Shape & Decorate Ceramics Retreat

Welcome  to a creative week of ceramics exploration at The Cool Projects studio  space and relaxation at the Grapevine House and around Aegina! Immerse  yourself in the serene beauty of this idyllic island, let go of stress  and open up to a journey of creative flow in the art of ceramics. This  is a retreat for people who prefer to work on their own or in small  friendly groups of up to 4 people, which makes it ideal for a close  group of friends to book it.

Retreat Highlights:

1. Grapevine House Accommodation

Nestled amidst olive and pistachio trees and a garden dotted with more trees, flowers and a few old grapevines, the Grapevine House is a  charming, little haven that provides a serene backdrop for your creative  week. The house sleeps 1-4 and has two bedrooms - one with a double  bed, the other with two singles, a  shared kitchen and bathroom,  communal indoors and outdoors space, thus offering a sense of community  among participants of the retreat.

2. Creative Flow Ceramics

Working with clay is a meditative activity: time disappears and we  are called to be in harmony with it. It is with this meditative approach  that I would like to guide you through this workshop, whether you are  new, or not, to clay. It is about listening. Listening to what is happening  right here and now as we hold it in our hands: from wedging all the way  through to shaping it into a final piece. We will spend our week exploring, shaping and decorating ceramics mainly, but not exclusively, using the pinch pot technique. We will learn the different stages of the process and experiment as much as possible as you create your own mugs, cups, bowls, plates, vases or sculptures. Pieces will be fired in reduction to get a silky, balck look reminiscent of ancient greek pieces, also known as bucchero in later Roman times.

3. Culinary Delights

Indulge in the rich flavours of traditional, authentic Greek cuisine:  daily, takeaway lunch from a local tavern, ensuring you stay energized  and nourished throughout your artistic journey, and complimentary  breakfast at the Grapevine House. We will have filled your fridge and  kitchen with  local produce so that you can make your breakfast and  dinner as you  please. We want ot make sure  you stay nourished and  energized  throughout the week! You can of course choose to explore  local restaurants and tavernas and decide to have dinner in town,  followed by a  stroll along the port and a drink at our favourite bar.

4. Day Trip Excursions

We will venture beyond the studio space to explore areas where local  ceramists used to pick clay from. In this way we will discover more of  the island's cultural and historical treasures. Time allowing, we might  also go on a day trip to the  Temple of Aphaia, an ancient marvel steeped in mythology, and Palaiochora, a hidden gem of historical significance. These excursions are likely to offer rich and inspiring material for your won exploration in the studio.

5. Sustainable Surprise Gift

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to creativity and  sustainability, you will receive a surprise gift. Unwrap a package  filled with freshness and locally produced delights, a tangible reminder of your creative journey in Aegina.

Connect with your creativity, share your experience with dear  friends, leave with memories and skills to be explored and enjoyed  further, in your own pace and space. Join us for a week of creative exploration, where you will find  yourself in a creative environment with lots of room to relax,  concentrate and  explore.

The Grapevine House is only a 5 min walk through pistachio fields to The Cool Projects studio. Book your spot today and embark on a journey  to rediscover your creative flow in the inspiring setting of the island  of Aegina.