Studio Directors

Rebeca & Mat Newton

Rebeca and Mat are the creatives behind The Salemi Studio Project. They have worked alongside locals and the Salemi council to bring this project to life. Rebeca and Mat are also the founders of Leatherback Travel, a Group which incorporates multiple travel brands including Patch Adventures, and Magnificent Rail, amongst others,which have brought thousands of travellers to unique places around the world.

Meet the rest of the team

We are dedicated to giving you the best experience

Matilde Cini

Resident Artist & Teacher
Mati is an Italian ceramicist and teacher based in Barcelona, with 10 years of experience working with and teaching ceramics. She believes learning to work with clay is much more than a set of technical skills: clay can teach us to embrace imperfection, turn mistakes into creative breakthroughs and accept the unpredictable pace of learning and creation.

Mandy Scanlon

Studio Manager
An avid world traveller and resident, Mandy couldn't resist la dolce vita of Italy, swapping Australia for Salemi. The Salemi studio's aesthetic and function reflects her own harmonious approach and aims to stimulate your long-term creativity. She draws personal inspiration from everyday rituals, human encounters from her travels and the stories they tell. Mandy is passionate about the therapeutic benefits of clay working, and her 'flow state mindful clay' workshops emphasise the beauty of the present moment, acceptance of the imperfect and making space for good conversation and creative connection. The Salemi School of Ceramics is the beginning of a greater community story and Mandy can't wait to welcome and share the space with you.

Not a beginner? Check our Intermediate Program

This course is right for you if you are a ceramics student or practising ceramicist who wishes to improve your wheel-throwing skills!