participation agreement

All events & workshops — indoor, outdoor, and virtual.

We're so glad you're here. This agreement covers all events organized by Venus Vale LLC dba Folk Lounge, whether held in a studio, a public park, a partner venue, or online. It's written in plain language because we believe you deserve to actually understand what you're agreeing to.

1.Who This Covers

This agreement applies to you, your guests, and any minors in your care the moment you register for or attend a Folk Lounge event — regardless of whether a ticket was purchased. If registering on behalf of a minor, you confirm you are their parent or legal guardian, authorized to enter this agreement on their behalf, and that you will be present and supervising for the duration of the event.

2.Weaving Belonging

Folk Lounge is rooted in multicultural heritage and built on the belief that craft traditions carry the full range of human experience — across races, ethnicities, genders, nationalities, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and walks of life. Our community is intentionally pluralistic. Every person deserves to feel fully seen and genuinely welcome.

Zero Tolerance: Hate speech, slurs, harassment, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, religious discrimination, or any conduct that demeans, excludes, or endangers a participant will result in immediate removal — without refund and without exception. This applies in-person, in writing, and in all online spaces. If you witness or experience anything unsafe, please tell the organizer immediately.

3.Mindful Making: Safety

  • Ease in, no rush, learn and create at your own pace

  • Use sharp tools with care; pass scissors handle-first

  • One needle at a time, let us know if you lose one

  • Keep your space tidy and tools within your reach

  • Take breaks when you need to

  • Ask for help if you feel off with materials or tools

  • Supervise any children with you at all times

  • For outdoors: mind uneven terrain and sun exposure

  • Speak up immediately if anything feels unsafe

4.Health & Illness

Please do not attend if you or anyone in your party is experiencing symptoms of a communicable illness — including fever, cough, or gastrointestinal symptoms. If you're unsure, err on the side of caution and reach out. We'll do our best to accommodate you at a future event.

5.Photography & Media

Folk Lounge may photograph or record events for use on our website, social media, newsletters, grant applications, and press materials. By attending, you grant Venus Vale LLC dba Folk Lounge permission to use images or recordings in which you may appear. To opt out, let the organizer know at the start of the event.

6.Assumption Of Risk

All Folk Lounge events involve hands-on activities — needles, scissors, and other tools — in a range of settings. By registering or attending, you acknowledge inherent risks including minor tool-related injuries, trips or falls, weather at outdoor events, and travel to/from the venue. You choose to participate voluntarily and accept full responsibility for your own safety and that of any minors in your care.

7.Release & Indemnification

By attending, you agree to release and hold harmless Venus Vale LLC dba Folk Lounge, along with assistant organizers, guest instructors, collaborating artists, volunteers, event assistants, and venue hosts - from any and all liability for injury, property damage, or loss. You also agree to indemnity Folk Lounge and the individuals listed from any claims, damages, or legal fees resulting from your actions or those of any guests or minors in your care.

8.Venue & Partner Spaces

When events are held at partner or third-party venues, you agree to follow that venue's rules in addition to this agreement. Venue-specific instructions will be communicated in your event confirmation. Folk Lounge is not responsible for venue policy changes imposed after registration.

9.Prohibited Items & Behavior

Folk Lounge events are substance-free. Please don't use or arrive under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or any intoxicating substance, and don't bring illegal substances, weapons, or anything unsafe. Prescribed medications are always welcome. If an organizer believes you're impaired, we'll speak with you privately and may ask you to leave, without refund. We may also remove anyone whose behavior is disruptive, unsafe, or harmful. Only ADA-defined service animals are permitted. Please reach out ahead if you have access needs.

10.Event changes & cancellations

Folk Lounge reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel events. You will be notified via the email provided at registration. Refund eligibility is subject to the policy in effect at the time of ticket purchase on the applicable platform.

11.Memberships, Packs & Series

  • Personal use only — access is non-transferable and tied to the purchaser

  • No refunds — all purchases are final; reach out if circumstances arise

  • Expiration — credits expire as communicated at purchase and do not roll over unless stated

  • Programming changes - Folk Lounge may adjust, reschedule, or discontinue offerings; cancellations addressed case-by- case

12.Governing Law

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California. Disputes will be resolved in California courts. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining terms stay in effect.

By registering for or attending a Folk Lounge event, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all of the above — including the sections on Weaving Belonging, Mindful Making, Health, Media, Assumption of Risk, Release & Indemnification, Memberships & Packs, and all other terms in this document.

If you're registering on behalf of a minor, you confirm that you are their legal guardian and that you accept these terms on their behalf, including the responsibility to supervise them throughout the event.

If you have any questions before attending, please reach out. We'd rather talk through anything that feels unclear than have you sign something you don't fully understand.