite noisy due to running equipment and fans.
Keep younger students from handling glass artwork in our Gallery or Exhibition space. Please request Staff to handle glass pieces for students to examine if they’d like a closer look.
Guide students to the restroom/water fountain. Our studio is in a shared space with other businesses and visitors.
Prevent students from touching equipment or tools since they may be very hot.
Keep students in the designated seating area and out of the working space.
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The studio shall be closed when the Executive Director judges the risk to the health and safety of studio clientele and staff be at risk. This judgement is based upon observations of conditions, local school closings, the State of Minnesota or City of Minneapolis emergency declarations, and the Minnesota DOT Road reports.
In the event Foci MCGA is closed due to inclement weather, clients will be notified at the phone number they provided when booking services. If the phone call is not answered a message will be left and an e-mail will be sent. Clients will not be charge for missed rental/class time. Clients may choose to rebook time without penalty or to be refunded for prepaid services.
For Core Classes Cancelled Due to Weather: In most cases, class time will be made up at the end of the session by extending class length by one week.
For Glass Discovery Experiences Cancelled Due to Weather: Foci MCGA will do their best to provide reschedule dates, but this is subject to studio availability as we are typically booked out a number of weeks. In the case that a reschedule date cannot be made, a full refund will be offered.
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Foci MCGA upholds a strict policy of equality and diversity. It is the intent of this organization and all representatives thereof to promote creativity, individuality, original thought and freedom of expression in order for all participants and members to develop and excel in this field. It is essential to our culture as a whole that the rights, safety, dignity and worth of every individual is respected and honored. Because our culture is very diverse it is the duty of this organization and all representatives thereof to embrace these significant parts of our culture through respect and open dialogue and discussion. Anyone failing to respect these fundamentals of our society through bigotry, discrimination, violence, or intimidation of any kind will immediately be removed from the facility.
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Foci MCGA is committed to providing a learning and working environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free of sexual misconduct and discrimination. Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are Civil Rights offenses subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, etc. Harassment is not acceptable. Immediately notify the Executive Director if you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted during any Foci MCGA program, event, rental or on Foci MCGA premises.
Core Class & Make-Up Session Policies
Age Requirements and Minimum Participation Requirements apply.
Make-up Policy:
Make-up sessions are only feasible for certain classes and upon instructor’s availability.
No more than 1 make-up session is permitted per course.
Each make-up session is $80/1hr session. This fee includes materials, 1 hour of studio rental, and 1 hour of private instruction. The fee applies for all make-up sessions in order to cover our costs.
Make-up session can be scheduled no later than the week following the missed class.
Make-up session is to be arranged between student and instructor and approved by the Program Coordinator.
Students may coordinate to share their make-up session with other students who missed the same class session, and are permitted to split the $80 cost during checkout.
Student Rental Rates: Students in Core Classes or Visiting/Local Artist Workshops are eligible to rent the studio their class is held in at a discounted rate during the weeks that classes are in session and 1 week following that last day of class, with the exception of Intro to Glassblowing, in which students are not eligible to rent the studio until completion of the second week of class. All new renters are required to sign the Studio Usage Agreement and follow all policies outlined in the Studio Usage Policy handbook.
Expectations:
Students are expected to come to every class prepared with proper attire. PPE is provided.
Missing a class will result in missing important information and put the student at a disadvantage. No refunds will be provided. (See make-up policy)
Students are expected to be courteous and respectful to each other, other renters, to staff, and to equipment and tools.
Students must abide by the policies and procedures as outlined in Foci MCGA’s Studio Rental Policies. Failure to comply with the policies and procedures may result in the removal from the course and forfeiture of payment associated with the course. This is at the discretion of the Executive Director.
Safety Requirements:
Eye protection: Safety glasses or prescription glasses are required at all times. Safety glasses and prescription glasses should be impact and scratch resistant. Foci MCGA will provide safety glasses, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Respiratory: N95 Particulate Masks or fitted Respirator with particulate filters P100 are generally recommended for glass grinding. Silica (glass) powder is a hazardous material.
Attire: Must wear closed-toed shoes that cover the whole foot. Please wear comfortable cotton clothing that can get dirty. Aprons/smocks encouraged.
Glassblowing Requirements: Clothing higher in cotton is suggested - avoid synthetic materials. Shorts should cover the thigh when sitting for burn protection.
Cold Shop Requirements: Loose jewelry, drawstrings, and/or earbuds should be removed or tucked in prior to working. Ear protection required when working in the Cold Shop. Must tie back long hair at all times. Rubberized shoes recommended for working in the Cold Shop. Respiratory protection is advised.
