Explore elegant bottle forms, crystalline glazes, and intricate hand carving techniques as you craft one-of-a-kind pieces on the potter's wheel. Work with ceramic artists Erika and Drew in their studio nestled in Connecticut’s Farmington Valley.
Meet the Artist
Erika’s pieces are high art in the form of functional home decor. There is an eye-popping vibrance to her carved geometric patterns that is at once ornate and down-to-earth; she describes her influences as a mix of art deco, mid-century modern, art nouveau, and a touch of seventies retro kitsch. Drew’s work involves sumptuous bottle forms wearing dreamy crystalline glazes. Every piece that leaves their studio features glazes that are formulated and mixed by hand in small batches. Erika and Drew’s teaching focuses strongly on the mastery of doing things with intention, accuracy, and exquisite attention to detail. They are firm believers that a life lived for art is a life worth living. When they aren’t in the studio, you’ll find them traveling around in their van, climbing, hiking, or fishing.
Your VAWAA experience
- Exploring the fundamentals of throwing and working with clay for beginners.
- Learning to throw more complex forms and vessels for those with more experience.
- Trying a variety of wheel-throwing techniques to make both functional and decorative pieces.
- An introduction to glazes.
- A lesson in decorating, altering, and finishing techniques.
- Guidance on the basics of kiln firing.
- Partaking in loading and unloading a kiln if time permits.
- Carefully packaging finished work to be taken home or shipped later.
- A hiking or fishing trip with Erika and Drew to their favorite local spots.
What's Included
- Your VAWAA experience.
- Materials and tools.
- Your own handcrafted work to take home.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Guest Reviews (1)
Katlynn A., United States
I had a great time at the workshop with Erika and Drew. I'd admired their work on Instagram for awhile and jumped at the chance to learn from them, especially since their style is so different from each other's and my own. I was happy I got to learn from both of them evenly, and I appreciated the fun breaks we took to get coffee (Dom's Coffee is amazing!!), hike and have lunches together. Their st Read more
You'll be in Avon, Connecticut
Additional Details
This VAWAA can be adapted for children over the age of 10.
Things you might be wondering
What is the skill-level required?
Each VAWAA is tailored to your skill level. There is no required experience level, only a willingness to learn. Wonderful for beginners, incredible for experts. You’ll go through the entire process of an art form at your own pace, have exclusive access to the artist and their studio, and connect meaningfully.
Will I be solo or in a group?
Each VAWAA is private and designed for you and your friends. No strangers. Why? Because it allows for a deeper and more meaningful connection with the master artist while maximizing your learning that’s tailored to you. Most VAWAAs allow up to 4 guests for each studio session so as to respect the master’s space and preserve the intimate nature of the learning experience. We do organize intimate group retreats from time to time.
What does the price include?
VAWAAs are priced fairly to support professional artists and makers while providing access to high quality and personalized creative experiences to everyone. Artists decide their own fees for hosting, teaching, materials, tools and studio access. And we support them by managing all their bookings and providing every guest a personal VAWAA experience coordinator to help with planning.
What if I need to cancel?
For a full refund, cancel within 7 days of purchase. To receive a 50% refund or 75% credit towards a future VAWAA, cancel at least 30 days before the start of your VAWAA. You can reschedule at least 30 days before the start of your VAWAA for a $100 rescheduling fee. More on COVID-19 related cancellation policy here.
I'm ready. What should I expect?
Select available dates listed on the artist’s calendar page and start reservation. You won’t be charged yet and have the option to reserve dates with a $300 deposit per guest. If you don’t see the dates you’re looking for, email us or let us know via contact form and we’ll see what’s possible. If you're not ready to book quite yet, you can “save” the VAWAA artist to receive periodic updates. Once you book, you get a direct line to us for everything you need help with. We assist with travel planning, accommodation, possible project ideas, and even local things to do in your off-time.