We are happy to again to welcome participants for this four-day clay retreat. We will begin working with wet clay and work through the week towards a day of glazing and Raku firing. This year we’re celebrating this dynamic duo leading this retreat together for over 16 years!

We’ll learn to form clay bowls by hand, landing in the moment as we feel the clay respond to our every touch. Alongside this will be a joyous journey of exploring mark-making as we collect a palette of colors and pigments from Mount Tremper’s mountain body and pigments culled from the nearby Esopus River. 

With our creations dried, we will glaze the work and fire it in a wondrous  600-year-old traditional Japanese firing known as raku (translated as “relaxed ware”). We will also explore some other firing methods with stoneware glazes as well as a sawdust firing. 

The retreat will take place mostly outdoors rain or shine, with a covered area where we can work.

Register early as there is limited enrollment and this retreat tends to fill quickly. Be sure to arrive for registration and a light supper by 5pm on August 9th.

As with all in-person retreats at the Monastery, participants are required to follow the current protocol for keeping everyone safe (this link is updated frequently so check back). Review the current protocol requirements before registering, and if you have further questions, please contact the registrar.

Financial concerns should not prevent you from attending a program at the Monastery. If you can’t afford the program fee, you can see these options.