August 21-23, 2026 Welcome Dinner Thursday, August 20, 6:00 PM Daily 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Limited to 6 participants · Any level welcome.
This three-day workshop introduces the beautiful tradition of tin-glazed earthenware, often called maiolica or majolica. Using this technique, we’ll explore how drawing and painting on clay can be used to tell stories and create personal imagery.
Participants will work on tiles, small sculptural objects, or simple vessels. Using a painting approach similar to watercolour, we’ll learn how colour and line can bring clay surfaces to life. The human figure will be an important source of inspiration, appearing in both painted surfaces and sculptural forms.
During the workshop we will look at examples of tin-glazed ceramics from Europe and North America, including the wonderfully imaginative Italian Renaissance maiolica of the 16th century. We’ll also explore storytelling in art more broadly—from medieval manuscripts to contemporary graphic novels—to spark ideas and inspiration.
This workshop welcomes beginners as well as experienced makers who are curious about surface, drawing, and narrative in clay.
What’s Included — $1350 CAD + GST
· 3 Night Single room accommodation with partner hosts · Full breakfast daily at the Union Hotel · Welcome dinner August 20 · Shared garden lunches August 21-23 · Two glazed pieces and all other materials · Air-conditioned studio with WiFi and 24-hour access · Garden talk with Kevin Kavanaugh of South Coast Gardens
