"I was surprised and touched by the works that were created during the summer academy. The work developed step by step until, finally, truly special, individual works of art stood before me. The time was filled with creativity, lightness, and great joy." Nadine
Service
🗿 Sculpture with Gudrun Greif
What to expect:- 5 mornings (9 am–1 pm each day) in the sculpture studio
- Individual guidance – from the initial setup to the completion of your sculpture
- Introduction to hand-building, hollowing, and modeling techniques
- 10 kg of grogged clay for small to medium-sized sculptures
- Use of all professional tools and work surfaces
- Boiling of your pieces (bisque firing)
- Day 6: Setting up your exhibition
- Coke firing or glaze firing
- Shipping of finished pieces
- Additional materials or special clay
From an inner idea, a sculpture emerges step by step.
With attentive, individual guidance, the model develops into an independent sculpture with character and expression – driven by intuition, craftsmanship, and the joy of the creative process.
Language spoken: German & English
⚱️ Potter´s wheel with Helene Huemer
What to expect:
- 5 mornings at the potter's wheel (individual or small group work)
- Step-by-step instructions: centering, drawing up, shaping, trimming
- 10 kg of unchamotte clay for practice pieces and finished works
- Use of all potter's wheels, tools, and glazes
- Boiling of your pieces (bisque firing)
- Day 6: Setting up your exhibition
Optional:
- Glaze firing and shipping of your finished cups, bowls, or vases
- Additional materials or special clay
On the potter's wheel, cups, vases, and vessels are created – from the interplay of hand, material, and movement. Step by step, you'll find your rhythm in the throwing process, learning to center, open, and shape. Whether functional or freely designed: Through mindful work, you'll develop your own sense of proportion, form, and expression.
With individual guidance, you'll experience the special tranquility of throwing and the joy of watching a harmonious vessel emerge from the clay – focused, vibrant, and fully present in the moment.
Language spoken: German & English
🎨 Experimental acrylic painting inspired by nature with Birgit Wette
What to expect:
- 5 mornings with guidance and space for your own artistic expression
- Individual consultation on color effects, composition, and various painting techniques
- One canvas (approx. 50x70cm)
- Available materials: sketch paper, pencils, chalk, ink, pen, fineliner, crayons, acrylic paints, etc.
- Free work in the garden
- Individual support for your projects, inspired by nature or based on your own designs.
- Day 6: Setting up your exhibition
Optional:
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Canvases or materials available on request
Language spoken: German & French
"I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop!
The friendly guidance, the thoughtful explanations, and the pleasant atmosphere made the experience unforgettable. The studio exudes a wonderful, creative tranquility. A delightful place with a wonderful atmosphere! You feel inspired as soon as you enter the studio. Gudrun also gives you creative freedom if you wish; you can work completely independently." Judit
Somatic Yoga
What to expect:
- 6 mornings, approximately 20 minutes each: Introduction to somatic yoga
- Mats and towels provided
- Simple exercises suitable for all ages and fitness levels
- The focus is on body awareness, which helps you connect more easily with yourself.
- The asana is not the primary focus, but rather the inner experience.
- Intimate connection with yourself in a safe and supportive space.
- Gentle, small movements
- Repetition
- Releasing blockages
- You will practice in a non-judgmental and non-expectatory environment, respecting your body's boundaries.
Language spoken: Hungarian & German, will be translated into English
💫The following applies to each course
- Small groups (max. 6–8 participants) – more people are welcome to join us for our morning yoga session.
- Every morning, somatic yoga/mindfulness exercises to start your relaxed, creative day.
- Friendly atmosphere, bright studio & garden area.
- Drinks & light snacks during workshop hours.
- Personal support & individual arrangements in advance.
- Assistance with accommodation & leisure activities.
