Ceramics Intro course
A one-week introduction to the world of ceramics: hands-on wheel throwing and handbuilding in Salemi, combined with the vibrant culture of Sicily.
Is this course right for you?
This course is ideal if:
- You love ceramics but have never tried it before.
- You want to get a taste of ceramics to understand if you should sign up for that great course in your local pottery studio!
- You want an immersive creative experience combined with cultural exploration in Sicily.
If you already have consistent ceramics experience but still consider yourself a beginner, then our beginner wheel throwing course might be a better match for you.
If your goal is to gain strong wheel-throwing skills, two days in this course won’t be enough; it’s just a taste! For a full week dedicated to wheel throwing, we recommend our Beginner Wheel Throwing course.
Dates & availability
2–8 Aug 2026
with Lisa Kosak · Studio 2 · €1,350
25–31 Oct 2026
with Adele Williams · Studio 3 · €1,350
7–13 Mar 2027
with Anna Basile · Studio 3 · €1,450
11–17 Apr 2027
with Michelle Calvo · Studio 2 · €1,450
23–29 May 2027
with Lisa Kosak · Studio 2 · €1,450
6–12 Jun 2027
with Eva Corominas Solano · Studio 3 · €1,450
20–26 Jun 2027
with Eva Corominas Solano · Studio 3 · €1,450
25–31 Jul 2027
with Lucia Ocejo · Studio 3 · €1,450
7–13 Nov 2027
with Míriam Seguí Carbonell · Studio 1 · €1,450
About this course
This course is a one-week introduction to the world of ceramics, designed to give you hands-on experience with both wheel throwing and handbuilding while also enjoying the vibrant culture of Sicily.
During the course, you will get a taste of the fundamentals of ceramics, including the essentials of wheel throwing, and explore handbuilding techniques such as pinch pots and coiling. You’ll gain practical experience with forming, refining, and decorating your pieces under guided instruction, and will have open studio time to practice independently.
By the end of the week, you’ll leave with a solid understanding of the basics of ceramic techniques and a clear sense of how you want to expand your skills in the future.
You will also have the opportunity to choose which pieces you would like fired, glazed, and shipped. As pieces need time to dry, this will be done for you once the course has concluded.
Discover the territory/ Discover Sicily
During this week, you won’t just take a ceramics course. We’ve planned a program of activities so that you can connect with Sicilian culture, explore beautiful Salemi, and enjoy its rich history and surroundings.
You will:
- Eat breakfast and meals in authentic local settings, from bars to home restaurants.
- Take seasonal cultural excursions.
- Explore Salemi’s historical center with guided tours.
Our Teachers
7th June - 13th June - Eva Corominas Solano
21st June - 27th June - Eva Corominas Solano
19th July - 25th July - Anna Basile
2nd August - 8th August - Lisa Kosak
25th October - 31st October - Adele Williams
(📷 by Sabela Andrés @sabelaandres)
Arrival and Departure
We ask that you plan your arrival for Sunday. We have an included pick-up from either Palermo Centre (in front of Hotel Politeama) at 11:30 or Palermo Airport at 12:30. On Sunday afternoon (circa 16:30, subject to change), you will be welcomed to Salemi by one of our team members, who will take you on an orientation walk of the historical centre. This will be followed by a welcome apericena (light dinner) with a Salemi Spritz at one of our favourite local restaurants.
We will bid you farewell at the end of your time in Salemi with an included transfer to either Palermo Airport or Palermo Centre (Piazza Politeama), departing Salemi at 07:00 on Saturday morning.
**For pick-ups and drop-offs outside of these times and locations, please contact us for a transfer quote.
Schedule of the week＋
This is an intensive learning week! Teaching is primarily group-based with moments of individual feedback built in. Please note this is not one-on-one tuition.
You will be in the studio from Monday at 09:00 through to approximately 17:00 on Friday afternoon. Studio time is a combination of teaching and non-teaching time. You can expect a typical day to look like this:
08:00 - Yoga in the courtyard (optional)
09:00 - 13:00 - Studio (teaching with a coffee/tea break at 10:30 in the courtyard)
13:00 - Shared lunch in the courtyard
14:00 - 16:30 - Free Studio Time - Afternoon studio hours are primarily self-directed practice, with your teacher available in the studio for guidance
19:00 - Dinners are a combination of eating at local restaurants, home restaurants, and in-house at the studio
Please note
Our program is carefully designed to balance teaching, practice, meals, and cultural experiences, and we do our best to follow the planned schedule. However, all times and activities are indicative and may shift with the season, the weather, or the needs of the group. Studio sessions, meals, and excursions may be adjusted, rescheduled, or substituted at our discretion. Flexibility is part of the Salemi Ceramics experience, and we believe these small changes often add to the richness of your time with us.
What you'll take home＋
Although the course emphasizes learning and practice, you will be able to keep some of the pieces you make:
- The course includes firing and glazing of up to 3 kg of dry clay (plenty for a selection of small pieces).
- Additional firing and glazing of more than 3 kg of clay is available for 25€/kg
- All pieces will be finished with a standard transparent high-temperature glaze
- We do not ship unglazed bisque pieces due to the risk of breakage
- Shipping costs are charged separately (a fee schedule will be provided closer to the date)
What happens after you book
- 1
Book your date
Secure your spot on WeTravel with the deposit or the full amount.
- 2
Confirmation
Two confirmation emails arrive - one from WeTravel, one from us - plus a short form for your personal and travel details.
- 3
60 days before
If you paid a deposit, the balance is due now. Reminders come 7 days before, 3 days before and on the day.
- 4
30 days before
Your course info pack: arrival and departure details, course structure, useful tips, transfer and shipping costs.
- 5
10 days before
You'll be invited to the course WhatsApp group and receive the shipping address form. Then - see you in Salemi!
Common questions
Can I pay a deposit instead of the full amount?＋
Yes - paying the deposit confirms your place. The balance is due 60 days before the course starts, and you'll get automated reminders so nothing sneaks up on you.
What happens right after I book?＋
Two confirmation emails (WeTravel + Salemi Ceramics) and a short form for your personal and travel details. Everything else - info pack, WhatsApp group - follows automatically in the weeks before your course.
What if I need to cancel or change dates?＋
Contact us as early as possible and we'll look at options together. The full cancellation and transfer terms are in the Terms and Conditions.
Do I need to prove my skill level?＋
Beginner courses need no experience at all. Intermediate and advanced courses ask for a short self-assessment before booking, so we can make sure the course fits where you are.
More in the booking guide and FAQs.
Courses you might like
Beginner Wheel Throwing course
with Anna Basile
14–20 Feb 2027 · 7-day
Intermediate Wheel Throwing course
with Anna Basile
21–27 Feb 2027 · 7-day
Beginner Wheel Throwing Two-week course
with Chiara Zoppei
7–20 Mar 2027 · 14-day
Wheel Throwing and Decoration with Michelle from MINX Factory
with Michelle Calvo
28 Mar – 10 Apr 2027 · 14-day
from €1,350
Next date: 7 March 2027