Fall Retreat

Ojai, California // Nov 9 - 11, 2024

Take a look back at our
Retreat in Ojai, CA

Get Away and Get Creative!

Imagine waking up to the tranquil sounds of nature, spending your days at the wheel and evenings with new friends.

This is a 3 day retreat for solid intermediate potters who are ready to roll up their sleeves, level up and learn from local Ojai master ceramicists.

When you are away from the wheel, relax at the peaceful Hummingbird Inn and enjoy food from local Ojai restaurants.

Here’s what you can expect!

Learn from the Best: There will be hands-on workshops taught by skilled instructors and two master classes taught by locals Ojai artists. It is a small group of around 8 to 10 potters, so there will be lots of individualized attention.
Be Part of a Pottery Community: Come and make new friends with fellow clay enthusiasts. There will even by a “Pottery Throw Down Challenge” so you can show off your new talents and have fun!
Raku Firing Experience: Add a touch of magic to your creations with this traditional Japanese firing technique. Want to learn more about Raku click here.

Itinerary

Join us in this artist community for one of the few pottery retreats in the United States.

All workshops, meals and lodging are included.

Subject to change until closer to event

10am - Welcome Breakfast - Hotel
11am - Work Shop #1 - "Warm Up and Let's Start Going Large"
1:30pm - Catered Lunch
2:30pm - Work Shop #2 - Master Class "Create Vessels for Surface Decoration"
6pm - Break - Check In At Hotel
7:30pm - Dinner - At Local Ojai Restaurant
8am - Breakfast - Hotel
9am - Glaze for Raku Firing
10am - Work Shop #3 - Master Class "Going Larger, Collaring and Attaching"
1pm - Lunch - Explore Downtown Ojai (This lunch is not included.)
3pm - Work Shop #3 (Cont'd)
3pm - Raku Firings Begin
7:30pm - Catered Dinner - Enjoy the Raku Firing
9am - Breakfast
10am - Pottery Throw Down Challenge - Example " Make a bowl in 3 minutes while blindfolded"
11am - Work Shop #4 - Master Class - "Intricate Surface Decoration"
2pm - Catered Goodbye Lunch
2:30pm - Studio Time
4pm - Retreat Concludes - Heartfelt Goodbyes!!!

Q&A

We are partnering with Firestick Pottery for this retreat!
https://firestickpottery.com/index.html
Included:
- Raku Firing (Bring your own piece)
- Workshops
- Basic pottery tools + 2 bags of clay (more available for purchase)
- Meals - 3 Breakfasts - 2 Lunches - 2 Dinners and Fun Snacks (lunch in town on Day 2 is not Included)
- Accommodations - 2 Nights at the Hummingbird Inn
- Retreat Apron
This retreat is intended for intermediate wheel potters, who can center 5 pounds comfortably.
In the future, we will have more retreats for different skill levels. If you want to be updated about future retreats, please share your email for more.
Get ready to level up!
We will focus on throwing big forms (+10 pounds), throwing and attaching in sections, and advanced collaring.
You will also learn some advanced surface decorating techniques.
See our instructors for more.
As a participant in the CobaltFire Pottery Retreat, you’ll leave with more than just wonderful memories and new friends.
Each potter will have the opportunity to trim up to five pieces during the retreat in our Cone 10 studio.
Once these 5 pieces have been bisque fired, Joy and Stew will bring them back to Los Angeles for you to pick up.
If you’d like to glaze your pieces at Firestick, you have the option to return to Ojai and glaze them at Firestick Pottery Studio for an additional cost.
We are partnering with Hummingbird Inn, where Spanish cottage-style seamlessly blends with modern sensibilities. Tucked away amidst the charming neighborhoods of Ojai's East End, surrounded by fragrant citrus orchards, they offer a convenient haven that serves as your gateway to savoring the delights of picturesque Ojai valley.
More details:
https://www.hummingbirdinnojai.com/
From Los Angeles, Ojai is about a 1.5 hour drive north.
As we get closer to retreat date, we will have group chat available to coordinate carpool.
We will have basic tools for you! If you prefer your own tools, you're welcome to bring your own!
2 bags (50 pounds) of clay will be provided as part of the retreat.
Clay will be available for purchase on site for $25/bag (excluding b-mix and porcelain)
Get ready to get muddy, so wear whatever you're comfortable in!
You will also receive a customized retreat apron!
You will have time to go back to hotel to change before dinner in town if you wish to dress up!