dharamkot studio

Refine Your Skills And Explore New Techniques: Join These 4 Advanced Ceramic Workshops At Dharamkot Studio in 2025

by | Mar 3, 2025 | Art of Clay, Dharamkot Studio, Pottery Retreat

Advance / Intermediate Workshop at Dharamkot Studio, Dharamshala, India

We’re excited to announce 4 Advanced Pottery Workshops in 2025 with incredible artists, designed for those who have already completed our basic pottery course/retreat at Dharamkot Studio, a renowned ceramic studio in Himachal Pradesh.

These workshops will help you refine your ceramic techniques, explore new forms, and gain deeper insights into pottery under expert guidance. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge and skills in the world of ceramic arts, this is a great opportunity to join our artistic community.

Advance / Intermediate Ceramic Workshops 2025

1. New Ways With Clay

About this workshop:

This workshop is perfect for art enthusiasts seeking new directions in ceramics. Through guided hand-building exercises, participants will explore sculptural techniques, 2D tracing, collage, and creative thinking. Using terracotta clay, slips, and tools, the workshop encourages experimentation and helps deepen ceramic practice while unlocking fresh creative possibilities.

Dates: 4-9 Apr, 2025
Level: Intermediate/advanced
Facilitators/Artists: Reyaz Badaruddin and Elodie Alexandre
Number of participants: 8
Fees:
INR 78500+18% Taxes /person
INR 144000+18% Taxes/ 2 people
(Including-Private room, all materials, all meals, city tour and wellness sessions.)

Dramatic skies at Dharamkot, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India

About the Artists:

Reyaz Badaruddin graduated in Ceramics and Design from Banaras Hindu University and pursued further studies at Cardiff School of Art and Design on a Charles Wallace Fellowship. A National Award recipient and Junior Fellow, his works are held in renowned collections across India, Germany, Latvia, China, and beyond.

Élodie Alexandre, originally from France, lived in the UK for ten years, earning a BA and MA in Ceramics from Cardiff Metropolitan University. Her work has been shown in biennials across Britain, Belgium, and Indonesia. She co-founded Atelier Lālmitti and participated in the Indian Ceramics Triennale.

For more details, please visit this website: New Ways With Clay Details

2. Naked Raku Workshop

About the Workshop:

Naked Raku is a specialized firing technique that emphasizes the beauty of unglazed surfaces. Designed for those with clay experience, this hands-on workshop offers expert guidance in the process of removing the outer glaze post-firing, revealing unique textures. Participants will create and take home their finished ceramic pieces.

Dates: 2-7 May, 2025
Level: Intermediate/advanced
Facilitator/Artist: Rakhee Kane
Number of participants: 8
Fees:
INR 78500+18% Taxes /person
INR 144000+18% Taxes/ 2 people
(Including-Private room, all materials, all meals, city tour and wellness sessions.)

Sunset, Dharamshala, Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh, India

About the Artist:

Rakhee Kane is an acclaimed ceramic artist recognized for her innovative work in Raku and Naked Raku techniques. She trained at NID and Golden Bridge Pottery, learning under masters like Jyotsna Bhatt and Ray Meeker. Her work is exhibited internationally and held in esteemed collections across the globe.

For more details, please visit this website: Naked Raku Workshop Details

3. Screen Printing on Clay

About this workshop:

In this hands-on pottery workshop, participants will learn the fascinating process of silkscreen printing on clay—an exciting technique that blends printmaking with ceramics. By the end of the course, you will have a deeper understanding of how to transfer intricate designs onto clay surfaces, opening up new creative possibilities for your ceramic work.

Dates: 20-25 Sep, 2025
Level: Intermediate/advanced
Facilitators/Artists: Helene Søs Schjødt
Number of participants: 8
Fees:
INR 78500+18% Taxes /person
INR 144000+18% Taxes/ 2 people
(Including-Private room, all materials, all meals, city tour and wellness sessions.)

