fire & Clay
2026 WORKSHOP:
FEBRUARY 16-20, 2026
COST: $2,500
Accommodations, Meals and Airport Transfers are included. 8 students Max.
FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED
*Private are available throughout the year ($8,000, 3 students max)
By Desiree De Ridder
The HOST
Desirée de Ridder is an Argentine ceramicist and sculptor whose practice is deeply rooted in the land, nature, and the delicate balance between fragility and strength. Her work—exhibited in galleries and art spaces internationally—often features animals, plants, and environmental themes, brought to life through live-fire techniques that transform clay into enduring forms. In projects like, A Fire Offering, the act of firing becomes a communal ritual—an elemental meeting of earth and flame that leaves each piece imbued with the story of its creation.
During this Workshop students will learn to create and fire personal work using traditional live-fire techniques in a wood oven specifically designed and built by Desiree.
PRospective students
This workshop is designed for amateurs and budding professionals alike, offering an intimate learning environment limited to just eight students. This small group size ensures plenty of personal guidance and space to explore your creative process. Whether you’re looking to expand your technical skills or deepen your artistic voice through live-fire techniques, you’ll have the opportunity to learn at your own pace in a supportive, hands-on setting.
Food & Beverage
At Estudio Garzón, the food and wine program is an integral part of our workshop experience. Each meal reflects our deep connection to the land: produce is grown in our own garden, meats are sourced from trusted local purveyors, and our wines and spirits come exclusively from small-label Uruguayan artisans. The menu is curated by Nicole Tuvi and a dedicated team of chefs. With over a decade as Director of Operations at Francis Mallmann’s famed Restaurant Garzón, Nicole brings a wealth of culinary expertise and a passion for creating meals that embody place, season, and craft.
The Classroom
“Estudio Garzon” is a multi use creative space serving as a teaching space and event space for Pueblo Garzon. The building is centrally located within the pueblo and serves as the headquarters for workshops. All classes are taught on premises. The classroom loft above our workspace is equipped with international charging stations, a large art library and comfortable couches and chairs for students that would like to work and study beyond classroom hours.
Itinerary
DAY 1
TBD Airport Transfer
8:00pm Welcome Dinner
DAY 2
9:00am Breakfast
10:00am Intro to workshop
2:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Kneading Clay Basics
6:00pm Documentary
8pm DINNER
DAY 3
9:00am Breakfast
10:00am Defining Project/Sculpting
2:00PM LUNCH
3:00PM Sculpting Theory
6:00pm FREE Time
8:00PM DINNER
Day 4
9:00am Breakfast
10:00am Sculpting & Burnishing
2:00PM LUNCH
3:00PM Student Work Into Kiln
6:00PM Firing of Student Pieces
8:00PM DINNER
DAY 5
9:00am Breakfast
TBD. Remove student Pieces From Kiln
