Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

 

What is the UO Craft Center?

The Craft Center is a creative space located on the University of Oregon campus in the Erb Memorial Union (EMU), where UO students, faculty, staff, and community members can explore various art and craft forms through workshops, open studio time, and events. 

The Craft Center is open to all fee-paying UO students, UO staff/faculty, and community members who are 18 years or older.  

Where is the Craft Center located?

The Craft Center is located at 1395 University Street, Eugene OR 97403. We’re on the lower level of the EMU, across from the Taylor Lounge. For a map of the EMU, please visit here.

What should I do if I need an accommodation?

We strive to make the Craft Center accessible and welcoming for everyone! If you need an accommodation, please contact us with questions or concerns, so we can make arrangements to best support you. You can email us at craftctr@uoregon.edu. We’ll work with you to ensure you have a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience at the Craft Center.

If you have any questions about accessibility or would like to discuss specific needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Do I need previous experience to participate?

Many of our workshops are designed for beginners. We also offer intermediate and advanced classes if you have some experience. Check workshop descriptions for skill requirements. 

If you wish to access studios during Open Studio time, you must have previous experience and have attended a studio orientation. 

Many of our events, including Freebie Friday, are open to any skill level.

How do I sign the waiver?

All Craft Center participants are required to sign the safety waiver to access the Craft Center studios for Open Studio, workshops, and studio orientations. To save time, you can sign up in advance of registration by following these instructions:

Visit myemu.uoregon.edu.

Log in with your Duck ID or Community Member login.

On the main page, go to "Craft Center Workshops." Find and click on any workshop listed. In the workshop description, the first line should read, "Click here to activate the required Waiver Membership." Click the "Memberships" link. 

Choose "Craft Center - Waiver." Select the 1-year option and add to your cart.

Click in the gray box to sign the waiver. Click "Save," then "Sign Now."

Select "Checkout." You will receive an automatic email notification confirming the signed waiver. You can now register for workshops and orientations for the rest of the year without needing to resign the waiver. 

How do I create an account as a Community Member?

UO Community Cards will provide you an ID number necessary to create a Craft Center account on myemu.uoregon.edu. You will need to have an account to register for and attend workshops or orientations, or get an Open Studio Pass or Term Pass. 

UO Community Cards are issued through the Card Services office located on the ground floor of the Erb Memorial Union. Community Cards cost $10.

To get a UO Community Card visit emu.uoregon.edu/community-card. You will be asked to provide the following information:

  • Your legal name.
  • Selfie photo for the ID card.
  • Photo of government ID (e.g. passport, driver's license).
  • If you are a student/staff partner: your partner's name and UO ID number. 
  • If you are a UO Alumni

What types of classes and workshops are offered?

We offer a range of classes in areas like ceramics, glassblowing, woodworking, sewing, printmaking, jewelry making, and more! Each term, we add new workshops to keep things fresh and seasonal. To view workshops, please visit myemu.uoregon.edu.

How do I register for a workshop?

You can register for workshops online through by visiting myemu.uoregon.edu or in person at the Craft Center front desk. Early registration is recommended, as spots fill up fast. Our workshop registration for Winter Term 2025 will begin at 12pm on Monday, December 2.  

Can I get a refund if I can no longer attend a workshop?

To request a refund, you must email craftctr@uoregon.edu Refunds for workshop registration fees are available up to 5 business days prior to the first workshop meeting. No refund option is available after that point. Withdrawal from a workshop is subject to a $10 withdrawal fee per workshop. Full registration fees will be refunded if the Craft Center cancels a workshop. 

Refunds will not be given for Open Studio Passes after studio use has started. No prorated passes are available. Refunds for Term Passes are not available.  

A workshop I want to take is full. Is there a waitlist?

Craft Center workshops can fill up quickly. After a workshop is full, you have the option of adding your name to a waitlist. In the event that a seat becomes available in a workshop: 

  • If the start of the workshop is 5 days away or more, we will contact the first person on the waitlist, and give 24 hours to respond (Saturday, Sunday, and holidays excluded). If there is no reply in 24 hours, we will move on to the next person on the waitlist. 
  • If the start of the workshop is fewer than 5 days away, we will attempt to contact each person on the list in order, and offer the seat to the first person who responds. 

