Language
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Duration
3 hours
Difficulty
Beginner
Next Date
16/03/2026

Some of the best things you make are the ones where nobody told you exactly what to make. My freestyle ceramics workshop in Porto is a hands-on session built around creative freedom, giving you the space to explore clay in your own way with simple techniques, genuine guidance and no pressure to produce anything other than what feels right to you. Whether you end up making a small sculpture, a bowl or something completely abstract, the piece you leave with will be entirely yours.

We start with a short introduction to working with clay, covering the basic techniques for shaping, texturing and sculpting before the session opens into free creative exploration. Marisa and Felipe are present throughout, offering guidance, inspiration and practical support as your piece develops, but the direction is always yours. The atmosphere at doBARRO studio is deliberately slow and unhurried, the kind of creative environment that is genuinely hard to find in the middle of a city.

What you’ll learn

🏺 The basics of hand building and shaping with clay

🏺 How to add texture and surface detail to your piece

🏺 How to sculpt freely and intuitively without a fixed outcome in mind

🏺 How to work with clay as a mindful and expressive material

🏺 How to finish and refine a ceramic piece before firing

What’s included

🎨 All clay, tools and materials

🎨 Creative guidance from Marisa Grilo and Felipe Rocio throughout the session

🎨 A relaxed and welcoming studio environment at doBARRO

🎨 Your own handmade ceramic piece to take home

What you leave with

A handmade ceramic piece that reflects your own creative instincts, fired and ready to take home as a permanent reminder of an afternoon well spent in Porto.

I am Marisa Grilo, a multidisciplinary artist working across ceramics, printmaking and expressive illustration, and I run this workshop together with Felipe Rocio at doBARRO, an independent ceramic studio in the heart of Porto. We designed this session for people who want a genuinely creative experience in the city, something slower and more personal than a tour, and more memorable than an afternoon in a cafe.

Never worked with clay before? That is the ideal starting point. There are no rules here, just the material, your hands and wherever the session takes you.

Related Tags: Arts & Crafts, Art, Artisanal, Ceramics, Pet Friendly

Location

Rua da Alegria 246, Porto, Portugal

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FAQ

Do I need previous experience with ceramics?

No experience is needed. This workshop is designed for beginners and curious makers who want to explore clay in a relaxed and creative way. Our guidance adapts to each participant, supporting complete beginners while also helping those with some experience develop their ideas and techniques.

How long is the workshop?

The Freestyle Ceramics session lasts approximately 3 hours.

What will I make during the workshop?

You can create small sculptures, bowls, or experimental pieces. The focus is on creative exploration and personal expression with clay, encouraging you to experiment with shapes, textures, and forms in a playful and intuitive way.

Where is the studio located?

The workshop takes place at doBARRO studio, an independent ceramics studio in Porto.

What should I wear?

We recommend comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a little clay on.

Is this a good activity for a rainy day in Porto?

Yes! This workshop takes place in our cozy indoor studio, making it a perfect creative activity to enjoy on a rainy day while visiting Porto.

Is this a good activity to experience something local in Porto?

Absolutely. The workshop takes place in doBARRO, an independent ceramic studio where you can experience a creative side of Porto, meet a local artist, and enjoy a slower, hands-on activity beyond the usual sightseeing.

Is this workshop suitable for families?

Yes, it’s a great activity for families. Working with clay is playful and engaging for all ages, and it’s a lovely way to spend creative time together while making something by hand.

Can I take my piece home the same day?

Ceramic pieces need time to dry and be fired in the kiln. We can ship your finished piece to your home for an additional cost, or you can pick it up later if you are still in Porto.