Special Course

Kiln Building and Woodfiring with Jaime Romero & Mati Cini

This course is a unique chance to participate in the building of a wood firing kiln, learning the basics of kiln construction and operation.

During the course we will build a Phoenix fast-firing kiln with high temperature refractory materials, starting from the foundations, all the way to the chimney. Students will also have the chance to participate in the first firing of the newly built kiln, learning how to load the kiln, control the temperature curve and the oxidation/reduction level. 

We will also explore ash glazes for wood firing, preparing a few base ash glazes with locally sourced material and glazing the pìeces for the first firing.

Students can bring a few bisqued pieces with them, we recommend 6-14 small pieces (max 12x12 cm) or 6 small + 1 large piece (up tu 25 cm tall) otherwise the studio will provide 6 small and one large bisqued piece to each student, which they will be able to glaze with local ash glazes and fire in the kiln.

The course will cover some basic theory of kiln building and ash glazes, but will mostly focus on the practical aspects.

Outcome

You will walk away from the course with:

  • First hand experience of building a wood fire kiln
  • Understanding of technical and practical requirements to build your own kiln at home
  • Understanding of how to operate a wood fire kiln: how to load the pieces in the kiln, how to control the firing curve, how to create effects through oxidation, soda, etc…
  • Up to 3kg of pieces (either your own or 6 small + 1 large pieces provided by the studio), glazed with ash glazes and fired in the newly built kiln

Your Teachers

Jaime Romero is a Spanish ceramicist specialised in wheel throwing, wood firing and ash glazes, with more than 30 years of experience. He has built more than 80 kilns and has taught dozens of kiln building and wood firing courses across Spain. He is an infinite source of knowledge on kiln construction and operation as well as oriental glazing techniques.

Mati Cini is Salemi Ceramic’s lead ceramicist. A disciple of Jaime, she has built several kilns in Barcelona before coming to Salemi, and has extensively researched natural glazes and ash glazes. She has adapted the kiln’s design to the school needs, and will source all the local materials for the course.

Who is This Course Right For

Previous ceramics experience is preferred.

This course is right for you if:

  • You’ve always wanted to participate in a wood firing
  • You’re interested in learning more about wood firing kilns
  • You are interested in ash glazes and high firing glazes
  • You are thinking about building your own kiln back home
  • You’re a bit of a ceramics geek :)
  • You’re not scared of getting your hands dirty, and not just with clay. There will be some serious construction going on!

Discover the Territory

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 the town of Salemi and its rich history and territory. 

You will:

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

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 Jaime Romero and Mati Cini
  • All materials
  • 6 small bisqued pieces
  • 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 and 2 x meditation classes
  • All meals and non-alcoholic beverages from Sunday dinner through to Saturday breakfast
  • Glazing and firing a max of 3kg of pieces

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation
  • Shipping costs of pieces that will be fired by the studio (it’s between 30€ and 70€ for 3 kg depending on the country)
  • Additional cost for firing/glazing more than 3kg of pieces (it’s 20€/kg for each extra kg of clay)
  • Alcoholic beverages

Schedule of the week

(This may vary depending on factors such as good weather for firing)

Sunday- Arrival and welcome. 

Monday - Building kiln part I

Tuesday - Building kiln part II

Wednesday - Finish kiln and ash glazes.

Thursday - Finish kiln and ash glazes.

Friday - Loading the kiln and firing.

Saturday - Free morning and open the kiln at night.

Sunday - Goodbyes 🥲

EUR €1399
Special Course
Kiln Building and Woodfiring with Jaime Romero & Mati Cini
20th April - 27th April 2025
Learn from our resident artist
Daily local activities
Check Availability

Meet the team

Our team is passionate about bringing Salemi to life and providing you with an authentic Sicilian experience

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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Where are you located?

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Do you offer discounts?

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What is the cost of Webflow Retreat Template?

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Where in Thailand are you located?

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I have allergies, can I join?

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What is the price of the retreat?

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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).

Is Retreat You good for me?

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I have no yoga experience, can I join?

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Where are you located?

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Do you offer discounts?

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What is the cost of Webflow Retreat Template?

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Where in Thailand are you located?

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I have allergies, can I join?

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What is the price of the retreat?

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