2024 WORKSHOP
View all Upcoming Workshops, or some of our Past Workshops
CERAMIC TOUR in GHANA
July 26 - August 4, 2024
Cost US $3,100.00
This tour is being led by Ellie Schimelman (an American teacher/potter/director of CCC who has been embedded in Ghana for so long that she is known as Aba) and Michael Bortei, her Ghanaian assistant. As a team Aba is a liaison between western and African culture and Michael provides the cultural connections that make this tour unique. There are no middlemen so we are able to focus on the interest of the participants and moderate the expenses.
One of Aba's happiest memories of wandering in Ghana is studying traditional pottery with Mami Akua. One day she smiled as Aba worked on a pot. Aba thought she smiled because she made a good pot, but Mami Akua said "a lot of people come here to watch but they don't want to get their hands in the clay." How else could you learn to make a pot? If you signup for this tour you will definately get your hands in the clay.
We will travel in a private van. Although of special interest to potters, this tour is open to everyone. Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone gives you the opportunity to experience new ways of seeing things. Inspiration comes from everywhere when you open yourself to new experiences. We will visit sites of cultural interest - museums - galleries - traditional villages - outdoor markets - interact with traditional and contemporary African potters. Although an itinerary is planned we leave time for spontaneous encounters as they are some of the best memories of Ghana.
COST: US $3,100.00
all inclusive except for airfare & other travel related expenses
Deposit of $1,000.00 due on or before April 1, 2024
Balance due on or before May 1, 2024
Includes: airport pickup, accommodations, breakfast, dinner when in Accra, van with driver, fuel, workshops, materials, entrance fees, English speaking guides, orientation in Ghana, help with visa forms
Not included: airfare, visa, shots, insurance, lunch, some dinners, tips
We are a pretty much self funded non-profit. Fees for workshops and tours support our two-fold mission of training local children to be self sufficient by developing their sense of self-esteem and empowerment. By paying school related expenses we encourage the children to stay in school and become productive members of society. We also work with indigenous artisans, pay them to conduct workshops at our residencies and help them sell their traditional crafts. In order to achieve our mission, the fees also cover expenses like internet access, cost of supplies and general expenses that support our programs.
An article that may be of interest: In Ghana, pottery is women's work
