Join Jordan Coons in rural Portugal for an immersive 5-day workshop 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.

This workshop is about more than technique. It's about patience, subtraction, and discovering how removing clay can reveal something more honest underneath. Expect demos, guided practice, problem-solving, and plenty of time to experiment.

Artists will complete at least one luminary on the first day, which can be bisque fired (and optionally glazed) to take home. Additional pieces will focus on skill-building and exploration. Bisque firing and shipping (or local pickup) approximately one week after the workshop is available for an additional packing and shipping fee. Guests can also opt to add an additional week stay at Villa do Barro/Well Traveled Wares studio to continue practicing new techniques and allow firing time.

Come ready to carve, question, slow down, and build forms that hold both light and shadow.

Pricing

All pricing is in Euros, guest from the US will see the pricing in dollars for the deposit at the current exchange rates. Final payment will be calculated at the exchange rate at the time of payment. If you'd like to pay in full now, we can make arrangements to do so via invoice.

• All inclusive with Lodging: Is available for four guests (two single rooms and one double room with two twin beds), and includes lodging at Villa do Barro, 24/7 studio access, light breakfast buffet, 3 lunches, and four dinners. We'll have a half and full free day for local exploration in the local towns.Meals on these day trips (1 lunch and 2 dinners) are not included in the price of the retreat. All materials are included, and one luminary will be bisque fired/glazed to take home.
  • Single room 1800€ with VAT (1375€ before June 1)
  • Shared Double room 1560€ with VAT (1160€ before June 1)

• All Inclusive without Lodging: Visiting guests will enjoy the same offering as above, excluding lodging at Villa do Barro. We have partnerships with three local accommodations and can help facilitate booking those spaces. Two locations are walkable, one requires a 7 minute drive. Lodging fees will be paid and arranged directly with the establishment you choose, they are not included here.

  • 1125€ with VAT (825€ before June 1)

  • See other local accommodations here- Nicole can help confirm availability

• 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.

  • 400€ with VAT (300€ before June 1)

    • Optional: Add welcome and farewell dinners + 70€

Deposits must be made to secure bookings. The balance of each package will be due by June 15, and an invoice will be emailed to the email address provided in the deposit. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs by May 1st. Cancellations between May 2-June1 will be refunded at 50%. Cancellations after June 2 will not be refunded.

Guests must provide proof of travel insurance prior to arrival. 

If you'd like to talk about arranging an extra week or two at Villa do Barro to practice new techniques or have a custom residency, please contact Nicole to discuss options and discounted pricing for retreat guests.

Not Included: Airfare and airport transportation from Lisbon are not included, but we can help make arrangements as needed. For options listed that do not include lodging, please contact Nicole for help booking other local accommodations. These booking will be handled and paid directly to the managers of those establishments. Their fees are not included in the fees listed here.

Sample Itinerary

This itinerary is meant to give an idea of what to expect during your stay. Unforeseen events, like weather, may cause us to make changes at the last minute. 

• Arrival Sunday 7/12: Arrival. Get settled. Studio tour. Home cooked meal at Villa do Barro and introductions/get acquainted. 

• Day One Monday 7/13:
  • 8:00- 9:00 Breakfast at Villa do Barro- Simple Breakfast bar
  • 9:00- 12:00 Studio Lesson with Jordan. Artists will complete at least one luminary on the first day, which can be bisque fired (and optionally glazed) to take home.
  • 12:00-1:00 Lunch at Villa do Barro- catered on site
  • 1:00-4:00 Class time
  • 4:00- 7:00 Free time/Open Studio time
  • 7:00 Dinner at houseFree time/open studio

• Day Two Tuesday 7/14:
  • 8:00- 9:00 Breakfast at Villa do Barro- Simple Breakfast bar
  • 9:00-1:00 Studio Lesson with Jordan
  • 1:00-2:00 Lunch at the studio
  • 2:15 travel to Caldas da Rainha for exploration and dinner 
    
  • 7:30 Dinner at local restaurant
  • Relax and/or open studio time after dinner.

• Day Three Wednesday: 7/15 
  • 8:00- 9:00 Breakfast at Villa do Barro- Simple Breakfast bar
  • 9:00- 12:00 Studio Lesson with Jordan
  • 12:00-1:00 Lunch at Villa do Barro- catered on site
  • 1:00-4:00 Class time
  • 4:00-7:00 Free time
  • 7:00 prepared meal in house
  • 8:00 Free time/open studio
     
• Day Four Thursday 7/16
  • Fire Kiln in the morning (TBD?)
  • 8:00- 9:00 Breakfast at Villa do Barro- Simple Breakfast bar
  • Field Trip- after breakfast we will visit the small medieval city of Tomar to explore the Convento do Cristo and Knights Templar, which are full of ornate tile and painting work. You can see more of Tomar here, although we won't see all the attractions listed.
  • Both dinner and lunch will be out at restaurants

• Day Five Friday 7/17
  • 8:00- 9:00 Breakfast at Villa do Barro- Simple Breakfast bar
  • 9:00- 12:00 Studio Lesson with Jordan- talk about glazing, demos and Q&A
  • 12:30 Travel to Obidos Castle for the Medieval Festival for lunch and to explore. * admission to Festival is not included in package price.
  • Farewell dinner 7:30 at house

• Saturday 7/18 Departure
  • 8:00- 9:00 Breakfast at Villa do Barro- Simple Breakfast bar