Intermediate - Making glazes from natural materials

Special Course

Making Glazes from Natural Materials

You can also take this course in combination with the previous course “Press Moulds and Handbuilding for Ceramics Sculpture” (13-19h Oct), also lead by Maia Beyrouti.

In this course, you will be able to explore the world of natural glazes by the hand of our first resident artist, Maia Beyrouti.

During this week we will be talking about ash and environment, going on site visits and collecting local materials which we will then be using on test tiles various glazes and ceramic materials. The course focuses on ash glazing but tests with other collected materials will also be possible.

‍Outcome
Although the course is focussed on the process rather than the outcome, you will still be able to take home several things:

Samples of collected materials
A first series of fired text tiles glazed with collected materials
A second series of test tiles and additional fired pieces will be available for shipping after the course. Firing will be included in the course up to 3 kg of clay, while shipping costs will be charged separately (shipping costs for 3kg packages range approximately from 40€ for most EU countries to 80€ for the US)

Your Teacher - Maia Beyrouti

Berlin-based French-Palestinian artist Maia Beyrouti will be Salemi Ceramics’ first resident artist during September and October 2024. She founded Moïo Studio in 2016 to develop a body of ceramic work investigating the role of objects that bridge art, craft, and design. Her work has a focus on sculptural vessels, surfaces textures and ceramic materials research, each project combines techniques and glazes developed in the studio with a process-led approach.

Much of the work is a reaction to serendipity as offcuts and accidental discoveries meet a desire for certain forms inspired by architecture, raw materials, and celebrating mundane, utilitarian or overlooked details.

IG @moio.studio and @maia.beyrouti

Who is This Course Right For

This course is suited for anyone who has a basic knowledge of ceramics and glazing techniques, no deep chemistry knowledge required.

This course is right for you if you want to learn more about which local materials you can use in glazes and how to process them.

It is a good course for you if you want to begin to develop a practice of ceramic glazing with natural and foraged materials.

It's right for you if you want to discuss the idea of sustainability in ceramics and increase your glaze vocabulary, and learn basic research methods to develop your own natural glazes.

Discover the Territory

During this week, you won’t just get a ceramics course. We’ve also organized a program of activity so that you can connect with Sicilian culture, get to know beautiful Salemi and it’s rich history, territory and natural ecosystem.
You will:

Eat breakfast like the locals do in our favorite 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 and collect local materials to experiment with for your glaze recipes

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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 St Agustin Convent - 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 Maia Beyrouti
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 3kg of pieces (this will be done after the retreat has finished)

What's Not Included

Accommodation
Shipping of pieces that will be fired by the studio
Additional cost for firing/glazing more than 3kg of pieces
Alcoholic beverages

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) and 2/3h each afternoon (2-5pm), except for one day of field trip to discover the local heritage and collect materials.

Order of the day:

Yoga (2 classes x week)
Breakfast
First Class 9am-10.30am
Break
Second Class 11am-1pm
Lunch
Third Class 2pm-5pm
Finish

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EUR €1099

Special Course
Making Glazes from Natural Materials

20th - 26th Oct 2024 - SOLD OUT

Learn from our resident artist

Daily local activities

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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?

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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.

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).