Mold Room Requirements: Respiratory protection required when mixing plaster/silica.
Visiting & Local Artist Workshop Policies
Age Requirements and Minimum Participation Requirements apply.
Registration Deposits: Deposits for Visiting Artist Classes are non-refundable and holds your space in the class. 50% of the class must be paid 30 days prior to the start of the class. The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the start of class.
Private Group Experience & Venue Rental Policies
Private Group Experiences
Payments, Participant Requirements, Rescheduling, Cancellations & Refunds
To book: pay the Administrative fee* ($150-$200 depending on group size) and 50% of the Experience fee to secure the date. If a headcount is not determined at this time, the Experience fee will be set at the predetermined participant minimum. *Administrative fee is non-refundable with the exception of a cancellation made by the studio.
Pay in full: Final headcount and remaining balance are due 21 days before the event.
Failure to pay by this date will result in forfeiture of reservation. Experience fee will be refunded minus Administrative fee.
Adjust the headcount (optional): 7-20 days before, within the minimum and maximum set at booking. Increases are invoiced and due 7 days before; decreases are refunded; no changes may be made to the final headcount less than 7 days ahead of the event.
Complete release liability waivers: Everyone in the group must complete a liability waiver ahead of event start time to participate in the event. No refund will be provided if an individual refuses to complete the waiver.
Show up in correct attire: clothing that covers a minimum of one’s torso and thighs, and footwear that covers the entire foot. No refund will be provided if an individual is unable to participate due to wearing incorrect attire.
Reschedule or cancel:
Reschedule: Groups may reschedule 21 days or more in advance of the event without penalty. Rescheduling less than 21 days ahead of the event will incur a $50 rescheduling fee. Administrative fee and payments will transfer to the new date. All payments are forfeited if no new date is held within 365 days of the initial event date. Groups are limited to one reschedule. Rescheduling requests must be made in writing and emailed to contact@mnglassart.org.
Group cancels: If a group cancels 21 days or more ahead of the event payments will be refunded minus Administrative fee. If a group cancels 14-20 days ahead of the event, a refund will be issued minus Administrative fee and 50% of the Experience fee. If a group cancels less than 14 days ahead of the event, no refund will be provided. Cancellation must be made in writing and emailed to contact@mnglassart.org. After a reschedule, a booking is refundable only if cancelled before the original date's refund deadlines.
Studio cancels (including severe weather closures): the group may reschedule free (not counted as its one reschedule) or request a full refund. If the group cannot hold a new date within 90 days of the cancellation, all payments are refunded.
For Groups with Youth Participants (below 18 years old)
Open to ages 9 and up - Youth and teen groups are required to have at least one non-participating chaperone per 4 youth participants. Foci MCGA reserves the right to refuse further service if chaperone requirements are not met in order to maintain safety standards.
Foci MCGA Staff will have their hands full with equipment and studio management, therefore it will be the responsibility of chaperones to manage student behavior. Please review the following responsibilities with chaperones:
Prevent unsafe actions such as rough-housing or running in the studio.
Assist with student engagement during narration and demonstrations by instructors - crucial safety information will be shared during these times.
Prevent students from touching equipment, glass, or tools since they may be very hot and very sharp.
Encourage students to keep talking to a minimum during narration. The studio is already quite noisy due to running equipment and fans.
Keep younger students from handling glass artwork in our Gallery or Exhibition space. Please request Staff to handle glass pieces for students to examine if they’d like a closer look.
Guide students to the restroom/water fountain. Our studio is in a shared space with other businesses and visitors.
Prevent students from touching equipment or tools since they may be very hot.
Keep students in the designated seating area and out of the working space.
Venue Rental
Large Group Events (25–40 Participants)
Availability for large parties is limited and based on our studio schedule. We recommend reaching out at least 60 days in advance—or earlier—to secure your preferred date.
Scheduling: Available Tuesday–Friday, afternoons and evenings
Weekend availability: Not offered for large group events
We recommend submitting requests at least 60 days in advance for weekday groups and 90 days in advance for weekends or large parties (over 25 participants).
A Close-Down Fee is required for large parties, as portions of the studio must be reserved exclusively for your event.
All large group “Design Your Own” experiences are hands-off for participants.
Pricing varies by group size and is structured in tiered categories.
Please note: Large group events are not available June through September due to studio heat capacity limitations.
Groups may only select one project type for their group, we cannot accommodate mixing and matching different glass objects for your experience.