Workshops
Intensive Workshops at VArt
VArt offers intensive practical workshops for artists, sculpture students, ceramic artists and creative practitioners who wish to deepen their material knowledge and develop studio-based projects in a focused professional environment.
Sculpture Intensive Workshop
Learn the Complete Lost-Wax Casting Process
This intensive workshop is designed for artists, sculpture students and creative practitioners who wish to expand their practical skills in metal sculpture and master the traditional lost-wax casting technique.
Participants will experience the complete production process—from creating an original sculpture in clay or plasticine to producing a finished aluminium casting.
Throughout the workshop, participants work on their own sculpture, up to approximately 30 cm in height, completing each stage of the process with professional guidance.
The programme includes:
- Sculpture development in soft material
- Mold making
- Wax casting and wax finishing
- Investment mold preparation
- Aluminium casting
- Metal finishing and surface treatment
- Introduction to professional foundry workflow
As this is an intensive practical programme, participants should already have basic experience in sculpture or modelling with soft materials.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the workshop fee.
Participants stay in shared cabins located on the grounds of VArt – Värtsilä Art House. Shared kitchen, shower facilities and a traditional Finnish wood-fired sauna are available throughout the stay.
Teaching
The workshop is led by Sergii Shaulis, sculptor and co-founder of VArt.
Teaching is based on individual mentoring and hands-on practice. Each participant develops their own project while learning professional casting techniques used in contemporary sculpture.
Working language: English.
Workshop Formats
Individual Intensive
Duration: 2 weeks
Price: €1,500
One-to-one mentoring
Flexible schedule arranged individually
Group Workshop
Price: €450 per participant
Minimum group size: 4 participants
Small groups ensure individual guidance and close professional support.
Dates
There are no fixed workshop dates.
Both individual and group workshops are organised throughout the year according to availability.
If you are interested in participating, please indicate your preferred dates in the application form. After receiving your application, we will contact you to discuss availability and organise the workshop schedule.
What’s Included
- Two-week Studio Intensive
- Individual mentoring by Sergii Shaulis
- Daily artistic guidance
- Full access to professional studio facilities
- Access to kilns, tools, materials and shared equipment
- Technical assistance throughout the programme
- English-speaking working environment
Food and travel expenses are not included.
Safety
VArt is a self-directed professional working environment.
Participants are expected to have basic practical experience and to work responsibly with tools and equipment.
Before the workshop begins, all participants receive safety instructions and are required to sign an agreement confirming that they understand the working conditions, safety regulations and potential risks associated with artistic production. Participants are responsible for their own health, safety and personal insurance during their stay.
Ceramics Intensive
Experience the Art of Wood Firing
This intensive workshop is designed for ceramic artists, sculpture students and creative practitioners who wish to deepen their understanding of ceramic processes and experience the unique character of wood-fired ceramics.
Participants will create their own ceramic works while exploring the complete production process—from clay preparation and hand-building to glazing, kiln loading and the final wood firing.
Unlike electric kilns, wood firing is a slow and collaborative process in which fire, ash and atmosphere become active elements in shaping each finished piece. Every firing produces unique and unrepeatable results.
Throughout the workshop, participants will work on their own ceramic projects while learning both traditional techniques and contemporary approaches to ceramic practice.
The programme includes:
- Clay preparation and material selection
- Hand-building and sculptural ceramic techniques
- Surface treatment and texturing
- Glazing and slip application
- Kiln loading
- Wood-fired kiln operation
- Wood firing process
- Unloading and evaluation of finished works
The workshop is suitable for participants with previous experience in ceramics who wish to expand their practical skills and explore atmospheric firing techniques.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the workshop fee.
Participants stay in shared cabins located on the grounds of VArt – Värtsilä Art House. Shared kitchen, shower facilities and a traditional Finnish wood-fired sauna are available throughout the stay.
Teaching
The workshop is led by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko, ceramic artist, member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC), and partner of VArt.
Teaching combines individual mentoring with hands-on studio practice. Each participant develops their own ceramic work while learning professional techniques for preparing and firing ceramics in a traditional wood-fired kiln.
Working language: English.
Workshop Formats
Individual Intensive
Duration: 2 weeks
Price: €1,500
One-to-one mentoring
Flexible schedule arranged individually
Group Workshop
Price: €450 per participant
Minimum group size: 4 participants
Small groups ensure individual guidance and close professional support.
Dates
There are no fixed workshop dates.
Both individual and group workshops are organised throughout the year according to availability.
If you are interested in participating, please indicate your preferred dates in the application form. After receiving your application, we will contact you to discuss availability and organise the workshop schedule.
What’s Included
- Two-week Studio Intensive
- Individual mentoring by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
- Daily artistic guidance
- Full access to professional studio facilities
- Access to kilns, tools, materials and shared equipment
- Technical assistance throughout the programme
- English-speaking working environment
Food and travel expenses are not included.
Safety
VArt is a self-directed professional working environment.
Participants are expected to have basic practical experience and to work responsibly with tools, equipment and ceramic materials.
Before the workshop begins, all participants receive safety instructions and are required to sign an agreement confirming that they understand the working conditions, safety regulations and potential risks associated with ceramic production and wood firing. Participants are responsible for their own health, safety and personal insurance during their stay.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Please complete the application form and include your preferred workshop dates. We will contact you to discuss the details and confirm availability.
For further information, please contact:
Email: vartsilaarthouse@gmail.com
Apply by Email