Woodfiring and ash glazes with Mati Cini

Special Course

Woodfiring and Ash Glazes with Mati Cini

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This course is a great opportunity to actively participate in woodfiring, practising how to load and operate a wood firing kiln as well as learning about ash glazes.

During the course we will make glazes with local ashes and clays, exploring east asian ash glazes as well as more experimental recipes rooted in local materials.

We will also do 2 firings in our freshly built wood firing kiln: one to test our glazes, and one to explore desired results. The kiln is a 260L fast firing phoenix kiln, which can easily reach 1300 degrees in 6h, but can be fired slower depending on desired results.

Students can bring a few bisqued pieces with them, otherwise the studio will provide 14 small (12x12 cm) and 2 large (25cm height) bisqued pieces to each student, which they will be able to glaze and fire in the kiln.

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Outcome

You will walk away from the course with:

First hand experience of building a wood fire kiln
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 pieces + 2 large pieces provided by the studio), glazed with ash glazes and fired in the newly built kiln
A selection of glaze tests fired in the kiln

Your Teacher

Mati Cini is Salemi Ceramic’s lead ceramicist. She lives between Barcelona and Salemi and has been a ceramicist and ceramics teacher for the past 10 years. A disciple of Jaime Romero, she has built several kilns in Spain before coming to Salemi, and has extensively researched natural glazes and ash glazes.

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Who is This Course Right For

Previous ceramics experience is preferred.

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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’re a bit of a ceramics geek :)
You don’t mind chopping wood, getting covered in soot, and staying up until late to fire the kiln - in fact, you like it

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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.

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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

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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 Jaime Romero and Mati Cini
All materials
6 small bisqued pieces (optional)
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

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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

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Schedule of the week

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

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Sunday - Arrival and welcome.

Monday - Presentation, preparing ash glazes.

Tuesday - Glazing, loading the kiln, firing (well into the night).

Wednesday - Free morning and opening the kiln in the afternoon, analysis.

Thursday - Preparing more glazes, glazing.

Friday - Loading the kiln and firing.

Saturday - Free morning and opening the kiln in the afternoon.

Sunday - Goodbyes 🥲

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EUR €1399

Special Course
Woodfiring and Ash Glazes with Mati Cini

18th May - 25th 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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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).