Afternoon Leisure program (suggestions for self-organization)
- Exhibition by course instructors
- Guided hike in the Göcsej region
- Local cheese production
- More than 5 fishing lakes within a 20 km radius
- Lenti Thermal Spa: Balance Resort
- Zalaegerszeg Thermal Spa: Termálfürdő Zalaegerszeg
- Europe's largest thermal lake: Hévíz Thermal Lake
- Museums, e.g., in Zalaegerszeg
- https://derekszeg.hu/
- and much more
"Her trust and support made me feel embraced and encouraged. Helene combines her own artistic power with the special ability to create space for others to express themselves, develop, and grow." Monika
Price list
"Standard" package
Price: 760 € per person
Including:
- 5 morning workshops (9 am–1 pm)
- June 20, 2026: Final presentation & opening reception
- somatic yoga
- Materials provided
- Use of studio & garden
- Drinks/snacks
"Our recommended package: Creative activities, a nice group, a relaxing holiday – all well combined."
"Early Bird" Package for the first 2 binding bookings
Price: 660 € per person
Including: like the "Standard" package
Paket "Sorglos"
Price: €920 per person, bookable until June 1st, 2026
Including:
- 5 morning workshops (9 am–1 pm)
- June 20, 2026: Final presentation & opening reception
- somatic yoga
- Materials provided
- Use of studio & garden
- Drinks/snacks
- Glaze firing or 3 canvases up to max. 1 m²
- Special materials upon request
- Packaging and preparing your pieces for shipping; shipping costs will be calculated individually.
"For those who want more: special materials, glaze firing & your work will be sent safely to your home."
Organiced afternoon program
Price: aditinonal € 495 per person
Including:
- 4 Afternoon Excursions starting at 1:30 PM
- Guided hike with picnic
- Museum visit (lunch at nearby restaurants)
- Visit to a local cheese dairy with picnic
- Visit to thermal baths (lunch at the baths)
- Transfer
- Local guide
"Four carefully curated afternoons including tasting and private transfer – total value €540, offered at the exclusive retreat price of €495 "
Ceramic Coke Firing
Practical Introduction to Ceramic Coke Firing on June 20, 2026 for €90
Gudrun Greif is one of the few artists who has mastered this technique. She will be offering a practical introduction.
Ceramic coke firing is a traditional, handcrafted firing technique in which a kiln lined with firebricks is built around each piece and fired using coke as fuel. The process is characterized by its direct, atmospherically active heat and the resulting unique surface textures. It combines technical requirements (kiln construction, fuel management, thermal dynamics) with creative, experimental possibilities that cannot be achieved with traditional firing methods.
additional material costs
- Glaze firing: €20–€80 (depending on size)
- Shipping of finished pieces: from €20 (depending on shipping costs)
- Additional canvas or special materials: Price on request
Individueller Focus Upgrade
Price: € 220
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Two personal 1:1 sessions (artistic/process-oriented) of 60 minutes each
Prioritized support
Ideal for experienced creatives
"I really enjoyed the experience, I got all the help I needed, and the studio has a great cozy feeling as well." Patricia
FAQ
1. Who is this suitable for – do I need prior knowledge?
For beginners and advanced students. You'll work in small groups (6-8 participants) with step-by-step guidance. In the mornings, between 9 am and 1 pm, you choose your focus: sculpture/hand building, pottery wheel, and painting. The day begins with somatic yoga to optimally prepare you for the creative process. Language spoken: German & English.
2. What's included – and when will I receive my ceramics?
Included are consumables, loaner tools, drinks, and bisque firing for ceramics. I will fire your pieces professionally; collection or shipping is possible after approximately 2–4 weeks (shipping costs extra depending on the package).
3. How is the organization handled on site (arrival, accommodation, leisure activities)?
You'll receive a list of lovely holiday apartments nearby. In the afternoon, you'll have time to explore nature, visit thermal baths and lakes, or you can book your own afternoon program. Arrival is by car or train/bus (Zala region, where a shuttle service may be available); you'll receive the meeting point and a Google Maps sketch after registration.