Intensive Course – Ceramics Summer Camp 2026 for young people (12+) Hietzing

This intensive ceramics week is aimed at young people aged 12 to 17 who want to work creatively and learn craft techniques. The course offers a structured, supervised, and screen-free week that promotes concentration, fine motor skills, and creative self-confidence. In a safe studio environment, participants work intensively with clay over five days and learn the basics and advanced techniques of ceramics.

We are delighted that you have chosen our intensive ceramics week especially for young people!

What you will do
In this course, you will perfect your very own ceramic creations under the continuous guidance of our experienced ceramists. You will start with pottery on the wheel—a particularly exciting introduction for many participants—and over the course of the week you will learn various hand-modeling techniques, such as the coil, slab, and thumb techniques.

We will also look at clay recycling and decorative and design techniques such as sgraffito and carving a matcha bowl. The focus is on form, texture, and working consciously with the material and the process. This results in functional objects such as vases, cups, or bowls, but also free, individual works.

Each participant will process about 25 kg of clay over the course of the week. All works created for final production will be professionally fired and glazed by us after the course.

No previous knowledge required
This course is ideal for beginners in ceramics aged 12 to 17. All content is taught in an age-appropriate, understandable, and professional manner.

What will I take home with me at the end?
– 2–4 pieces made on the potter’s wheel
– 3 hand-modeled pieces
– 1 larger hand-modeled week-long project
All pieces are fired at 960 degrees, glazed with a transparent glaze, and then fired a second time at 1200 degrees. This makes them durable, functional, and food-safe.

Course program
You can see the start dates of the courses in our calendar. Click on the corresponding date to view the entire weekly schedule.

Day 1
9:00–10:00 a.m. – Behind the Scenes #1: Brainstorming
Getting to know each other, brainstorming ideas, and making initial sketches. You will develop your own concept and create an initial prototype out of clay.
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Hand modeling
Introduction to the thumb technique. You will shape a small piece and paint it with engobes.
12:00–1:00 p.m. – Lunch break & open studio
1:00–3:00 p.m. – Centering clay
Basics of kneading, preparing, and centering clay on the potter’s wheel. Focus on practice and process, including clay recycling.

Day 2
09:00–10:00 – Behind the Scenes #2: Personal ceramic stamp
You will design your own stamp to sign your works.
10:00–12:00 – Hand modeling
Working with the building technique and start of the week’s project.
12:00–1:00 p.m. – Lunch break & open studio
1:00–3:00 p.m. – Pottery cylinder
Learn a central basic form on the potter’s wheel.

Day 3
9:00–10:00 a.m. – Behind the Scenes #3: Slip
Production and application of slip as an important basis for ceramics.
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Hand modeling
Slab technique and further work on the week-long project.
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. – Lunch break & open studio
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. – Pottery cups
First functional vessels on the potter’s wheel.

Day 4
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. – Behind the Scenes #4: Carving technique
Carving and surface design of the previously made slab works.
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Hand modeling
Finalization of the hand-modeled sculpture.
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. – Lunch break & open studio
1:00–3:00 p.m. – Pottery bowls
Deepening of the throwing  technique and shaping of larger vessels.

Day 5
9:00–10:00 a.m. – Behind the Scenes #5: Clay recycling
Preparation of old clay residues and reuse.
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Applying engobes (underglazes)
Designing all the pieces created.
12:00–1:00 p.m. – Lunch break & open studio
1:00–3:00 p.m. – Finishing the pottery pieces
Turning, attaching bases and handles, and finishing touches.

When does the course take place?
Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Regular attendance throughout the entire period is important, as the content builds on each other.

Location
Altgasse 20, 1130 Vienna (Hietzing)
Pleasantly temperate studio—even on hot summer days.

Course fees
€450 – The price includes all materials, all firing processes, glazes, and intensive supervision over five full course days.

Language
The course is held in German.