Step into a creative retreat where clay becomes your canvas and the forest meets the sea.
Potter and naturalist Patricia Griffin invites you to explore the magic of clay in this lively workshop for all levels – from curious beginner to experienced potter. We’ll practice hand-building techniques and you’ll make your own forms from raw clay. Then we'll decorate them through etching, stenciling, painting, and embossing. After exploring surface techniques, you’ll move on to your individual projects on handmade vessels that Patricia provides.
Beautiful Setting and Meals Provided!
We’ll use the great outdoors for inspiration during this workshop. It’s held in the fabulous Craft Lodge of Camp Ocean Pines, with views of the forest and ocean in all directions. All meals are provided, and there is also an option for lodging. (The meals are delicious and dietary restrictions are accommodated.)
Intimate Learning Environment
Limited to just 12 participants to ensure personalized attention, meaningful feedback, and the kind of creative community where lasting friendships form.
Your Three-Day Journey
Day 1 explores hand-building techniques and ends with a welcome dinner.
Day 2 focuses on surface decoration through etching, stenciling, painting, and embossing. On Day 3, you’ll be applying everything you've learned to create unique pieces using handmade vessel forms that Patricia provides as your decorative canvas.
What You’ll Make
Three to five pieces that showcase your new skills - from practice works that capture your learning journey to final projects that reflect your personal artistic vision.
Timeline for Pick-up/Shipping
Your pieces will be professionally bisque-fired, glazed, and final-fired in Patricia's studio. They'll be ready for pickup or shipping in 3-4 weeks - perfect timing to extend the joy of your creative retreat.
For Beginners
New to clay? Perfect! No drawing or pottery experience needed. You'll learn fundamental hand-building techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab construction, then discover the joy of decorating through etching, stenciling, painting, and embossing. All materials are provided, and you'll be guided step-by-step in a supportive environment where creativity flourishes.
For Experienced Artists
Seasoned potter or artist? Dive deeper into advanced surface techniques and discover new ways to energize your work. You are welcome to bring leather-hard pieces from your studio to experiment with during the workshop, and take home professional tips you can immediately apply to your practice.
ABOUT PATRICIA
Patricia Griffin is a full-time ceramic artist whose work bridges the worlds of fine art and nature study. Working from her home studio in coastal Cambria, she creates pottery and sculptural pieces that celebrate the intricate beauty of botanical forms. Her ceramics have been featured nationally in Ceramics Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, and other leading publications. Patricia's work is represented by The Vault Gallery in Cambria and has been showcased in solo exhibitions at San Luis Obispo Museum of Art and Cambria Center for the Arts. Her public art practice focuses on large-scale botanical wall installations for healthcare facilities.
As a teacher, Patricia has guided hundreds of participants through variations of her popular "Making Your Mark" workshops, sharing her passion for both clay and the natural world. Her dual expertise as potter and naturalist creates a unique learning experience that helps students discover their own creative voice while connecting more deeply with nature.
Visit patriciagriffinceramics.com for more information.
Workshop Fees:
On-Site Lodging - $525.00 - Program instruction for the weekend, supplies for the workshop, on-site lodging in shared cabins with attached bathrooms, and five wonderful meals (Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast).
Off-Site Lodging - $450.00 - Program instruction for the weekend, supplies for the workshop, and five wonderful meals (Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast).
A non-refundable deposit of $150 is required and the balance is due at least 30 days (01/21/2026) prior to the workshop. No refunds are available after 01/21/2026. Participants are welcome and encouraged to protect their purchase through travel insurance. Camp has vetted multiple companies to choose the best option for you. To learn more and purchase travel insurance, please follow this link: https://atc.tripassure.com/main/. This is not a requirement for attendance.
For any questions about the event, schedule, and content:
Contact Patricia at Patricia@PatriciaGriffinCeramics.com
For questions about Camp Ocean Pines or registration assistance:
Contact admin@campoceanpines.org or 805-927-0254