Clara Holt Storytelling with a Sgraffito Ceramics Mural

Special Course

Storytelling with a sgraffito ceramics mural with Clara Holt

The course will focus on each participant's creation of a handmade ceramic tile mural, decorated with the sgraffito technique. A mural that tells a story, describes a character, or illustrates a subject, real or imaginary, mythological or personal.

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Sgraffito is a ceramic decoration technique where a layer of slip is applied to completely cover the surface of the pot followed by scratching or carving through this layer to reveal the color of the clay underneath, creating a contrasting design formed by the negative space. Sgraffito designs range from simple lines and shapes to complex patterns and images: the technique has been used for centuries and is found in various cultures throughout the world.

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The course will alternate theoretical explanations with demonstrations and a lot of hands-on practice, including:

An overview of the available tools and materials for different variations of the sgraffito technique
Practising a variety of techniques on test tiles and tumblers, to experiment with different expressive possibilities and materials. This includes: working with industrial underglazes, preparing your own coloured slips, working on different clay bodies.
An overview of Clara’s own creative process as well as sgraffito work from other artists and traditions
Decorating a few tumblers (aprox 12cm) with the techniques and colours of their choice
Design and execution of a mural. Each student will start with a story, or a subject, of their choice, to be told through illustrations on the mural. We will talk about how to turn the story into an illustration, studying the composition and characters, emphasising the narrative and descriptive aspect of the scene. The students will be free to make their own tiles - or slabs - of the shape and size they prefer (compatible with the size of the kiln), and then they will make the decoration under the guidance of the teacher.

Outcome

Students will learn the decorative technique of sgraffito and its variations, finding their own expressive voice through exercises and experimentation. They will practise drawing and explore the narrative aspect of illustration.

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The final outcome of the course will be two tumblers (aprox 12cm) and a cermics mural, which will be fired (and optionally glazed) after the end of the course.

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The cost of firing and glazing the pieces is included in the course fee, while shipping costs are extra. Shipping costs for 3kg packages range approximately from 40€ for most EU countries to 80€ for the US).

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Who is the course right for?

This course is suited for anyone with any level of ceramics experience.

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This course is designed to help people with a background/interest in illustration to apply their drawing skills to the ceramics medium. We highly encourage you to apply if you have an active drawing/illustration practice or a background in illustration/drawing/graphics/painting/visual arts.

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If you do not have such a background or an active drawing practice, we recommend that you practise your drawing skills before attending the course, and come prepared with a few drawings or designs of your interest.

Your Teacher

Clara Holt is an Italian artist, born 1987 and raised in Pescara. She has a background in classical studies and graduated in neuroscience before discovering her interest for ceramics, specifically ceramics decoration, as well as print-making and etching.

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Clara has exhibited her work in Italy and abroad and is the co-founder of Fuoco Blu, a ceramics studio in Milan, a sharing space dedicated to ceramics where she teaches decoration techniques and complements commissioned work with personal pieces. In 2024 she opened a second small ceramics workshop in Genoa, by the sea, where she works and occasionally hosts art residencies.

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Clara's work focuses on storytelling, with the ongoing drive to convey stories, characters and experiences. These tales are inspired by mythology, folk traditions, legends, real or fantastic tales of the places she lives or explores. Stories handed down through tradition or emerged from the unconscious: full of symbols that speak of the most irrational and hidden sides of human nature.

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Autobiographical practice allows her to question her own identity, sowing symbolic clues without revealing transparent meaning. Her illustrations leave room for different interpretations, not limiting themselves to being purely decorative, but becoming the very essence of each piece. The search for harmony between form, technique, materials and illustration is an ongoing challenge for her.

https://www.instagram.com/clara.holt.ceramics/

www.claraholt.com

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Meeting Sicily

During this week, 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, territory and natural ecosystem.

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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 or natural parks, to get inspired by Sicilian history with its rich tradition of Greek mythology, folk stories and legends

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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.

What's Included

Ceramics classes and mentorship by established ceramic artist Clara Holt
All decoration materials, 2 tumblers (aprox 12 cm) and ceramics needed for mural
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 or meditation classes
All meals and non-alcoholic beverages from Sunday dinner through to Saturday breakfast

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What's Not Included

Accommodation
Additional costs for purchasing extra pieces to be decorated
Additional cost for firing and glazing extra pieces
The cost of shipping of the pieces that will be fired by the studio (shipping costs for 3kg packages range approximately from 40€ for most EU countries to 80€ for the US)
Alcoholic beverages

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A Typical Day

Classes will be held from Monday through to Friday. On Sunday, there will be a welcome dinner and on Saturday, we will bid you farewell.

Classes will be 4h each morning (9am-1pm). Afternoon schedules will vary: 2/3h of class on Monday and Friday (2-5pm), 2/3h of free studio time on Tuesday and Thursday, and Wednesdays outside the studio on a field trip to discover the local heritage.

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Order of the day:

Yoga or meditation (2 classes x week)
Breakfast
First Class 9am-10.30am
Break
Second Class 11am-1pm
Lunch
Third Class 2pm-5pm or Open studio or Cultural activity
Finish

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EUR €1399

Special Course
‍Storytelling with a sgraffito ceramics mural with Clara Holt

11th May - 17th May 2025

Learn from our resident artist

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Frequently asked questions

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

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I have no yoga experience, can I join?

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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).