Frequently asked questions
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The ceramics workshop retreats in Salemi, Sicily are designed for all ceramics abilities, from beginners, to intermediates, to those looking for expert-led experiences. Participants will have practical hands on learning and refining their skills, taught by an experienced and passionate resident ceramicist. Learn about ceramics, and when not in the Studio, you will enjoy local Sicilian experiences, while sharing meals with others. Our retreats offer a unique opportunity to learn and create in a beautiful setting.

It is important to know that your pieces will not be ready to take home with you at the end of the retreat, as pieces take approximately a week to completely dry, all firing and glazing will be done after the retreat has finished. Before you leave you will be able to decide which pieces you would like to keep and have shipped to you once you are home (shipping at your cost).

There are multiple options near our Studio in Salemi.

Salemi Ceramics is located in the old town of Salemi, Sicily. It is based in the (former) Chiostro Di Sant’Agostino in Salemi.

Here is a link to Google Maps that shows precisely where the Convent is. We strongly recommend staying in the old town of Salemi so you can have a short stroll to and from the Studio. Salemi is situated on a hilltop, and the walk goes through curvy, extremely steep streets to the top, where Piazza Liberta (meeting point during the retreats) is located. You can find more information in our Location Guide. If you feel unsure which one to choose, please contact us, and we would be happy to help you!

Anyone with an interest in ceramics, from beginners to experienced artists, is welcome to join. It's a great place to learn new skills or improve what you already know.

The retreat includes a pick-up from either Palermo City at 11am or Palermo Airport at 12pm on SUNDAY, and a 7am departure from Salemi to Palermo City or Airport on SATURDAY. Pick-ups and drop-offs outside these options can be arranged by us; please reach out for more information. Also included are all ceramic classes from Monday to Friday, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners. One night where there is no group dinner planned, think of it as a 'night off' to recharge those social batteries. Alcohol is not included. Local experiences in Salemi and its surroundings. You'll get to enjoy Sicilian culture, food, and the beauty of the area while learning about ceramics. Please note, that the price is not negotiable, we cannot offer only studio classes, but not the meals or cultural activities.

Accommodation is not included. Participants need to arrange their own stay in Salemi. We can provide suggestions for nearby places to stay, but recommend staying in the Old Town of Salemi for ease of walking to the Studio each day and walking back to your accommodation at night after dinner.

The programs will all be taught in English, but feel free to practice your Italian out and about with our local shopkeepers and local friends.

No, as soon as there's one booking the course is confirmed.

The retreat duration varies, so please check our schedule for specific dates. Typically, retreats run from Sunday to Saturday, with ceramics classes running from Monday to Friday, giving you plenty of time to learn and explore.

You should bring comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for working with ceramics, any personal art supplies you prefer, and items for your daily needs. Don't forget to pack for the weather in Sicily during your stay!

There are several small shops, bigger supermarkets and pharmacies in Salemi, so if you forget something to pack, the chances are high that you can source that locally.

On the final day of the course (Friday), you’ll select the ceramic pieces you’d like to have shipped to your address. Once you’ve chosen your pieces, our team will weigh them and provide the shipping fee based on the weight and your destination country. You’ll be asked to complete a shipping form, which includes your ceramics signature, address, cell phone number, email address, and the number of pieces you’re shipping. A detailed shipping rate chart is available at the studio, outlining costs per country and per kilogram. The shipping fee can be paid in cash at the studio. Once your pieces are on their way, you’ll receive an email from the courier with a tracking code so you can monitor the shipment.
‍Important: Some countries will charge additional customs fees. Additional customs fees may apply to countries outside of the EU.  We don’t know the exact costs for each of these countries, so we recommend checking with local authorities for detailed information.

Clay: We use white stoneware with impalpable grog (PRAI from Sio2 store).
‍Glazes: Unless otherwise stated in the course description, all student pieces are glazed with a standard transparent glossy glaze.
‍Firings: Biscuit firings are done at 980°C, and glaze firings at 1240°C.
‍Kilns:Currently, we have two Kittec kilns (80L and 125L). In 2025, we’re expanding with: Two Nabertherm kilns (90L and 140L)A larger front-loading 380L Nabertherm kilnA custom-built 260L fast-fire woodfiring kiln.
‍Wheels: Half of our wheels are MCB, and the other half are Shimpo WhisperTs.

Yes, meals and soft drinks from Sunday evening to Saturday morning are included. You'll get to taste local Sicilian cuisine as part of the retreat experience.
We outsource lunches to local restaurants and provide other meals through local catering services. These meals are made using fresh, regional ingredients. While we strive to accommodate dietary needs, we rely on external partners, and some restrictions may be harder to fulfil.

Yes, we do our best to accommodate a variety of food allergies and intolerances such as dairy, nuts, and vegetarian or vegan diets. We work closely with local restaurants and caterers to meet these needs. However, given that meals are outsourced, flexibility can sometimes be limited.

Please inform us well in advance of your specific dietary restrictions so we can communicate them to our food partners. For those with severe allergies, particularly where cross-contamination could pose a serious risk, we suggest bringing your own snacks or supplementary food to ensure your safety and comfort.
Before the retreat, we’ll send out a form where you can detail any allergies or intolerances. Please be as specific as possible, so we can liaise with local restaurants to provide suitable meal options where feasible.

Some local restaurants do offer gluten-free options, but they may not always be suitable for those with severe gluten intolerance or coeliac disease due to the risk of cross-contamination. We recommend discussing your needs with us before the retreat and possibly bringing extra gluten-free products.

Local experiences include meeting our local friends and business owners, exploring local surrounds culture, history, and natural beauty. You will eat typical Sicilian dishes at local restaurants and 'in house' in the convent courtyard.