Painting on Pottery in Painting Retreat at Dharamkot Studio, Dharamshala, India

About the Artist:

Helene Søs Schjødt is a Danish ceramicist specializing in porcelain and silkscreen printing, known for her nature-inspired botanical and graphic designs. Trained at the Royal Danish Academy in Bornholm, she now works in Copenhagen. Her workshops offer hands-on guidance, helping participants explore surface decoration and develop their creative voice.

For more details, please visit this website: Screen Printing on Clay Workshop Details

4. Conscious Clay: Intuitive Ways to Creativity

About this workshop:

This workshop is a hands-on crash course in clay and creativity! Through demonstrations and exercises, you’ll explore clay’s possibilities—cutting, pinching, pulling, stretching, and decorating with stamps, slips, and carving. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, it’s an opportunity to experiment, build confidence, and unleash your creative expression.

Dates: 7 – 12 Nov, 2025
Level: All levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Facilitators/Artists: Vineet Kacker
Number of participants: 8
Fees:
INR 78500 +18% Taxes /person
INR 144000 +18% Taxes/ 2 people
(Including– Private room, all materials, all meals, city tour and wellness sessions.)

Prayer Flags, Dharamkot, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India

About the Artist:

Vineet Kacker, trained as an architect, transitioned to ceramics, studying in India and the UK. A Charles Wallace Fellow and Fulbright recipient, he co-founded the Contemporary Clay Foundation and curated the Indian Ceramics Triennale. His work is in global collections, and he maintains studios in Gurgaon and Andretta, Himachal Pradesh.

For more details, please visit this website: Conscious Clay: Intuitive Ways to Creativity

Sound bath in Painting Retreat at Dharamkot Studio, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India

Join us at Dharamkot Studio and immerse yourself in the world of ceramic arts. Whether you’re interested in wheel-throwing techniques, hand-building methods, or creative pottery workshops, there’s something here for every art enthusiast.

ACTIVITY
Day 1 (Friday) - Today, you will arrive in the serene village of Dharamkot. We recommend you check-in to our Studio latest by 12PM, though checkin time is till 2PM.
After settling-in to your rooms, you will be served lunch at the cafeteria.

At 4 PM, you will start with your first workshop “An Introduction to Pottery”. This workshop will take about 2.5 to 3 hrs.
At night, you will indulge in dinner (possibly around a bonfire depending on weather) and then relax.
Day 2 (Saturday) - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: You will begin the day with guided meditation in Dharamkot.
On returning, you will be served a sumptuous breakfast in our cafe.

At around 11:30 AM, you will head to the Studio for your second workshop. Today we will split the group in two batches for personalised attention to all participants. One group will attend the “Hand-building- pinching” workshop and the other will learn the “Intro to Pottery Wheel” workshop. The first workshop will continue till 2:00 PM.
Then you will break for lunch. We recommend that after lunch, you take it some time for yourself and relax.
Post-lunch rest, you will take the second workshop from the above two starting from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, depending on what you did in the morning.
Wrap up your dinner at our cafe.
Day 3 (Sunday) - Today is a mix of learning and exploration!

After breakfast, you will attend the fourth workshop (11:00 AM TO 1:30 PM) on “Texturing/Surface Decoration”.
Then after lunch, you will start your local sightseeing tour. Our expert local guides will take you to the Dalai Lama Temple, St. John’s in the Wilderness Church and the Mcleodganj Market. Take time to experience the spiritual energy of Dharamshala.
You can either return to the Studio with our guide in a cab which departs by 6 PM or stay longer and take a taxi back.
Dinner will be served in the evening but you can also explore one of the many restaurants/ bars in Mcleodganj.
Day 4 (Monday) - 9:00 AM TO 10:00 AM: You will begin the day with sound-bath or yoga at one of the many renowned centres in Dharamkot.

Then, head back to the Studio for breakfast and another day of pottery learning. You will now learn the advanced techniques in pottery making in your fifth and sixth art sessions.
We will again split the group in two batches for personalised attention to all participants. One group will attend the “Advanced Hand-building- Slab/coiling method” workshop and the other will learn the “Wheel Throwing/ Shaping Technique” workshop. The first workshop will be scheduled from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Then you will break for lunch.
Post-lunch, you will take the second workshop from the above two, depending on what you did in the morning. This will start from 4:00 PM and continue till 6:30 PM.
Wrap up your dinner at our cafe. By now you must have made friends with instructors and other participants, so we are sure you have some amazing conversations.
Day 5 (Tuesday) - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Today, you will start your day with a warm cup of tea & Nature Walk to Naddi. The trail meanders through the forests, offering stunning views of the valley below and the distant mountain ranges.

