August 15-20, 2027
Exploring Leather craft Through Clay with Sarah Catherine Gromek
This 6 day, hands-on workshop introduces participants to handbuilding techniques that mimic the look and feel of leather. Students will construct a functional ceramic mug or cup 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.
Workshop Learning Objectives
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
- Construct functional ceramic drinking vessels, bowls, and small adornments using slab building techniques.
- Develop an understanding of slab construction techniques that mimic sewn leather.
- Gain confidence incorporating texture, seams, and surface details into functional ceramics.
- Learn the slip trailing technique that makes the faux stitches.
- Explore the relationship between form, function, and craftsmanship.
Pieces will be bisque fired to take home and glaze.
- Open to all skill levels.
- Minimum: 8
- Maximum: 15
Meet
Sarah Catherine Gromek
I use handbuilding techniques to shape slabs into functional forms, drawing inspiration from the look and feel of leather, seams, and metal. My work emphasizes form, function, and visible craftsmanship through deliberate joins and textured details. I finish my pieces with metallic glazes and accents that reference my experience as a high school jewelry and metalworking teacher.
As both an artist and educator, my practice centers on elevating craftsmanship and honoring trade-based career paths rooted in skill and fabrication.
Lodging Options and Pricing
This six day workshop runs August 15-20, 2027. Traveling guests are encouraged to arrive a day early on August 14 for our welcome dinner and to settle in. There will be an option for guests to book an extra week to continue practicing what they have learned, or explore the Silver Coast of Portugal.
There are three tiers for participation:
- All inclusive with Lodging: Is available for four guests, and includes lodging at Villa do Barro, 24/7 studio access,, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners, plus transportation for half day and full day explorations of local towns Caldas da Rainha, and another closeby cultural city, with a focus on Portuguese culture, art and architecture (we will discuss options as a group and decide together). Meals on these day trips (1 lunch and 2 dinners) are not included in the price of the retreat. All materials are included, and we will bisque fire at least 1-2 pieces to take home.
- All Inclusive without Lodging: Visiting guests will enjoy the same meals and excursions as all inclusive with lodging, but will find their own accomodations. We have partnerships with three local accommodations and can help facilitate booking those spaces. Two locations are walkable, one requires a 7 minute drive.
- Workshop Only: Local artists can choose to participate in the workshop only, which includes materials, class time, instruction and lunches. Optional: we invite local artists to add on the Welcome and Farewell dinners. This package does not include the day tours or other meals, but modifications can be made as available.
- Not Included: Airfare and airport transportation from Lisbon are not included, but we can help make arrangements as needed.
Pricing Options
All prices include 23% VAT
Guests can add an extra week stay and studio access, at Well Traveled Wares guest house, for 500€. First come first served, as space allows.
Stay at Well Traveled Wares Guest House above the Studio
Stay with us in our cozy guest house, above the studio. There are two single rooms and one double room, and two full bathrooms, to accommodate 4 guests.
- 2) Single Rooms 2,395€
- 1) Shared Double Room 1,995€/ per person
Stay at Neighboring Accommodations in the Village
Stay at our neighbors lovely rentals, just a short walk away from the studio. You'll have a full kitchen and laundry space, plus you'll enjoy all the prepared shared meals at Well Traveled Wares guest house, and transportation to field trips.
- There is one bedroom, and a pull out bed. This space is ideal for a couple, or friends who don't mind sharing space.
- 2,600€ for single occupancy
- 2,100€ per person/double occupancy
Workshop, Meals, and Activities
If you'd like to participate in the workshop, shared meals, and day trips, but prefer to find your own place. This option is for you. Note: you will be responsible for getting to and from the studio, but transportation for activities will be provided from here.
- 1,495€ per person
Just Lunches and the Workshop
Local artists are welcome to join us for the workshop and lunches only. You can also add on farewell and welcome meals for a separate fee.
- 475€ per person
Sample Itinerary
Day to Day of Retreat
Saturday, August 14, 2027
Arrival day for guests who are traveling to Portugal. Artists staying at Well Traveled Wares guest house, or in accommodations in the village can arrive after 1:00 pm. We will have a catered welcome dinner at the guest house around 7:00 pm.
Sunday, August 15, 2027
Day One
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Morning Demonstration
- Introduction to concept and design.
- Slab preparation.
- Construction techniques for drinking vessels.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break
1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Afternoon Instruction/Studio Time
- Build 1-2 drinking vessels.
Monday, August 16, 2027
Day Two
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Morning Demonstration
- Demonstration on making a bisque sprig mold.
- Surface refinement & development.
- Demonstration on folded Handles
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break
1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Afternoon Instruction/Studio Time
- Leather-inspired detailing & slip trailing.
- Begin a second - third project.
7:00 pm dinner- Catered at the house
Tuesday, August 17, 2027
Day Three
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Morning Demonstration
- Demonstration on using a spring mold/drop mold/pillowing techniques
- Demonstration of additional textures and hardware-inspired details.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break
1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Afternoon Instruction/Studio Time
- Demonstration of how to use drop molds/pillowing techniques
- Students will apply techniques to making their own pieces
7:00 pm dinner
Wednesday, August 18, 2027
Day Four
9:30- Day trip while things dry for bisque firing. - need car
Lunch and dinner out
Fire kiln at night
Thursday, August 19, 2027
Day Five
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Morning Demonstration
- Demonstration on how to sand, stain, glaze, and add a borax or splatter clear) wash
- Question-and-answer session
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break
2:00 PM Travel to Caldas da Rainha to explore
7:30 Farewell Dinner
Friday, August 20, 2027
Day Six- Departure Day
10:00 AM Unload kiln, share results and pack up.
12:00-1:00 depart
From Portland to Portugal: the evolution of Well Traveled Wares
In late 2024, my husband Nick and I relocated to a small agricultural village in the Silver Coast area of Portugal. We found a plot of land with two houses, and a giant garage big enough to house a ceramic studio. The bigger house was transformed into a residency house for up to 4 guest artists, and in 2025 they began hosting artists for residencies and teaching classes to local artists. Thus creating a new play on "Well Traveled Wares" and expanding it to visiting and local artists, and the wares they create here and travel home with.