ARTIST RESIDENCY:
PORTUGUESE TILES - 500 YEARS OF HISTORY
14-20 december, 2025
No experience with clay is necessary.
Whether you have never worked with ceramics or wish to enhance your decoration techniques, this intensive course is perfect for you. With an intimate class size of just six people, you will receive personalized attention from the instructor as well as from the technicians assisting with the course.
Atelier Retiro and our community welcome you!
We are excited to share this residency with you, enjoy lunches, stories, and create lasting friendships, in addition to ceramic pieces!
Step into a journey through five hundred years of Portuguese tilemaking with artist Mariana Sampaio. This one-week residency invites participants to immerse themselves in the living history of azulejos, unfolding inside the world renounded Museum of Alberto Sampaio, where these treasures are preserved and celebrated.
During this one-week experience, you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of tile motifs. The residency will include an introduction to the history of Portuguese ceramics, visits to museum, and lectures on the history of Portuguese tiles, along with experiences.
On Saturday, we will have a Guided Tour at the Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães and Formal Tea.
It ends with a group exhibition at Nº6 - Gallery of Ceramics, where the community will be invited to share in the joy of your achievements.
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The classes will be taught in English and Portuguese.
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It is important that all participants have a spirit of adventure, a willingness to learn, and short, well-groomed nails.
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Participants should wear clothing and footwear that they do not mind getting dirty.
Additionally, it is important to note that Atelier Retiro does not have air conditioning. It is an old granite building, typically cool, but clothing should be suitable for the season: light in summer and warm in winter.
Atelier Retiro has a washing machine available for residents to wash their muddy clothes.
€1500 per resident - VAT included
All residences based on the curriculum include materials (unless otherwise indicated), lunch, and two snacks, which are included in the residency cost.
All dietary requirements of the residents must be communicated prior to their arrival. All menus will be prepared to be accessible for all residents. It is possible to choose not to partake in the provided meals. Any food and beverages purchased outside of Atelier Retiro are the responsibility of the resident.
€1395 per resident (Without food) - VAT included
All residences, donations or services sold at Atelier Retiro are subject to a tax of +23% in Portugal. We recommend that you consult your local accountant if you wish to obtain information about applicable tax benefits or exemptions in your region. You will receive a formal invoice, receipt, and any necessary documentation upon request.
Classes and residences do not count towards school accreditation.
Mariana Sampaio
Mariana Sampaio
Mariana Sampaio was born in 1991 in Golegã, Santarém, but lives and works in Caldas da Rainha. She holds a degree and is pursuing a Master's in Fine Arts at the Escola Superior de Artes e Design in Caldas da Rainha. In 2016, she completed a technical course in Creative Ceramics at CENCAL in Caldas da Rainha.
In 2017, she opened the doors of her ceramic and fine arts studio to the public, thus launching her brand, Mariana Sampaio Studio.
Currently, she works full-time in her studio, balancing exhibitions, classes, and workshops with national and international artist residencies, where she exhibits her work and teaches about Portuguese techniques and culture through ceramics.
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Nº6 | Ceramics Gallery
Art | Events | Ceramics | Exhibitions
