This workshop is designed to be a crash course in clay and creativity!
The workshop alternates between demonstrations and modules that help explore the nature of clay as a material, and free-wheeling exercises that jump straight to individual creative expression. We’ll be working with clay in different ways of making: cutting, pinching, pulling, stretching, joining and different ways of decorating: using stamps, slips, and carving.
Dharamkot Studio invites professional and amateur ceramic artists / potters to take part in Advanced Ceramic Workshops, led by expert artists.
Hosted in the serene Himalayas of North India, these workshops offer a unique opportunity to refine your skills, explore advanced techniques, and deepen your understanding of ceramics in a focused and inspiring environment.
Beyond the studio, guided excursions introduce you to the soulful Tibetan culture, mighty pine forests, and awe-inspiring views of Dhauldhar range, adding another layer of inspiration to your experience.
6:30 AM - Yoga & Meditation session
9:00 AM - Breakfast
11:00 AM - Attend the fourth workshop on “Texturing/Surface Decoration”.
2:00 PM - Lunch
3:00 PM - Guided Dharamshala Sight-seeing Tour (Dalai Lama Temple, St. John’s in the Wilderness Church and the McLeodganj Market)
6:00 PM - Return to the Studio with our guide in a cab or stay longer and take a taxi back.
8:00 PM- Dinner (You can also explore one of the many restaurants/ bars in Mcleodganj)
After graduating as an architect in 1989, Vineet Kacker studied ceramics at Andretta Pottery, Himachal and Golden Bridge Pottery, Pondicherry. He attended a post-experience program at UWIC, U.K., and apprenticed with British ceramists Alan Caiger-Smith and Sandy Brown.
He is a recipient of the Charles Wallace Fellowship and the Fulbright Grant. Co-founder of the Contemporary Clay Foundation, he has been part of the curatorial team of the Indian Ceramics Triennale, editions 2018 and 2024.
He is a current member of the International Academy of Ceramics, Geneva. His work is a part of several collections – notably KNMA, India; Icheon Museum, Korea; the FULE Museum, China; the Mark Rothko Art Center, Latvia. Vineet works from his studio in Gurgaon, India, and in Andretta, Himachal Pradesh.
This workshop is for you if:
You have always wanted to do something creative
You love clay and want to explore it in different ways
You have skills but lack the confidence to express yourself
You are looking to break out of preconceived ways of thinking/working
We’re an art studio using clay / ceramics / pottery as a medium, nestled in a quaint village in Himachal Pradesh, India. We started in 2019 in Dharamkot village with one pottery wheel, a few kgs of clay and a simple dream of making a community art space. We’re self taught artists from different backgrounds and with different stories; the Studio and art connect all of us together.
On an elevation of 2100 m, Dharamkot is a small hill station in Kangra district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. On the crest of a hill above McLeodGanj, (Dalai lama stays here and also place of Tibetan government in exile ), Dharamkot is a spot with wide views of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. Dharamkot also has the world famous Vipassana meditation centre, Dhamma Shikara and Tushita Meditation Centre which is a centre for the study and practice of Buddhism in the Tibetan Mahayana tradition. Famous for yoga, meditation and Hippies Since 1970s, Dharamkot is also known as second home for Israeli tourists coming to India. Most of the restaurants here serve Israeli dishes.
The accommodation and studio lie amidst the pine and cedar forest, completely secluded from the hustle-bustle of the town yet easily approachable by road and just a 5-minute walk away from the village. We have single and double-occupancy rooms. We don’t put up strangers together- so you will either have the whole room or share it with someone you bring along.
All the rooms are with attached washrooms, high–speed WiFi, power backup, hot water, electric kettle, heaters/Fan private balcony and modernist aesthetics. You will have a view of the Dhauladhar mountain range from your room!
The accommodation and studio lie amidst the pine and cedar forest, completely secluded from the hustle-bustle of the town yet easily approachable by road and just a 5-minute walk away from the village. We have single and double-occupancy rooms. We don’t put up strangers together- so you will either have the whole room or share it with someone you bring along.
All the rooms are with attached washrooms, high–speed WiFi, power backup, hot water, electric kettle, heaters/Fan private balcony and modernist aesthetics. You will have a view of the Dhauladhar mountain range from your room!
An in–house cafeteria provides delicious and healthy vegetarian food. Vegan or gluten-free food is also available on request.
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) are included in the price.
Apart from our in–house cafe there are many other cafes to explore, just a 7-10 minutes walk away from the retreat centre.
Meals Provided
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Diets Catered
Dairy-free
Egg-free
Gluten Free
Vegan
Vegetarian
By Air – Kangra Airport (DHM) is the nearest airport which is around 20 km (50 minutes) from the studio, direct taxi (Rs. 1200/-) to the studio will be available.
By Bus – Overnight journey from Delhi by semi-sleeper bus. The nearest bus station is Dharamshala (8 km), and from the bus station, you can take a taxi (Rs. 600/-) to the studio.
By Train – Pathankot (85km) is the nearest railway station. From Pathankot, you can take public transport to Dharamshala and then a taxi to the Studio. Or you can take a taxi from Pathankot to the studio.
