Space and Community to Play with Clay
Classes and Workshops
Whether you are local to the Silver Coast area and looking for a place to learn ceramics, or want to visit us for an immersive clay experience, we have a variety of options to choose from. Below is the current list of classes, retreats, residency options and workshops for 2026-27. Special workshops and classes for groups are also available upon request.
Be sure to sign up for emails to learn when new classes are added.
Saturday
Hand Building Workshops with Julie Dyer
Max students 6.
Julie has all sorts of fun tips and tricks for making functional and decorative pots using patterns, slabs, texture rollers and more. Check the drop down menu for upcoming workshops and contact Nicole to book your spot.
Origami-Inspired Butter Dish (October/November) two day workshop 75€
Start with a simple block of clay and discover how it transforms at every stage of the process. You’ll begin by rolling and shaping the clay into a plain slab, then turn that blank canvas into a unique textured surface using textured rolling pins, stamps, and pottery tools.
Once your slab has its own personality, we’ll take inspiration from origami paper-folding techniques to explore how simple folds, angles, and shapes can be transformed into a beautiful, functional form. You’ll use these techniques to construct your own one-of-a-kind butter dish, combining texture, structure, and creativity into a piece you’ll be proud to display and use for years to come.
After your butter dish is dried and fired, we’ll meet again 2–3 weeks later for Day 2, where you’ll glaze your creation and bring your design to life with color and finish.
Workshop days:
- Option One: Saturday, October 24 & November 7, 10:00-1:00
- Option Two: Wednesday October 28 & November 11, 10:00-1:00
No pottery experience necessary—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to get your hands dirty!
75€
Plates, Bowls and Platters made with slabs and molds 75€
In this hands-on workshop, you'll explore the versatility of slab building to create one-of-a-kind plates or platters. Before forming your piece, you'll use textured rollers, stamps, and other tools to press patterns into the clay.
We'll then use molds to transform your decorated slabs into finished forms. Want to elevate your piece? Add a foot to your plate or platter, or create handles for a serving tray to give your work an extra touch of personality and functionality. You'll leave the first class with a completed piece ready to dry and be fired. Once your piece has been bisque fired, you'll return for the second class to choose your glaze and add the finishing touches.
Work will be ready to pick up in 2-3 weeks.
No pottery experience necessary—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to get your hands dirty!
Dates:
- Option One: Saturday, October 17 & November 7 10:00-1:00
- Option Two: Friday November 20 & December 4, 10-1:00
Handbuilt Cherry Blossom Bowl 75€
Turn a simple slab of clay into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bowl using a drape mold and seasonal inspiration. This fun and creative project is perfect for experimenting with texture, shape, and decorative elements while creating a functional piece you'll enjoy year-round.
Love cherry blossoms in spring? Create a delicate blossom bowl. Prefer the colors and textures of autumn? Try a beautiful leaf-inspired design – simply explore your yard and bring some of your favorite leaves. Once you learn the basic techniques, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're brand new to clay or an experienced potter looking for a fun new project, this workshop is suitable for all skill levels. Come with an idea, or let the season inspire you!
No pottery experience necessary—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to get your hands dirty!
Dates:
- Option Two: Wednesday November 18 & December 2, 10:00-1:00
Clay Imprintology with Helen Rasehky May 1-8, 2027
Helen (you may know her better asThe Persian Potter)will teach a 5 day workshop on all the tips and tricks you'll need to create your own rollers and stamps for making patterns on clay. International guests are invited to join us, with accommodations for four available in the residency house (right over the studio), or in shared accommodations for 5 more guests a short walk away from the studio.
Local artists may choose just the workshop portion, or can join us for the whole adventure, but sleep in their own beds. We’ll be dining together at Villa do Barro (aka the residency house). Visiting local restaurants, and cultural attractions.
The Magic of Double Walled Pottery with Jordan Coons-July 10-18, 2027
Join Jordan Coons in rural Portugal for an immersive 7-day workshop, July 10-18, exploring the magic of double-walled pottery. Together, we’ll handbuild and throw/assemble layered vessels, learning the structural techniques that make these forms possible — and the carving methods Jordan uses to transform solid walls of clay into intricate, light-catching surfaces.
Open to all skill levels. If you can throw a small cylinder on the wheel, you'll do well in this workshop.
Min Class size: 6
Max Class Size: 15
August 15-21- --- Exploring Leather Craft Through Clay with Sara Catherine Gromek
This 6 day, hands-on workshop introduces participants to handbuilding techniques that mimic the look and feel of leather. Students will construct functional ceramic vessels using slabs of clay while exploring texture, seams, construction methods, and surface details inspired by traditional leather craftsmanship.
The workshop emphasizes thoughtful construction, craftsmanship, functionality, and creative exploration. Participants of all experience levels are welcome.
Class size: 10-14
September13-19--- Narrating in Blue: Myth, Lore and Ceramic Surface Design with Ashley Maxwell
This workshop is centered around storytelling through surface, with a focus on blue and white pottery and the many ways it can be achieved through underglaze techniques.
Artists will learn my personal approach to blue and white surface design, using underglaze in a way that is both visually rich and approachable. The techniques taught are designed to feel intuitive, flexible, and easy to integrate into an existing studio practice.
Working on tiles, and small handbuilt forms we will explore a range of surface methods including wax resist inlay, traditional inlay, and layered underglaze application to achieve a soft, painterly, watercolor effect. While we will be practicing on tiles, the goal is for artists to confidently translate these techniques onto their own functional or sculptural work.
Suitable for all skill levels
Class size: max 14
Woven Porcelain with Stela Ivanova-2027 Dates Coming Soon
Learn the innovative techniques of ceramic artist Stela Ivanova, who creates delicate porcelain sculptures with intricate patterns reminiscent of lace or fabric, through the careful setting of porcelain coils. Thanks to controlled collapse during high-temperature firing, the rigid, raw pieces are transformed into unique sculptures with a characteristic organic beauty.
All skill levels. New dates coming soon. Get on the waitlist to be notified when the workshop is available to book.
Min: 6/ Max: 10
Textured Pots with Matt Hiller- October 2027
Details Coming Soon
Min: 10/ Max: 14
Contact Me
Sign Up For Classes
Contact me via email using the button below to sign up for classes. Or Contact me via WhatsApp with Questions or to sign up. Just let me know which classes you're interested in, and we'll go from there.
Open Studio Hours
If you're looking for a place to work on your own projects, open studio is for you! How does it work? Click the button below for details.
October- December Open Studio Hours
- Tuesdays 10:00-1:00
- Thursdays: 10:00-1:00 pm
- Saturday hours may be added if there's enough interest.