Then, head back to the Studio for breakfast. You will now attend the last and seventh art session on “ surface decoration with Coloured Under-Glazes”. The session will be from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
After lunch, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can pick your favourite thing to do today…finish off your artwork with some guidance from our instructors, head out and take a hike, go shopping, spend a lazy day in a cafe, walk around the flag point for sunset…the choices are endless. We will see you back at the Studio at 7 PM for our farewell dinner.
Day 6 (Wednesday) - Today is the day we bid adieu! After breakfast, it’s time to pack up and gaze at the Dhauladhar range for one last time till we see you again. The check-out is at 11 AM.

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INCLUDEDNOT INCLUDED
5 nights accommodation,

Room cleaning and linen change on Sunday and can also be done upon your request.

Toiletries available on request.

Packaged mineral drinking water for all days.		Airfare

Taxi from / to the airport to/ from studio.
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). We serve healthy, vegetarian and delicious Indian meals from organic vegetables sourced locally. Vegan or gluten-free food is also available on request.Alcohol or anything else that you purchase or avail the services of during your stay.
Pottery SessionsCourier charges for shipping Art pieces you create
Half- Day tour to Mcleodganj covering Dalai Lama Temple, St. John’s in the Wilderness Church and the Mcleodganj Market

Vehicle where required.		Bank fee/ Money exchange fee/ Other payment charges

Any other trips/plans that you make during the stay.
Nature walk, Yoga, Meditation/ sound healing SessionLaundry
Art SuppliesAnything not mentioned in the inclusions.

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ACTIVITY
Day 1:
Arrive for check-in before 2 pm, allowing yourself to acclimate to the retreat atmosphere.
Explore your surroundings, connect with fellow participants, and commence your artistic journey with the first session from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm-Charcoal sketching.
Evening relaxation and dinner.
Day 2:
(9:00 am to 10:00 am) Meditation at Tushita meditation centre
11:30 am: Thangka Painting will start at Studio-1
Workshop will continue till 2:00 pm.
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm - Lunch & Rest
4:00 pm: Go on a small walk with a facilitator for Nature Journaling.
6:00 pm: Reach back to the comfort of your hotel to spend the evening as you desire.
Day 3:
Start your day with Hike to Prayer Flag Point(11:00 am to 1:30 pm)
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm - Lunch & Rest
4:00 to 6:00 pm: Acrylic pouring workshop at Dharamkot Studio- 2.
Day 4:
9:00am to 1:00pm Kangra Painting Workshop at Studio-1
Breakfast will be arranged at the studio.
1:00 to 3:00 pm: lunch and relax
3:00- 6:30 pm guided walk and exploration of Mcleodganj.
Take a beautiful walk around Dalai Lama Temple, Church, Naddi village and explore cafes and shop if you wish.
After that, you can return to stay or get cozy in one of the many cafes of Mcleodganj.
The distance between Mcleodganj and your stay is just 2-3 km from the hotel.
Day 5:
8:30 to 9:30 am: Sound bath session at Buddha Blessing.
11:00 am-1:30 pm- Paint on Pottery workshop at Dharamkot Studio- 1
After this session, your retreat program will be concluded. You’re free to explore and spend your day as you desire.
Day 6:
As the retreat concludes, savor a moment to absorb the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar ranges. Check-out is at 11 am.

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InclusionsExclusions
Accommodation all daysPick-up & drop from the airport/bus stand
Guide where requiredMeals
All workshops with materialsNothing not mentioned in the inclusions
Art pieces made during the workshops.Bank fee/ Money exchange fee/ Other payment charges
Activities such as Meditation & Sound Bath.
Laundry
Nature Journaling
Nature hike
Internal transfers
Taxis where required

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