Beginners Wheel Throwing - 2 Week Introduction to Wheel Throwing

Beginners Program

Two-week Introduction to Wheel Throwing

This course is a two-week introduction to the art of wheel throwing, during which you will have a chance to immerse yourself in the practice of ceramics while also enjoying the tranquil pleasures of Sicilian life.

During the course you will learn the basics of wheel throwing: wedging, centering, throwing cups and bowls and trimming your pieces. In week two you will be able to up your level and learn to make small vases, boxes and more complex shapes. You will have a unique chance to fully immerse yourself in the practice of wheel throwing, making progress that would take you months of 3h-a-week practice. You'll walk away with a solid foundation in wheel throwing which will allow you to throw your own pieces from scratch once back home.

By the end of the retreat you will have the opportunity to choose which pieces you would like fired, glazed and shipped to you. As pieces need approximately a week to dry out, this will be done for you once the retreat has concluded.

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Outcome

Although the course is focussed on learning rather than making pieces, you will be able to keep some of the pieces you make:

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The course includes the firing and glazing of up to 6kg of dry clay (that’s plenty of pieces for a beginner!)
There is an extra charge of 20€/kg of clay for firing and glazing of more than 6kg of clay
All pieces will be glazed with a standard transparent high temperature glaze
We do not ship unglazed bisque pieces, as the chances of them breaking during shipping are too high
Shipping costs are charged extra, and can vary from 70€ for 6kg for Germany, to 150€ for 6kg shipped to the US

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Who is the course right for?

This course is right for you if:

you love ceramics but you've never really tried before
you've tried other techniques but have never dared trying wheel-throwing
you’ve tried wheel throwing before but have never learned to centre independently, or struggle to centre clay in general
you've tried the wheel before but you've never given yourself a chance to really practise and learn, and you simply want a chance to spend a whole week practising on the wheel without worrying about anything else
you’re ready to devote 2 full weeks to learning a new craft

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Experience Sicily

During these two weeks, you won’t just get a ceramics course. We’ve also organised a program of activity so that you can connect with Sicilian culture, get to know beautiful Salemi and its rich history and territory.

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You will:

Eat breakfast like the locals do in our favourite local bars
Enjoy meals in a variety of authentic, local Sicilian restaurants / home-restaurants
Carry out at least one excursion to a local cultural heritage site, either Gretto di Burri or Segesta archaeological site

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EUR €2250

Beginners Program
Two-week Introduction to Wheel Throwing

1st June - 14th June 2025

20th July - 2nd August 2025

14th September - 27th September 2025

Learn from our resident artist

Daily local activities

Check Availability

What's Included

Ceramics classes and mentorship by established ceramicist Leonardo Rousseau
All materials
Palermo Airport pick up (12-noon Sunday) or Palermo City Pick Up (11am Sunday). There is an additional charge for any pick ups at other times.
Return Palermo Airport transfer and Palermo City drop off on Saturday, departing Salemi at 7am.
2 x Yoga classes
All meals and non-alcoholic beverages from Sunday dinner through to Saturday breakfast
Glazing and firing a max of 6kg of pieces (this will be done after the retreat has finished)

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What's Not Included

Accommodation
Shipping of pieces that will be fired by the studio
Additional cost for firing/glazing more than 6kg of pieces (it’s 20€/kg for each extra kg of clay)
Alcoholic beverages

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The Project

The Salemi School of Ceramics is a social enterprise that has been opened to create a learning centre for contemporary ceramics, the first of its kind in Sicily.

The School has been created in partnership with the local town of Salemi, which has provided the gorgeous space - the Sant'Agostino Monastery - that will be used for the school.

Salemi has a gorgeous historical centre and because it is quiet and peaceful, it is the perfect place for a mindful ceramics retreat.

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(📷 by Sabela Andrés @sabelaandres)

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Frequently asked questions

If you don't see your question below email us at contact@salemiceramics.com

Is Retreat You good for me?

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I have no yoga experience, can I join?

Where are you located?

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I have allergies, can I join?

What is the price of the retreat?

What is the Ceramic Workshop Retreat in Salemi?

