Workshop Overview
- LanguagePortuguese, English
- Duration5
- DifficultyAll Levels
- Next Date19/11/2026
Workshop teacher
Teacher name: RENATO COSTA E SILVA & KERSTIN THOMAS
Teacher bio:
Renato Costa e Silva is a ceramic artist and educator with a strong interest in traditional firing methods and sustainable approaches to ceramic practice. His work explores the relationship between clay, fire, and craftsmanship, encouraging students to understand not only how ceramics are made, but also the processes that transform them through firing.
Kerstin Thomas is a ceramic artist and maker whose practice combines technical expertise with hands-on experimentation. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, she guides participants through every stage of the ceramic process—from preparing clay and decorating surfaces to building and operating alternative kilns in a safe and accessible way.
Together, Renato and Kerstin bring a collaborative, hands-on approach to teaching, creating an inspiring environment where participants learn by making. Their workshop combines technical knowledge with creative exploration, giving students the confidence to build simple kilns, experiment with different firing techniques, and deepen their understanding of ceramics beyond the studio.
Schedule Program
What's Included
Included
- Participation in a small workshop group
- 5–6 hours of instruction per day, taught in English and Portuguese
- Lunch on each workshop day
- Four nights' accommodation in the hostel dormitory during the workshop
- All materials required for the course.
Not Included
- Upgrade to a different type of accommodation. Check Add Ons to choose an upgrade.
Location Details
Cerdeira - Home for Creativity, Lousã, Portugal
Follow the instructions on the GPS. Watch out as it is a very steep road all the way up the mountain.
Bookings close 720 hours before the workshop starts.
Your Teacher
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CERDEIRA - HOME FOR CREATIVITY A village as our home and the world as our inspiration. In the heart of Serra da Lousã, lies a historic village that was abandoned and at risk of disappearing. Today, Cerdeira has new stories to tell. Here, the unique relationship between nature, art and the comfort of our schist houses, offers the freedom to live, slow down and create in a truly authentic way.
FAQ's
No. This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as ceramic makers looking to expand their knowledge of alternative firing methods. The instructors will guide you through every stage of the process.
The fee includes: Three full days of tuition (5–6 hours per day) in English and Portuguese Lunch on each workshop day Four nights' accommodation in the hostel dormitory All materials and firing supplies needed for the workshop Bed linen and towels in the hostel accommodation
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for working with clay and outdoors, as part of the workshop involves building and firing kilns. Closed-toe shoes are essential, and we also recommend bringing weather-appropriate clothing and a notebook if you'd like to record techniques and firing notes.
You'll leave with the ceramic pieces you create and fire during the workshop, along with a practical understanding of how to build and safely operate simple wood- and gas-fired kilns. You'll also gain valuable knowledge about clay bodies, firing techniques, surface decoration, and the confidence to continue experimenting with low-cost ceramic firing methods on your own.
Yes. You can upgrade your stay to a private schist house: Shared Standard Schist House (4 nights): Additional €380 per participant. Includes a shared bedroom for two participants, breakfast, a fully equipped kitchen, towels, bed linen, and Wi-Fi. Private Standard Schist House (4 nights): Additional €545 per participant. Includes a private bedroom, breakfast, a fully equipped kitchen, towels, bed linen, and Wi-Fi.
Please Note For safety reasons during the firing process, participants are required to wear closed-toe footwear, such as trainers, shoes, or boots. We also ask that you avoid clothing made from synthetic fibres and instead wear garments made from 100% natural cotton whenever possible. We also recommend leaving some extra space in your luggage so you can safely take home the ceramic pieces you create during the workshop.
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