Artist in Residence

January 11 – March 12, 2027

Artist in residence

Vila nova de Milfontes

Clay Kitchen Portugal offers a fully equipped ceramic studio in Vila Nova de Milfontes. The studio accommodates a maximum of four independent potters, fostering a connected and thoughtful creative environment. 

The winter season’s longer nights and shorter days provide the perfect backdrop for focused, introspective work.

what is the Program?

  • Independent work with provided space, facilities and clay
  • Daily 30-minute individual support sessions
  • Studio firings organized by Clay Kitchen Portugal (electrical, gas and wood-fired Phoenix kiln)
  • Minimum stay: 4 weeks
  • Accommodation on your own, available in town (no car needed)

what it
includes?

  • 24/7 studio access
  • 30 kilos / 65 pounds of stoneware/earthenware clay or  porcelain per week
  • Individual workspace with a wheel;
  • One firing per week (bisque or glaze)
  • Use of all raw materials and tools
  • Ball mills and additional equipment.

what are the facilities?

  • Private workspace with a Shimpo wheel
  • Tools and boards
  • Wedging table
  • Stoneware clay and porcelain
  • Raw materials
  • Gas and electric kilns
  • Ball mills 
  • And much more…
Artist in Residence

studio rules

A common understanding of studio practices is conducive to a creative and productive environment for exchange of skills and ideas.

Education is the primary focus of this studio and safety is a primary concern. Many safety issues are resolved by maintaining a clean studio. Every user is responsible to clean the space(s) they have used.

During the workshop, it is a rule that we support each other and cooperatively fit us into the group.

costs & conditions

Tuition: 1000€ per week | 4 weeks minimum

If you have any questions or do you need to organize an accommodation in town, support for traveling, feel free to contact us.

Please send us a brief CV and a description of your project goals or areas where you seek improvement. Let us know your planned dates and if you wish to participate in the woodfiring events.

Next events at clay kitchen portugal

December 5-14, 2026

Timeless ceramics, with John Colbeck

This intensive 10-day workshop focuses on form, surface, and firing. It is entirely dedicated to the exploration of porcelain — its sensitivity, strength, and unique capacity for refinement. Through a combination of demonstrations and individual practice, participants will investigate how to create timeless ceramic forms that embody clarity, balance, and depth. This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from John Colbeck, one of the most respected figures in contemporary ceramics.
December 26, 2026 – January 10, 2027

New Year Firing 2027

Through this community woodfiring, come and learn all about high temperature ceramics. This is a hands on firing workshop where each one will participate in all aspects of the wood firing process. Bring your own bisque fired stoneware or porcelain works and learn how to glaze, decorate and wad pieces in order to maximize the beauty of atmospheric firing. Everyone will participate in the loading and firing of the kiln. While the kiln is firing you will learn about firing and variables that affect surface development until it reaches desired conditions.
March 18-28, 2027

Clay has memories, with Tara Wilson, Josh DeWeese & Jean-Nicolas Gérard

Clay Has Memories is a 10-day immersive ceramics workshop in Portugal, bringing together clay, fire and shared meals in a unique creative environment.
January 11 – March 12, 2027

Artist in Residence

Clay Kitchen Portugal offers a fully equipped ceramic studio in Vila Nova de Milfontes. The studio accommodates a maximum of four independent potters, fostering a connected and thoughtful creative environment. The winter season’s longer nights and shorter days provide the perfect backdrop for focused, introspective work.