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 have access to four studios: the ceramics studio, the darkroom, the fiber arts studio, and the printmaking studio.
CO-OP STUDIO HOURS:
Ceramics Studio: Tuesday-Thursday 1-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Darkroom: by appointment
Fiber Arts Studio: by appointment
Printmaking Studio: by appointment
PERKS AND BENEFITS:
✓ Orientation/training session in chosen studio(s)
✓ Technical support from experienced artists
✓ Quarterly critiques from professional artists
✓ Priority table access during artist markets
✓ Invitation to exclusive biannual artist events
Contact Nathan Murray at nathan@u-ca.org with any questions.
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. Beginning in January 2026, passholders must register for 6-month or 12-month terms. You can sign up for monthly payments or enjoy savings benefits with upfront payments.
6 months paid monthly — $35/month
12 months paid monthly — $35/month
6 months paid upfront — $200 (savings of $10) PURCHASE HERE
12 months paid upfront — $375 (savings of $45) PURCHASE HERE
We're also going to begin implementing short orientation meetings for passholders so that artists are aware of the features, processes, and safety procedures for each studio. Orientation meeting options will be emailed to a passholder once they register.
Also coming in 2026: studio volunteer and need-based scholarships. Stay tuned for more information about these opportunities or contact Nathan Murray at nathan@u-ca.org with any questions.
Want to be notified as soon as the 2026 co-op passholder monthly payment plans are live? Click the button to receive an email in early January with links to sign up for monthly payment plans for 6-month or 12-month terms.
Alert me when 2026 payment plans are liveCo-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 SchedulePurchase a Co-Op Studio Pass As a Gift
Is there an aspiring artist on your holiday shopping list? Co-op passes make a great gift and show you support the The Union's mission of inspiring our community to use the arts as a vehicle for positive social change. Available now through December 12th, gift passes are valid beginning January 2026.
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
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
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
Printmaking Studio
The printmaking studio houses a wide range of 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
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.
Photo 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.
Fiber Arts Studio
- Artists will supply all materials for fiber arts projects.
Printmaking Studio
- 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.
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.