The ceramics workshop retreats in Salemi, Sicily are designed for all ceramics abilities, from beginners, to intermediates, to those looking for expert-led experiences. Participants will have practical hands on learning and refining their skills, taught by an experienced and passionate resident ceramicist. Learn about ceramics, and when not in the Studio, you will enjoy local Sicilian experiences, while sharing meals with others. Our retreats offer a unique opportunity to learn and create in a beautiful setting.

It is important to know that your pieces will not be ready to take home with you at the end of the retreat, as pieces take approximately a week to completely dry, all firing and glazing will be done after the retreat has finished. Before you leave you will be able to decide which pieces you would like to keep and have shipped to you once you are home (shipping at your cost).

Where Should I Stay?

There are multiple options near our Studio in Salemi.

Salemi Ceramics is located in the old town of Salemi, Sicily. It is based in the (former) Chiostro Di Sant’Agostino in Salemi.

Here is a link to Google Maps that shows precisely where the Convent is. We strongly recommend staying in the old town of Salemi so you can have a short stroll to and from the Studio. Salemi is situated on a hilltop, and the walk goes through curvy, extremely steep streets to the top, where Piazza Liberta (meeting point during the retreats) is located. You can find more information in our Location Guide. If you feel unsure which one to choose, please contact us, and we would be happy to help you!

Who can join the retreat?

Anyone with an interest in ceramics, from beginners to experienced artists, is welcome to join. It's a great place to learn new skills or improve what you already know.

What does the retreat include?

The retreat includes a pick-up from either Palermo City at 11am or Palermo Airport at 12pm on SUNDAY, and a 7am departure from Salemi to Palermo City or Airport on SATURDAY. Pick-ups and drop-offs outside these options can be arranged by us; please reach out for more information. Also included are all ceramic classes from Monday to Friday, meals from Sunday night dinner to Saturday breakfast, and local experiences in Salemi and its surroundings. You'll get to enjoy Sicilian culture, food, and the beauty of the area while learning about ceramics. Please note, that the price is not negotiable, we cannot offer only studio classes, but not the meals or cultural activities.

Is accommodation included in the retreat?

Accommodation is not included. Participants need to arrange their own stay in Salemi. We can provide suggestions for nearby places to stay, but recommend staying in the Old Town of Salemi for ease of walking to the Studio each day and walking back to your accommodation at night after dinner.

What language will the programs be taught in?

The programs will all be taught in English, but feel free to practice your Italian out and about with our local shopkeepers and local friends.

Is there a minimum number of bookings?

No, as soon as there's one booking the course is confirmed.

How long is the retreat?

The retreat duration varies, so please check our schedule for specific dates. Typically, retreats run from Sunday to Saturday, with ceramics classes running from Monday to Friday, giving you plenty of time to learn and explore.

What should I bring to the retreat?

You should bring comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for working with ceramics, any personal art supplies you prefer, and items for your daily needs. Don't forget to pack for the weather in Sicily during your stay!

There are several small shops, bigger supermarkets and pharmacies in Salemi, so if you forget something to pack, the chances are high that you can source that locally.

Are meals provided during the retreat?

Yes, meals and soft drinks from Sunday evening to Saturday morning are included. You'll get to taste local Sicilian cuisine as part of the retreat experience.

Please note that we work with local caterers as part of our goal to support Salemi's local businesses. While they are absolutely attentive and considerate in their catering, we cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate every dietary need. Gluten-free and vegan diets are particularly challenging. Please feel free to reach out before booking a spot, and we can have a chat about your dietary needs.

What kind of local experiences will be part of the retreat?

Local experiences include meeting local business owners, exploring Salemi's culture, history, and natural beauty. We will organise short trips to local landmarks such as the Segesta Archeological site, cultural activities such as a visit to a family owned farm, where you will have the chance to prepare the region's traditional pasta, Busiata, from scratch!

What is the weather like in Salemi?

During the summer months (June-July-August), the weather gets really hot, reaching 35°C (95°F) and sometimes even higher. The good news is that we have air conditioning in our studio, especially in the wheel-throwing room, so you won't be affected by the heat. Plus, all accommodations in Salemi are equipped with air conditioning.

Although it's hot during the summer, the evenings can be chilly (Salemi is on a hilltop) because of the wind. It's good to have a light sweater or jacket with you for those nights.

During the winter months (don't worry, there's no snow in Salemi), the weather is cooler, ranging between 15-20°C (59-68°F).