July 24 - 27, 2026
Lion’s Head ON

*Directions + Schedule to be emailed out by June 1, 2026

OVERVIEW

Join me for a long weekend of making on the Bruce (Saugeen) Peninsula, where you will make your own handbuilt vessels at a cottage on the shore of Georgian Bay. Led by a full time ceramic artist, designer, and experienced educator, this retreat will be full of shared knowledge, opportunities to explore, and encouragement to find your artistic voice. There will be a heavy focus on my coil-and-pinch handbuilding technique, and an emphasis on the functional object - how to create pottery that is as much a delight to use as it is to look at. By the end of the retreat, participants will have successfully crafted several one-of-a-kind vessels, having navigated the entire process from design to construction. Through hands-on practice, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical challenges and creative possibilities involved in building with coils. Participants will:

• Master Essential Ceramic Techniques: Learn and apply foundational skills such as coil-and-pinch methods, handle attachment, and decorative techniques

• Understand Material Properties: Deepen their understanding of clay behaviour, such as shrinkage, warping, and cracking

• Develop Independent Voice: Leave with the confidence to approach future projects from a place of self-knowledge, leaning on their own aesthetic interests and armed with newfound openness to exploration.

Firing

Due to the short duration of this retreat, work will not be fired. Some folks like to use these retreats as a skill-development only opportunity, and reclaim their work at the end. If you have special pieces that you’d like to keep, I can help you pack your greenware pieces safely to transport home and fire in a kiln near you, or, can bisque fire and ship them to you after the workshop, for a fee.

Wellness

Not just a workshop, this retreat offers a unique blend of creativity, rest, and self reflection. In my teaching practice, I encourage slow mornings, group discussion, poetry at meal times, and opportunities to stretch our legs in nature. At the cottage, we have direct access to Georgian Bay for swimming breaks, paddling, and enjoying the beauty of the natural landscape. Just minutes away is the famous Bruce Trail with ample hiking opportunities, and evenings are likely to be filled with laughter, campfires, and a glass of wine on the porch.

Participants

A small group of just four participants offers the opportunity to deeply connect, with lots of room for one-on-one instruction in our making time.
Whether you're a beginner who is eager to dive into the world of clay, or a seasoned artist looking for deeper mastery and connection to your craft and self, this retreat is designed to provide a holistic experience that nurtures both your creativity and your soul.

Cost

All Inclusive weekend - all meals and drinks, tools and materials, 6 hours instruction per day, morning yoga practice, watersports equipment, all at a serene waterfront cottage
Retreat begins Friday July 24th at 5pm with dinner, and ends Monday July 27th after breakfast at 11am. (3 nights)

• Without accommodations: $1000 +hst

• Private room, queen bed: + $500 + hst

• Shared bed (with your friend or partner): +$250 pp + hst

One Work-Study Scholarship is available. Please apply by email esceramics@gmail.com