Gymnasium of Crafts

Ceramic

In Ceramic, The free use of glazes, engobes and paints is included in all plans. Batches are included depending on the number of hours in your package, only for pieces built here, excluding tile painting. All the tools are available for all residents to use. The briefcase is the only thing you'll have to buy separately, we recommend buying it in specialty stores. We have storage space.

Batches included per liter*
4h - Batch up to 5L
8am - Batch up to 10L
12h - Batch up to 20L
16h - Batch up to 30L
24h - Batch up to 40L

*20L is the equivalent of one shelf. The firing doesn't have to be done all at once, you can firing the tiles to the equivalent capacity over the course of the month. The 4-hour package is designed for tile painting, as it is impossible to build and finish a tile in one session, from modeling to glazing.

Material

4 Potter's Wheels - WhisperT by Shimpo
Manual turnstiles
Wooden and fabric bases
Rolls and rulers
Teaks, kidneys, sponges and brushes
Various molds
Stencils and textures
Plasterboard
Bowls, vats and buckets

SEE FAQ

In screen printing

In Screen Printing, All plans include the engraving of one canvas per session, as well as all tools, such as printing bases, squeegees, spatulas, tape or spray. The use of our screens and their engraving (emulsion+exposure+recovery) is included according to your plan. Printing photoliths up to A2 and using the full range of our paper inks comes at a special price, which can be found in the price list below.
Only available for printing on paper.

Screen exposure included (emulsion+exposure)*
4h - 1 screen up to A3+
8am - 2 screens up to A3+
12h - 4 screens up to A3+
4pm - 5 screens up to A3+
24h - 8 screens up to A3+

*The canvases are displayed by you with our help. The photocopy is not included. The number of exhibitions corresponds to the maximum amount that each person can make in a package. Any remaining exhibitions are not carried over to subsequent months.

Material

Screens from A4 to A3+, 43T to 120T
Manual printing bases
Drying rack 100x70cm
Various racks
Spatulas and test paper
Tape and spray glue
Paper Inks*
Photolitho printing*

*See price list above

SEE FAQ

I want to sign up for the Gymnasium of Crafts, how do I do it?

Fill in the form above.

Can anyone attend the Gymnasium of Crafts?

Yes, anyone of legal age (18+) who is responsible for the workshop (all users sign a liability form).

I'm a beginner, can I go to the Gymnasium of Crafts?

Of course, if you've already taken a workshop with us. However, if you don't have the basic knowledge, we recommend that you start with something more structured, such as our training courses. here. After training, you can then attend the trades gym.

What technical assistance will I get?

A technician will be present, available for project advice and any assistance you may need. It's not intended to be structured like a training session, so you'll need to have a basic understanding of the technique. He won't be doing the work for you and he won't be dedicated to 100% (there can be up to 12 people in the session), but he will be prepared to assist you with your projects.

How do I prove that I have knowledge of a technique?

FICA is based on trust in others. However, if, on first contact, we feel that it would be better for you to invest in training to ensure the success of your project, we will recommend it. 

As a resident, am I entitled to a dedicated/private workspace?

The Gymnasium of Crafts is not intended to be a co-working space. It works in hot-desking mode, i.e. in the workshop the workspaces and tools are shared. At the end of each session, all the tables must be free and clear, ready to receive residents from the next session. No one has access to a private workspace or table where they can leave objects and pieces. However, all members are entitled to a storage shelf.

Why only use on Tuesdays instead of free access?

Getting access to our workshop requires a lot of organization on our part. FICA has its own projects, we take orders and we do many hours of training a week. For all this to work, we have to organize the calendar and define different uses for each workshop space. That way we try to ensure that no unforeseen events happen.

Why a minimum stay of 2 hours?

Any of the techniques you can work on in the workshop, because they are mostly manual, require a series of processes that make it difficult to carry them out in less time.

I've exceeded the weeks of my plan without using all the hours, can I make it up on another day?

The idea of assigning an extended period to the number of hours in each plan is precisely to give you the opportunity to manage your arrival within the period you have chosen. For the sake of the sustainability of our business, unused hours from your plan cannot be carried over to the next plan.

Can I only go to the Gym for occasional use?

You can attend the craft gym just for a single session, without any commitment. Exclusive for screen printing and tile painting.

Do I have to make an appointment?

You don't need to make an appointment once you've signed up for a time plan. In our experience, the equipment we have is perfectly adequate for the number of people who use the space - comings and goings happen naturally, and everyone ends up using the workshop at different times.

How many vacancies are there?

Each space has a different capacity. For ceramics, all periods have a capacity of 12 places + 6 places for the potter's wheel. In screen printing, all periods have a capacity of 4 places. 

Will I find a quiet place to work at the Gymnasium of Crafts?

No. We are a multi-skilled workshop, so there will probably always be some noise, but we avoid it continuously and ask all residents to be quiet when using the Gymnasium.

Does the Gym guarantee access to workshops?

No. Membership of the Gymnasium of Crafts does not guarantee access to training.

CERAMICS

What is included in Ceramics?

Ceramics include free use of glazes, engobes and paints in all monthly plans. Firing is included according to the number of hours in your package (only for pieces built here, everything else will be charged separately according to the firing plan).
All the tools are available for use in the Gym.
We have some low and high temperature ceramic pastes available for purchase in our store. Make sure you have storage space for your paste so you can leave it here.

Hourly rates and single sessions only include space for tiles - maximum of 8 tiles.

Are there specific conditions for Ceramics?

The use of ceramic pastes bought outside of FICA requires consulting the technical data sheet to ensure compatibility with the other materials. Samples of the ceramic pastes with and without glaze, at different temperatures, as well as samples of the colors of the engobes, are available in the workshop.

When you bring in ceramic paste from outside, you will have to sign a disclaimer and bear the cost of any damage it may cause to the muffle.

Where can I store my ceramic pieces?

Each resident is entitled to a shelf for parts in process and storage space (25x35x25cm) for general storage. The storage area is in a shared space, so don't keep valuable items.

FICA cannot be held responsible for the disappearance of any object.

Can I just glaze my pieces at the Gymnasium of Crafts?

Occasional use of the workshop for glazing and decorating your pieces is only possible for students of our ceramics wortksahops.

Are potter's wheels available? How do they work?

Yes, we have 4 potter's wheels that can be used. Use of the potter's wheel must be booked 7 days in advance.

SERIGRAPHY

Are there any specific conditions?

The inks to be used must be purchased or used from FICA. We have our own screen printing inks for both paper and fabric. You will only be allowed to use other types of inks when working on your own canvases.

What is included in Screen Printing?

In Screen Printing (monthly plans and single sessions), printing bases, squeegees, spatulas, test paper, glue tape, spray glue, as well as one screen opening (emulsion+exposure+recovery) per session are available free of charge for use in the Gym. Screens (rental or purchase), inks, fine paper and photolithographs are available for purchase in our store.