I invite you to join me for a 10 day ceramic intensive workshop in Southwest France amidst the vineyards of Bordeaux, where we’ll create Mexican Folk Art Candelabras with all their storytelling details that make these pieces so memorable. This project was chosen not only because of the intricate beauty of these folk art pieces but also because this project demands construction within a consecutive multi-day time frame.
[something about the workshop being set at an 18th century vineyard and chateau, things to do when relaxing or exploring the surrounding area. Elevating our creation experience, our host Christophe will take us on a tour of this working vineyard from vines to production, and lead a nightly exploration of wines local and exotic. Brief mention about his background and qualifications]
Terracotta & terrior
8 DAY HANDBUILDING WORKSHOP
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OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 15, 2025
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Setting
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[About Bordeaux, about Blaye, its history, its place in the world of wine, what makes it special. What students can look forward to experiencing and enjoying here.]
{about Chateau Gigault, working vineyard, it’s history, what makes it special, interesting facts, things to do. Relax by the pool, explore the vines, bike to the nearby towns, farm animals, etc etc]
[talk about what makes this workshop special and unique. History and interesting/notable things about Mexican candelabras. What will the student learn, how you will work with them to develop a vision and concept for their piece, what they will end up with when the workshop finishes and how they’ll cherish it and the memories they made while creating it.]
Studio days will begin with breakfast at 8AM, followed by morning instruction from 9:30AM to 12:30PM. We will break for lunch until 2:30PM, during which time we encourage you to explore the nearby villages where restaurants abound. After lunch, you’ll be free to continue working independently in the studio, relax by the pool, or explore the surrounding countryside until dinner at 7:30PM.
Having devoted a lifetime to working with clay and teaching at all skill levels, be assured that you will have the support you need as I shepherd you through all phases of creation from wet clay construction to glazing and firing. Each individual experience and outcome will vary as students navigate this meditative process, as important as the final outcome while in community with like minded creatives.
workshop
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Experiences
Nightly wine pairing
[something about each evening our host Christophe will open his cellar to us and choose a selection of wines both local and exotic to complement our meal. Talk about what will make this special — the wines themselves, learning from christophe’s expertise, and why he is qualified to guide us through the world of wine. Christophe’s passion for the making, enjoying, and—most importantly—sharing of good wine is contagious]
chateau gigault wine production tour
[Details about the Gigault’s history and the wines produced there, how long Christophe has been owner/operator, how much is produced annually, scores and accolades earned, etc. Talk about how Christophe will guide us from learning about the vines and varietals through the production and bottling facilities. We’ll learn about picking, mashing, fermentation, aging, bottling, etc.]
Saint Emillion vineyard excursion
[talk about the excursion we’ll be taking mid-workshop while the kiln is firing. What makes saint emillion special, how steeped in history it is, how the wines are considered by many to be the best Bordeaux has to offer. Talk about what we will do on the excursion, what’s included, why the experience is special and will be memorable.]
Accomodations
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Participants will occupy private rooms [anything more to add about the rooms? overlooking the vines? historic?] with shared bathrooms and access to all areas of the chateau for meals in the kitchen and dining room or for relaxing in the living rooms, the garden or poolside, weather permitting.
For those who prefer, 2 spacious bedrooms will be available with private baths for an additional fee
[about the meals. Breakfast will typically include fresh pastries, fruit, coffee, tea, etc. Dinner is made from scratch, imbued with local flavors, classic French fare idiomatic of the region, etc]
Accommodations can be made for those who wish to arrive early or leave later if necessary.
Sunday
October 5
Arrivals and welcome dinner
Sunday
October 5
Studio day
Sunday
October 5
Saint Emillion excursion
details & pricing
Sunday
October 5
Studio day
Sunday
October 5
Studio day
Sunday
October 5
Studio day
Sunday
October 5
Studio day
Sunday
October 5
Studio day
Sunday
October 5
Studio day
Sunday
October 5
Pack up and departures
The workshop is limited to eight participants, with a minimum of four required for it to take place.
Students will arrive in the afternoon on Sunday, October 5th for a welcome dinner, and the workshop will begin on Monday, October 6th.
Arrangements for transportation to and from the Bordeaux airport are available upon request with an addition cost.
Unless otherwise noted, workshop prices include:
Instruction, studio time, firing, materials and supplies
Private bedroom with either a shared or private bathroom
Breakfast, dinner, and nightly wine paring experience
Chateau Gigault vineyard tour experience
Saint Emillion vineyard excursion
Packing materials will be provided at the end of the workshop. Shipping to transport your finished pieces home is available with an added fee for postage.
As each guest room can accommodate two, spouses not participating in the workshop are welcome to join and explore all that Blaye and Bordeaux has to offer while students create. The board free covering meals and wine for included partners is $450 USD.
Private room, shared bath
Comfortable private bedroom with either one double or two twin beds. Includes workshop, breakfast, dinner with wine pairings, and Saint Emillion excursion.
$3,400 USD
sign up
Private room, private bath
Comfortable private bedroom a queen bed and private bathroom. Includes workshop, breakfast, dinner with wine pairings, and Saint Emillion excursion.
$3,700 USD
sign up
$1,700 USD deposit due by September 1st
workshop only
Available once accommodations at Gigault are sold out. Includes workshop for one student and Saint Emillion excursion, but not room and board.