We are committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all people. To do this, we ask that every student adheres to our Code of Conduct and all Policies. Violations will result in action including notice and or cancellation.

Read Child Safe Policy

CONDUCT

Ebb & Flow Studio does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
 

We have a zero-tolerance policy against threats or intimidation, stalking, bullying or verbal abuse, gestures of a violent or inappropriate nature, sexual harassment, physical assault, or any other behaviour that creates a hostile environment. 
 

Openly aggressive behaviour or passive aggressive behaviour is not on, indicators are:
1. backhanded compliments,
2. playing the victim,
3. procrastination,
4. excluding people,
5. brooding and simmering,
6. sabotage,
7. sullen behaviour
8. shifting responsibility
9. laying blame

10. dumping on others

11. drawing other students into deep personal issues

12. negativity 

Notice or cancellation will proceed if there is ongoing negative behaviour toward others.
 

Sometimes students are going through difficulties and need extra support, so always talk to your teacher about your individual needs so we can help to keep the studio safe and positive for everyone. It is true that if a person is having acute psychological issues they are best to seek professional help and may not be ready for inclusion in a group setting. 
 

Everyone deserves to feel safe and valued.

Our philosophy is:
“More smiling, less worrying.
More compassion, less judgment.
More blessed, less stressed.
More love, less hate,
Be kind to yourself and others”.
 

Be kind and courteous to everyone, and follow instructions issued by facilitators and studio assistants. Be mindful not to challenge the facilitator or instruct other students.

Disruptive behaviour that distracts from learning, art-making or the Studio’s day-to-day operations is not allowed. This includes tardiness (the act of being late regularly or often) or not attending the allocated duration that results in falling behind. 

SAFE MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT AND WORKSPACE
Students are not to bring or use products/materials that are not requested in the materials list. Safe usage and handling of materials is a must, safe instruction and guidance from the teacher will be given. This must be taken seriously and adhered to. Ventilation is important in a studio also. We follow the NSW Health guidelines as well as NAVA guides and WorkCover. 

Do not bring equipment in bags, why because it poses a trip hazard or someone may step on your bag resulting in loss of expensive equipment and spillage of chemicals which could pose a health risk or damage to the studio. If you ignore this rule you maybe liable for damages. 

Most Adult classes are discounted as materials are the responsibility of the students. Unless it is a short course and it has been advertised as materials provided. If you turn up to an adult class where materials are required, week after week, without the require materials/equipment and you are seen to take advantage of other student's generosity to provide you with materials, or you expect the studio to supply you with the require materials, you will have to pay an additional non-compliant materials/equipment levy of $50 per course.

LEARNING SPACE

The studio is a space for beginners and intermediate learners to build confidence with art techniques and skills. Respectfully if a professional artist seeks tuition they will be directed to a local master class or to one-to-one tuition. Kerry-Anne loves to teach one to one to help advance anyone's love of art.
 

Ebb & Flow Studio does not encourage a competitive or status driven environment. Everyone has the right to be creative without judgment or questioning or competitive behaviour. If you wish to take your art into art competitions please do, but do not pressure others to do the same as competitive behaviour could end someones enjoyment of art or hamper their confidence, 
 

Respect our space. Vandalism or theft of studio equipment or materials may result in immediate cancellation or prosecution.
 

Smoking is not permitted in the building/premises or within 10 metres of any entrance.
 

NO SOLICITATION EXPLAINED

Entrepreneurs and others are not permitted to solicit at the studio. What does this mean? Soliciting business means seeking the business of potential customers. it also refers to directing customers to purchase goods or services from somewhere else. 
For example: you would not go into Colour Art in Springwood and start talking to their customers about specials at Eckersley Art. This is a legal issue so please don't engage in solicitation at the studio. 

REPLACEMENT TEACHERS
From time to time a replacement teacher may step in to teach a class. Please appreciate that it is difficult for them to pick up mid stream therefore, if the teacher experiences unfriendly or hostile behaviour during or after the session then a student or students, may have their classes cancelled and may not be permitted to return. Teachers are only absent in the event of sickness or compassionate leave.

FEES

Fees will be kept up to date. If you are in arrears you will be asked to bring fees up to date or you may be asked to cease classes. You will need to secure your space from term to term within the stated cut off dates. Which is generally the last day of the term unless the New Year/Christmas period, however the cut date off is always stated. After the cut off date spaces must be forfeited to next inline. A variety of payment options are available so that no one is disadvantaged. This is part of our inclusion policy. These include: PayPal, PayPal Pay-in-4, Credit or Debit via online Square payment. Please do not ask for individual arrangements outside of these options as we have around 100 students and all payments need to fit in with our fee structure and equitable terms. 

PHOTOGRAPHY

Regarding Photography, Kerry-Anne and teachers scaffold all students youth and adults to be successful. Teachers often co-paint to show techniques. It is important to show examples of artworks achieved in the studio under tuition. Photos taken in the studio of adult students at work and their artworks are intended for promotion of the studio only. If you would prefer your photo, or a photo of your artwork is not taken then please decline when asked. Kerry-Anne and teachers will not show photos of children’s faces, only their artworks. She will not name any students or show faces unless it is a special promotional photo and permission is sort in writing.
 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Intellectual property - Kerry-Anne at Ebb & Flow Studio has the intellectual property, rights to all business materials and creations/ designed under the brand ie: website, lesson plans, samples., business identity, promotional content,.. These are all the intellectual property of Kerry-Anne at Ebb & Flow Studio Art. Facilitators always give full credit to other artists that may be studied for art history and art appreciation.
 

COPY RIGHT
Artworks must be originals in order for students to sign, publish, sell or exhibit.
1. Character rights: for example a Disney Character is owned by the Walt Disney trade mark Company.
2. Photographic rights: for example professional photography is owned by the photographer.
Stock photos: have usage agreements as set out by the Company.
Please read about ‘Associated Press Settles Copyright Lawsuit Against Obama 'Hope' Artist’  https://www.wired.com/2011/01/hope-image-flap/

Best practice includes:
1. Drawing and painting from life,
2. Use your own photographs,
3. Use others photographs as reference only,
4. Reference a number of images to give you ideas and visual information only
5. Studies of artworks and fan art is allowed as along as students do not claim any rights (not to sign, publish, sell or exhibit).

Ebb & Flow Studio only gives advice on the ethical sale and exhibition of original artworks. Students take full responsibility for how they proceed with their own artwork pieces and study pieces if they wish to exhibit or sell.

COVID
Ebb & Flow Studio is registered with NSW Health (Business Advise and Mandates) and we follow relevant advice and instruction.

REFUNDS
We only refund a paid course fee in the event that the course doesn't run or for a serious medical emergency. Why: The studio is small and usually fully booked. If you book but change your mind we can't refund. Materials and equipment are purchased/prepped and we reserve your spot over new comers. Some make-up days are offered at our discretion/when available and only for duplicate classes. If you cannot make a class because you have another engagement please do not expect any compensation and do not harass teachers. If a teacher is absent we ask that you take a discount code for the next term to ensure you do not loose any of your payment, to fees and charges. If you request a refund under these circumstances then the Paypal or Square levy and material levy (if applicable) will be deducted. 

DISPUTES OR COMPLAINTS
If you have a complaint or dispute or you wish to be clear about terms and agreements you need to put it into writing and address it to Dean Knibbs via the message box at the website. Class teachers reserve the right to focus on the class at hand and time after class is reserved for pack up and set up of subsequent classes, administration and other organisational duties.