Intermediate Wheel Throwing - 2 Week Tableware Course

Intermediate Program

Two-week tableware course with Leonardo Rousseau

The two-week tableware program with Leo is an intensive program which will see you from designing your own tableware to seeing your creativity come to life on the wheel. You can expect to spend approximately 5 hours per day on the wheel experimenting, refining and making your own unique tableware pieces.

Pieces you wish to keep will be fired, glazed and shipped to you after the program has finished. Firing up to 3kg of pieces are included in the program cost. Shipping costs will be at your cost, and will vary according to weight and volume.

Classes will run from Monday to Friday on both weeks. You will have the weekend between the weeks at your leisure to explore our beautiful island, or you might prefer to stay local - the choice is yours. Our favourite local haunts include Cretto di Burri, the Contemporary Art Museum at Gibellina, the Segesta Temple (while you’re there check out the Segesta Thermal Baths). Further afield there is also Caltagirone, a famous ceramics town.

Your Teacher - Leonardo Rousseau

Leonardo Rousseau is a ceramicist working in Brussels and raised in Paris. Specialising in tableware, his recognisable style comes from being wheel thrown and using glazes resulting from personal research and experimentation. The result is refined and rich. For the past four years, Leonardo has worked as a teacher in several studios in Brussels. During this time, he has mentored hundreds of students always with the same dedication to guide the students to the next steps and encourage creativity.

Week One

Day 1: Thinking and designing what to produce over the next 2 weeks (teapot, serving plates, collection of small plates, bowls, cups, incense holder, etc.)

Day 2: Learn how to replicate the same pieces in a series
Day 3: Throwing plates
Day 4: Learning how to throw off a hump (lid, spout, small pieces making and incense holder)
Day 5: Trimming pieces from day two and three
Weekend at your leisure

Week Two

Day 1: Handling and assembling cups
Day 2: Learning how to throw closed form and rounded shape
Day 3: Throwing teapots body, lid and spout
Day 4: trimming pieces form day 2 and 3 + making handles
Day 5: Assembling teapot

EUR €1999

Intermediate Program
Two-week tableware course

21st July - 3rd Aug 2024

Learn from our resident artist

Daily local activities

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What's Included

Ceramics classes and mentorship
All materials
Airport pick up (12-noon Sunday) or Palermo Pick Up (11am Sunday). There is an additional charge for any pick ups at other times.‍
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

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 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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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 offers 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 workshop in Salemi.

Salemi Ceramics is located in the old town of Salemi, Sicily.It is based in the (former) Chiostro de Sant Agositono in Salemi; which is not labelled or marked on Google Maps.

Here is a link to Google Maps that shows precisely where the Convent is. We strongly suggest staying in the Old Town of Salemi so that you can walk to the studio in the mornings and walk back to your accommodation after dinner at night. There are lots of options on Booking.com and Airbnb - read our location guide here - but if you are not sure about a specific location, please just send us an email and we will help you out.

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 Central at 11am or Palermo Airport 12pm on the SUNDAY, and a 7am departure from Salemi to Palermo Airport on the SATURDAY. Pick ups and drop offs outside these options will need to be arranged by you, we can help with passing on public transport timetables. Also included are all ceramic classes from Monday to Friday, meals from Sunday night dinner to Saturday breakfast, and local experiences in Salemi. You'll get to enjoy Sicilian culture, food, and the beauty of the area while learning about ceramics.

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 on 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!

Are meals provided during the retreat?

Yes, most meals are included. You'll get to taste local Sicilian cuisine as part of the retreat experience. We can cater to different dietary needs, so let us know in advance if you have any specific requirements.

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, cultural activities, and opportunities to enjoy the local cuisine and lifestyle.