 If you haven’t received confirmation of an available seat in a workshop from a Craft Center staff member, we kindly ask that you wait to attend until you hear from us directly. While we’d love to accommodate everyone, we can only guarantee a spot if someone officially withdraws and we notify you. 

What is Open Studio?

Open Studio occurs when the Craft Center is open and a workshop is not being taught. Open Studios allow for participants to work independently on their crafting skills. A studio orientation is required to attend Open Studio. 

What are the Craft Center's Open Studio hours?

Open Studio hours vary by term and are subject to change. Check our website for the current schedule or ask at the front desk. Studios are closed for Open studio if a workshop or event is in session. 

How much does it cost to use Open Studio?

Studio Pass fees vary by category—check our website or contact us for details! Current fee paying UO students do not have to pay to access Open Studio. 

Community members and UO alumni must purchase an Open Studio Pass at the front desk. This pass is good for 4-continuous studio hours to be used on the day of purchase. One pass per day is permitted. Prorated hourly rates are not available. UO staff and faculty are eligible for a 25% discount on the Open Studio Pass. For information about obtaining a Term Pass, please visit the Studio Pass page for details.  

Open Studio users are required to limit their time in studio spaces to 4-hours, to allow for other participants to use the facilities. The 4-hour time limit is continuous and self-managed. Instructors are not available to teach processes during Open Studio. Setup and cleanup is included in the 4-hours. 

What equipment and supplies are available?

Each studio has tools and equipment specific to that craft, like pottery wheels in ceramics, sewing machines in fiber arts, and kilns in fused glass. Some basic materials are included in workshop fees, but you may need to buy additional supplies. Clay, metals, wood, stained glass, and film are available for purchase at the front desk. No outside clay is permitted.  

What is a Studio Orientation?

Orientations are an introduction to studio policies and operations, but are not intended to instruct in studio or equipment use. An orientation is only for users who have prior experience with the studio practices and tools. 

Some Craft Center workshops qualify as an orientation with prior experience. Typically these are workshops that are at least 3-sessions. Single and 2-meeting workshops do not necessarily qualify. Workshops that qualify as an orientation specify that in the workshop description. 

Scheduled orientations are listed on each studio page, and are available during the first part of each academic term. We typically announce the release of orientations via our e-newsletter and social media channels. 

To maximize the quality of studio use and maintain an appropriate capacity, we set a limit on the number of studio orientations at the beginning of each academic term. Studio orientation capacity and schedules are based on projected studio use and program requirements for the term. The dates and times are set based on staff availability, and while we try to be flexible when possible, we cannot always accommodate past those times. If you are unable to attend an orientation for the term, you may consider taking a workshop that meets the orientation requirements or finding an orientation time in a future academic term.

Do I need to take an orientation for each studio?

To ensure safety, most studios require an orientation before use. For UO Students, you must review a policy card at our front desk to use the resources in the Open Materials Cabinet. For use of the Lego Table or non-sewing machine fibers projects, please check in with the front desk to review studio policies.

How can I get involved in the Craft Center community?

We offer several ways to get involved, from taking workshops to attending Visiting Artist talks and exhibits. Keep an eye out for our Craft Center events, exhibitions, and open houses, and consider joining our e-newsletter for updates!  

As a UO student, we also have free events and resources available throughout the term including:  

Freebie Friday is a free, drop-in craft activity open to all UO students every Friday from 12pm-2pm by the O Desk during Fall, Winter, and Spring Term. Each week, we feature a new project, so check our schedule for upcoming themes! No experience or registration necessary.   

The Lego Table is a fun, interactive space in the Craft Center's Fibers Studio where visitors can take a break, get creative, and build anything they can imagine. It’s open to UO students who wants to relax, collaborate, or get inspired while working with Legos—no membership or workshop sign-up required! Just swipe in with your student ID at the front desk.  

Open Materials Cabinet is stocked with a variety of free materials that UO students can use for their projects including markers, acrylic paints, crayons, ribbons, and the occasional googly eye. It's a great resource for those who want to explore new ideas or need a little extra material. To access, you will need to make an account and sign a waiver on myemu.uoregon.edu. During your first visit the front desk will have you read a policy card, and swipe your student ID.   

