Co-Op Studios

Take Your Skills to the Next Level

The Union’s co-op studios provide access to art-making equipment and communal studio space for developing and professional artists (ages 18+). Co-op passholders will have access to four studios:

  • Ceramics Studio
  • Darkroom
  • Fiber Arts Studio
  • Print Shop

Co-op studio hours are Tuesday-Thursday 1-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Contact Nathan Murray at nathan@u-ca.org with any questions.

Co-op Studios FAQ
A Co Op Workshop attendee works at a ceramics wheel
  • Upcoming Holiday Closure Dates:

    • The Co-Op will be closed November 25-29.
    • The Co-Op will be closed for the winter holidays December 9 – January 10.
2026 Fee Adjustment

To ensure the co-op studio’s long-term viability and preserve the exceptional resources passholders rely on, The Union will be adjusting its studio pass fees beginning in 2026. These fees directly support the consistent availability and maintenance of the studios, guarantee the continued sourcing of top-tier materials, and allow for the further development of specialized learning opportunities to support artistic growth. The Union is committed to providing the best possible creative environment. A detailed announcement with the new pricing structure will be sent to all members soon.

Co-Op Workshops

Our co-op workshops offer passholders and the wider community* an opportunity to expand their skills and learn new techniques in each of the co-op studios. Click the button below to see a list of the currently scheduled workshops.

*You do not need to be a co-op passholder to register for workshops!

Co-Op Workshops Schedule
Animated GIF showing 3 images of workshops ceramics and risograph
Purchase or Gift a Co-Op Studios Pass

Gain access to the Co-Op Studios by purchasing a monthly pass! A Co-Op Pass offers artists access in all four studios during building hours. Passes are available at varying rates, beginning at $15/month*.

* Scholarships are available for anyone who wants a Co-Op Pass, but cannot afford the fee. Please email nathan@u-ca.org or visit our front desk to inquire.

Purchase a Co-Op Pass or Gift Pass
Co Op Studio Pass Against a Yellow Background

The Four Co-Op Studios

Ceramics Studio

Works made in the Ceramics Studio are regularly fired by our staff. Storage shelves for works in progress or ready for firing are available.

Only clay purchased at The Union can be fired in our kilns. Clay is available at the front desk.

Equipment:

  • six pottery wheels
  • one gas kiln
  • one electric kiln
  • glaze spray booth
  • two large work tables
  • wedging table
  • a variety of tools
Animated GIF showing 4 images of artists in the ceramics studio wheel throwing handbuilding and glazing
Photo Darkroom

The Photo Darkroom includes the equipment needed to develop and print photographs from black and white film.

Equipment:

  • one black and white enlarger
  • one color enlarger
  • black and white developing and printing chemistry
  • film drying cabinet
  • light box
  • mat cutter
Animated GIF showing the darkroom prints in trays a loupe on film negatives
Fiber Arts studio

The Fiber Arts Studio is well-suited for everything from minor mending and tailoring projects to complete garment production, artistic embroidery, and quilting.

Equipment:

  • two Janome Heavy Duty sewing machines
  • Juki serger
  • two 32" looms (available upon request)
  • large work/cutting table
  • tackable wall for pattern layout
Animated GIF showing 5 images of the fiber arts studio and artists working in it
Print Shop

The Print Shop houses a wide range of printmaking tools for everything from screen printing on t-shirts and posters to relief, intaglio, and collagraph printing. The shop is fully ventilated and contains a 30”x48” print drying rack.

Equipment:

  • American French Tool relief/intaglio floor press
  • brayers
  • an acid bath for zinc plates
  • screen printing material
  • multiple printing tables
  • large exposure unit
  • four color/one station garment press
  • flash dryer
  • wash out booth
  • Risograph
Animated GIF showing the print shop and people screen printing and french press wood block engraving

Co-Op Supplies

When using the Co-Op Studios, some supplies are available to purchase in house, and some must be supplied by the artist.

Ceramics Studio

  • All clay fired in The Union's kiln must be purchased via the link below. This ensures that all ceramic projects can be fired together. Purchase of clay includes firing and access to black, white, and clear glazes (cone 5).
  • Artists will supply any additional glazes.

Darkroom

  • Chemistry for Black and White film development and printing is available for purchase at the Co-Op. A price sheet is posted in the Darkroom and is based on volume.
  • Artists may bring their own chemistry, but must take it with them at the end of each session, or store it safely in their Co-Op locker
  • Artists will supply their own photo paper.

Digital Design Lab

  • Prints made using the large format Epson printer will be priced based on square footage. The printer is loaded with a Premium Luster Photo Paper.

Fiber Arts Studio

  • Artists will supply all materials for fiber arts projects.

Print Shop

  • Use of emulsified screens, inkjet transparencies, and Risograph master sheets/prints are available for purchase.
  • Artists will supply screen printing ink, any carved/etched substrate for printmaking, and paper/garments for printing.
Animated gif showing co op supplies clay chemistry screen printing ink
  • PLEASE NOTE: All co-op studio users and pass holders are held to The Union's standards of conduct outlined in our Code of Conduct.

Visual arts programming at The Union for Contemporary Art (including our Fellowship, Exhibition, and Co-Op Studios programs) is generously supported by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and the VIA | Wagner Incubator Grant Fund.

To learn more about the Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and their work in advancing the visual arts, visit: warholfoundation.org.

To learn more about the VIA | Wagner Incubator Grant Fund visit viaartfund.org and wfound.org.