Class FAQs

This page answers frequently asked questions about Perennial’s classes. It is broken into the following sections:

• Class Culture
• Signing Up for a Class
• Getting to Class
• Withdrawing from Class

For questions that aren’t answered here, please email classes@perennialstl.org or call us at 314-832-2288.

Class Culture

What are Perennial classes like? 

Perennial classes teach practical skills, creative techniques, and habit-changing strategies for creative reuse and repair with fun instructors in an inspiring, resourceful space.

Classes are small, typically ranging from 6-8 students, and serve students from a variety of backgrounds and ages.

Our Teaching Artists come from various backgrounds – some are self-taught, some formally trained; some are avid hobbyists, some working professionals. All of them are committed to sharing their skills + knowledge to build a creative culture of sustainability.

All of our classes utilize salvaged tools + materials. In addition to keeping supplies out of the landfill, working with secondhand items presents the opportunity to create something with a unique history and the challenge to creatively problem solve. We believe working with reclaimed materials lends itself to a deeper understanding of a new skill.

Who are Perennial classes for?

Perennial classes are for adult beginners. The majority of our classes do not require prior experience. If a class does require specific experience, it will be written in the description of that class.

Can I work on my own project in a Perennial class? 

Class projects + skills are carefully created and planned, and we ask that all students follow along during class. If you would like to use the skills you’ve learned in class to get creative with your own personal project, check out our Open Studio program.

What are your class guidelines and expectations? 

We expect students to act with respect, kindness, and patience towards themselves, others, and the space around them. Failure to follow the guidelines below, especially if displaying disruptive or unsafe behavior, will result in being asked to leave class.

At Perennial, we celebrate…

Reuse

These materials have a unique history + character.

• • Your project will be unique, just like your materials!
  • Reclaimed materials sometimes need us to have a little extra patience and flexibility. Practice patience with yourself, your tools, and your materials, and have fun honoring the materials through problem solving.
  • Set realistic expectations based on the time, space, and materials available, as well as your experience level.

Learning

Enjoy the process.

• • Artists don’t always share their past mistakes, but every craftsperson started right where you are. Mistakes and do-overs are always part of the process.
  • We share a culture of process over product. Your final product might not be what you anticipated, but did you learn something new today?
  • The hardest part of creating something is often being kind to yourself. Let go of criticism + just have fun!

Community

Get to know your classmates.

• • Building community starts right here in the studio. Let’s make this a welcoming space for all!
  • Extend respect + kindness to others. We can learn from anyone.

Safety

Stay engaged, take your time, + ask questions.

• • Safety guidelines will be different for each project, so listen closely.
  • Engage with the process + attempt only one project at a time.
  • If you’re not sure about a tool or process, just ask!

Can I take pictures and/or video during class?

As class lessons are the intellectual property of each individual Teaching Artist, students should ask their instructor before taking photos/videos. Typically, taking a couple of pictures or a video of one minute or less is perfectly fine.

To remember what they’ve learned in class, students are more than welcome to take notes, for which paper and writing utensils are available. In addition, we send out follow-up resources after each class that often include key learning points from class.

Does Perennial ever cancel classes? 

We reserve the right to cancel a class for any reason. Enrolled students will be notified of a cancelled class via email and/or phone and will be given a reschedule date if applicable. In the event of a class cancellation, students will receive a refund or transfer equal to the cost of the cancelled class.

Cancellations are most commonly due to:

• Low Enrollment – Perennial’s class minimum is three students.
• Instructor Illness or other Unexpected Conflict – We’re all human!
• Inclement Weather – With St. Louis’ unpredictable weather, Perennial staff monitor forecasts closely to keep students safe. Cancellations due to inclement weather will be made by 3pm the day of for weeknight classes and 3pm on Friday for Saturday classes.

Signing Up For Class

How do I sign up for a class?

Sign up for a class by selecting the plus icon next to the ticket to add the number of tickets you’d like to purchase. Members may select a member ticket for themselves and non-member tickets for guests. Non-members should select the non-member ticket. Once you click “Get Tickets,” you’ll be taken to your cart, where you can check out or navigate back to the Classes page to keep shopping. You’ll be able to add a discount code or gift card code in the cart. Proceeding to checkout will take you through the final steps of registration and payment.