The Craft Automat is a fun gumball machine filled with Craft Center swag and mini Craft Kits. For just a small token fee ($1.00), visitors can turn the dial and receive a surprise item to inspire their creativity or take a bit of Craft Center magic home with them! It’s located in our lobby, adding a touch of surprise and excitement to your visit. Just ask the front desk to purchase a token!

What is the Visiting Artist Program?

The Craft Center's Visiting Artist Program at the University of Oregon brings talented artists to campus for exhibits, workshops, and artist talks, providing a unique opportunity for students and the community to engage with professional artists and their work. Exhibitions are held in the Craft Center Gallery, located on the 2nd floor of the EMU next to the Adele McMillan Gallery, where visitors can experience diverse styles and mediums firsthand. Alongside these exhibitions, visiting artists often host workshops, allowing participants to learn specific techniques in an intimate, hands-on setting. Many artists also offer public talks, sharing insights into their creative processes, career journeys, and artistic philosophies. This program fosters a creative dialogue between students, faculty, and the larger community, promoting both artistic inspiration and skill-building.

Does the Craft Center have a gallery?

Yes, the Craft Center has two gallery spaces dedicated to showcasing artwork. The Craft Center Gallery, located on the 2nd floor of the EMU next to the Adele McMillan Gallery, hosts termly exhibitions by artists invited through the Craft Center’s Visiting Artist Program. These exhibitions bring a wide range of creative practices to the campus, with artists often sharing their processes through workshops and talks. In addition to the Craft Center Gallery, the Aperture Gallery displays 2-dimensional work by students, community members, and faculty, focusing on photography and mixed media projects. The Aperture Gallery is located on the 1st floor of the EMU across from US Bank.

What is the Lonely Craft Sale?

The Lonely Craft Sale is a seasonal fundraiser where we sell unique handcrafted items left behind at the Craft Center. It’s a great way to find one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the Craft Center! 

What is a Craft Kit?

Craft Kits are thoughtfully curated project kits that provide everything you need to dive into a creative activity on your own. They come with materials, instructions, and are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to more advanced crafters. Originally developed to help people connect through crafting at home, Craft Kits are now part of our regular offerings, available for purchase at the Craft Center. Whether you’re looking to explore a new skill or need a fun activity for a group, our Craft Kits make creativity easy and accessible! For a menu of Craft Kits, please email craftctr@uoregon.edu. 

I'm a UO student interested in doing an event or activity with the Craft Center. Who should I contact?

To request a special Craft Center activity for a group of current UO students, such as an affinity group, a student staff team, or an advisory group, please fill out the Craft Center Student Activity Request form.

I'm not a UO student, but I'm interested in doing an event or activity with the Craft Center. Who should I contact?

To request a special Craft Center activity for a UO-affiliated group that is primarily non-students, such as a workgroup, department, or committee, please fill out the Craft Center Non-Student Activity Request form. 

I would like to purchase a large amount of Craft Kits or materials for an event. Who should I contact?

To request a bulk order of Craft Kits or request materials for a self-guided activity outside of the Craft Center, please fill out the Craft Kit and Materials Request form. 

Craft Center Safety Policies

Safety is a top priority. We have guidelines posted in each studio, and orientations cover key safety practices. Please follow instructions and wear any required safety gear.   

Closed-toe shoes are required for entry into any Craft Center studio. You will be turned away if you are not wearing proper footwear.   

Please pull back long hair and tuck away long or dangly jewelry.   

Safety glasses, hearing protection, dust masks, and hair ties are available at the front desk.   
We advise wearing clothes you don’t mind getting messy in. Aprons are available in most studios.  

There is no food or drink allowed in any studio spaces at the Craft Center unless it is a lidded water bottle or coffee cup. 

Craft Center Guest Policy

Guests are welcome to visit the Craft Center for tours, but they are not allowed to be in studio for long periods of time or working without an orientation. No children are allowed in Craft Center Studios even with an adult unless for specific events. 

How can I stay updated on Craft Center news and events?

Follow us on social media (@UOCraftCenter), check out our website, or sign-up for our e-newsletter! 

Can I hang up fliers and posters in the Craft Center?

The Craft Center only hangs up promotional material for Craft Center related events and activities. If you have a digital copy of your flier or poster, we're happy to share it with our student employees or share on our social media if it pertains to a UO sponsored event or local art event.