March 18-28, 2027
This workshop is a 10-day immersive experience bringing together ceramics, firing and shared meals in a unique natural setting on the southwest coast of Portugal.
This workshop is an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with material, process and community. Working closely with guest artists Tara Wilson, Josh DeWeese and Jean-Nicolas Gérard, participants will explore different approaches to clay — from forming to firing — while engaging with the rhythms of a collective studio environment.
Daily hands-on work with clay (stoneware and earthenware)
Demonstrations and informal knowledge sharing with guest artists
A collaborative and relaxed working environment
Open studio time for individual exploration
Preparation and participation in woodfirings
Collective meals focused on seasonal, local food
Time to rest, reflect and connect with the surrounding landscape
Tara Wilson is a studio artist living in Montana City, Montana. She has given lectures and workshops throughout the United States and her wood-fired utilitarian work has been exhibited internationally. When not working in the studio she can be often be found in the south hills on her mountain bike.
Tara set up her studio in Montana City in 2008 after finishing residencies at The Archie Bray Foundation and Red Lodge Clay Center. She currently has a train and a catenary arch wood fire kiln, a heinz 57 beauty, a very needy mouser, as well as a few chookies.
More about her and her work: www.tarawilsonpottery.com.
Josh DeWeese is a ceramic artist and educator. He is currently a Professor of Art teaching ceramics at Montana State University in Bozeman, where he and his wife Rosalie Wynkoop have a home and studio. DeWeese served as Resident Director of the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts in Helena, Montana from 1992-2006. He holds an MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred, and a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute. DeWeese has exhibited and taught workshops internationally and his work is included in numerous public and private collections.
More about him and his work: www.joshdeweese.com.
Jean-Nicolas Gérard was born in Brazzaville (Congo) in 1954 and returned to France in 1961. He started studying ceramics in 1978 and was Jean Biagini’s student at École des Beaux-Arts in Aix-en-Provence. He also trained with Claire Bogino. Often labelled the potters’ potter Gerard’s work has a spontaneity that so many strive for.
Gérard’s work has now gained international acclaim and he has exhibited all over the world, including America, Australia, China and Japan. He is one of those rare potters who brings genuine life and gusto to contemporary slipware, investing the tradition of terre vernissée with a fresh and expressive energy unlike any other.
More about his work here.
A selection of stoneware and earthenware clays
Access to basic studio tools and shared equipment
Glazing materials (basic palette)
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.
You don’t need to work with clay to be part of the experience.
Alongside the ceramics workshop, we offer a parallel program designed for partners, friends, and anyone who wishes to join without working in the studio.
While the days in the studio unfold around clay and fire, this experience follows a slower rhythm — rooted in landscape, food, and shared moments.
This is an invitation to be present, to connect, and to experience this place in a simple and meaningful way.
What this experience includes:
Tuition: from 4950€ (shared double room + bathroom)
The program fee is all-inclusive except for transportation. This includes: accommodation (single or double room), all meals, clay, studio access and materials and firing, instruction and demonstrations, full participation in the program.
Payment
To reserve your spot, a deposit of 2500€ is required (it is non refundable).
Within 60 days of start date you will be contacted regarding payment of the second instalment of the tuition; this will be due 10 days before the start date.