Tickets aren’t available for the class I want to take. What now?

There are two reasons tickets are not available for a class or event: tickets are sold out or they are closed.

If tickets are sold out:

The class caption and tickets will state “Sold Out.” What can you do? Join the waitlist by clicking “Notify Me.” If tickets become available, the full waitlist will be emailed. Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. Psst..members at the Reuser level and above get first communication when new classes go on sale!

If tickets are closed: 

Tickets typically close at 12am the day of class to allow our team to accurately prepare for students. If tickets are closed before the day of class, it’s likely that the class was cancelled due to low enrollment. What can you do? You can always reach out to us at classes@perennialstl.org to let us know you’d be interested in taking the class in the future.

Do you offer kids classes?

We do not offer childrens classes. We believe kiddos deserve a classroom and a curriculum designed just for them. Luckily, there are many other organizations offering creative classes for children! Some of our favorites are LitShop, COCA, Laumeier Art Camp, ArtScope, and our neighbor South Broadway Art Projects.  Not only are children inherently more imaginative than adults, but your crafty kiddo is getting much more climate education in school than you did – we promise!

Can I sign my kid up to take a class with me or another adult?

If you are interested in signing up your 12-16 year old for a class, please email classes@perennialstl.org or call us at 314-832-2288 before signing them up. We will assess their participation on a class-by-class basis. Please note: if their participation is approved, both your child and their guardian will need to purchase a ticket and participate in the class together. At this time, we are unable to accommodate children under 12 years old in any classes even with a guardian in attendance.

Getting to Class

A reminder email is sent to each student ahead of class with the information below. 

What do I need to bring to class?

All materials are provided for class unless noted otherwise in your reminder email.

Perennial is a working creative studio with the associated hazards. Therefore, students, teachers, and staff must wear closed-toed, durable shoes. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that you won’t mind getting stained or dirty. If you have long hair, please tie it back during class.

Masks are optional in the ReUse Studio unless noted otherwise, but they are a common requirement for classes in the Woodshop. We have dust masks available, but we always recommend bringing a reusable mask if you have one.

Drinking water is always available during class, and of course you can bring your reusable water bottle. Small snacks are typically permitted in class, though your instructor may note otherwise if eating becomes unsafe or unsanitary at any point in class.

Use of drugs and/or alcohol is not permitted during any class.

As our space is designed for adults, please leave the kiddos at home while you’re in class.

When should I arrive for class?

Where is Perennial?

Is your space accessible?

Our old St. Louis building has lots of character but has some quirks that limit accessibility. Our front door has one step up into the building. If you require a ramp to enter the space, we will happily set up our DIY ramp at the front door. Feel free to call ahead or let us know you need it when you arrive. The entry through the back door requires you to walk through gravel and climb a short set of stairs.

Inside, both classrooms are on the first level, with a small ramp that leads into the woodshop. We have various styles of chairs for students as well as tables at various heights.

For specific questions about the space or concerns about accessibility, please don’t hesitate to email classes@perennialstl.org or call us at 314-832-2288.

Click on the map to view it at a larger scale.

Withdrawing From Class

Can I withdraw from my class?

You may withdraw from any class by emailing classes@perennialstl.org.

If class is 14+ days away: 

You will receive a full refund. At your request, we can transfer you into another class of the same price or keep a credit equal to the class price on file.

If class is in less than 14 days: 

While we cannot provide refunds, credits, or transfers for withdrawals made with less than 14 days notice, your ticket is transferable to another person. We suggest you find a friend to come to class in your place so your class fee is not lost.

As a non-profit, we operate within a thin financial margin. Due to the cost of materials and the time it takes to prepare for class, no refunds, credits, or transfers will be provided for classes missed due to illness, personal conflict, or other reasons. There are no exceptions to this policy.

If you are unable to make it and can’t find a friend to attend in your place, we do appreciate a heads up so we can make adjustments to the class as needed.

For Additional Class Questions

Please email classes@perennialstl.org or call us at 314-832-2288, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!