Session 1

Beginning Pottery: zero to 1 kilo

June 1 - 14, 2025

No experience with clay is necessary.

Whether you have never touched clay or are struggling to master the pottery wheel, this intensive course is perfect for you. With an intimate class size of just six people, you will receive personalized attention from the instructor as well as from the technicians assisting with the course.

Atelier Retiro and our community welcome you!

We are excited to share this residency with you, enjoy lunches, stories, and create lasting friendships, in addition to ceramic pieces!

Have you always wanted to take a pottery class?

In this intensive course, master potter and artist Joy Hanford will teach you how to transform between 500g to 1kg of clay into various pieces on the potter's wheel.

With over 20 years of experience, Joy will help you gain confidence and master this seemingly challenging tool.

You will leave with the foundational skills to create utilitarian ceramics pieces for your home.

Oh, and there are also visits to museums. a Raku firing and the pottery markets of Barcelos – who can resist?

In this two-week residency, you will have the opportunity to turn a ball of clay into functional items with meaning and purpose in your daily life. The residency includes an introduction to ceramics, visits to museums, and lectures on the history of Portuguese ceramics, as well as experiences with Raku firing. The course culminates in a collective exhibition at Nº6 - Ceramics Gallery, where our community will be invited to share the joy of your achievements.

  • The classes will be taught in English and Portuguese.

  • It is important that all participants have a spirit of adventure, a willingness to learn, and short, well-groomed nails.

    The nails should be short to work at the pottery wheel, allowing the tips of the fingers to be used without scratching or puncturing the clay.

  • Participants should wear clothing and footwear that they do not mind getting dirty.

    Additionally, it is important to note that Atelier Retiro does not have air conditioning. It is an old granite building, typically cool, but clothing should be suitable for the season: light in summer and warm in winter.

    Atelier Retiro has a washing machine available for residents to wash their muddy clothes.

€2800 per resident - VAT included

All June-July residences include materials (unless otherwise indicated), lunch, and two snacks.

All dietary requirements of the residents must be communicated prior to their arrival. All menus will be prepared to be accessible for all residents. It is possible to choose not to partake in the provided meals. Any food and beverages purchased outside of Atelier Retiro are the responsibility of the resident.

€2300 per resident (Without food) - VAT included

All residences, experiences, or donations sold at Atelier Retiro are subject to a tax of +23% in Portugal. We recommend that you consult your local accountant if you wish to obtain information about applicable tax benefits or exemptions in your region. You will receive a formal invoice, receipt, and any necessary documentation upon request.

Classes and residences do not count towards school accreditation.

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Joy Hanford

Joy Hanford

Joy Hanford is an artist, writer, and master potter from the Midwest of the United States, residing in northern Portugal for the past 15 years. Her creative journey encompasses ceramics, storytelling, and visual arts. In Portugal, she is known for her work at her studio, Atelier Retiro, and for her narratives inspired by local folklore and her personal experiences.

Additionally, Hanford has participated in community and educational projects where she shares her love for art and creativity. Her works, both in ceramics and writing, are deeply personal and reflective, blending creativity with life stories.

What do you

want to do?