Kirsten Stingle Studio
Retreats and Workshops
2026
Deepening the Story: Ceramics and Mixed Media Assemblage
August 30th - September 4th, 2026
Double Island Studio
Green Mountain, NC
Full - Waitlist Only
Stories and myths invite us to explore meaning and build a sense of belonging. During this special 5-day retreat Kirsten will the explore different mediums in order to enhance the narrative. The foundation of almost all of her sculptures is the ceramic figure. Kirsten will guide the class to build a small torso that will hang on the wall. Kirsten has a step-by-step approach that is easily accessible, even for the beginner. She emphasizes the importance of gesture and expression to storytelling. Her class demonstrations are followed-up with individual tutorials, enabling her to help each student achieve their narrative vision.
In addition, Kirsten will guide the class to expand and strengthen the narrative potential by making an assemblage fiber scroll book that will hang from the torso. Participants will walk away with a knowledge of techniques such as eco printing, photo transfer, collage, stitch, and mark making.
In this 4 day class we will explore the potential of narrative sculpture to build connection with our world.
You won't want to miss this opportunity to explore ceramic and mixed media in one class.
Beginners welcome. This is an all-levels class.
Staging the Narrative: Creating a Bust that Acts as a Narrative Platform. Ceramic Handbuilding and Finishes
September 20th - October 4th, 2026
ICArts
Monte Castello di Vibio
Umbria, Italy
Full - Waitlist Only
Inspired by Monte Castello di Vibio's Teatro della Concordia (the smallest Italian style theater in the world) and grand theatrical vision of La Scarzuola, let's explore the drama of the human narrative! During this retreat Kirsten will guide the class to build a 3/4 life size head that can hang on the wall. Kirsten has a step-by-step approach to figurative ceramics that is easily accessible, even for the beginner. Her class demonstrations and hand-outs are followed up with individual tutorials, enabling her to help each student achieve their narrative vision.
After the build, Kirsten will explore the potential of adding layers of texture before firing. Post-firing, Kirsten will guide the class in using cold finishes to mimic, complement, or enhance ceramic finishes. She will share her techniques as well as encourage experimentation and play with different mediums. Participants will walk away with a stronger knowledge of human anatomy and the narrative value of expression, as well as an approach for finishing their works that is layered and complex. Finished sculptures will be able to be packed in a carry-on suitcase for travel and transportation convenience.
This class is for ALL LEVELS:
whether you have never touched clay but yearn to stretch your creative potential, or if you are a seasoned ceramicists that want to add a few new techniques to your toolbox.
In addition, participants will enjoy several excursions to nearby Umbrian towns such as Perugia, Spoleto or Todi to explore the history and art that shines in the green heart of Italy. Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio where you can wander its quiet streets and enjoy the vistas of the valley and other hill towns. Explore the history of this medieval village and experience the jewel-box of a theater that is one of the smallest theaters in the world. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO), lodging, meals and class excursions.
Your weekend is free to catch up on studio work, relax, or take advantage of the other sites or activities in Umbria. These additions can be arranged through ICArts for an additional fee. Lodging is single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available). Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Chasing Sunsets:
Assemblage Journal through Magical Morocco
Waitlist Only
March 18th to April 2nd, 2026
Join our 16-day inclusive art and travel experience in Morocco, including a 4-day workshop at Michelle's atelier, Kasbah Aitisfoul, in the Sahara.
This distinctive creative travel experience combines ceramics, book arts, as well as assemblage and layering techniques to manifest a travel tome that reflects our travels through the Land of the Sunset.
Using vintage camel saddle bags as our book covers, I will lead participants in building a sculptural assemblage journal including ephemera we have collected along the way. Once in the studio at Kasbah Aitisfoul, I will guide the class in specific book making and assemblage techniques, as well as the art of layering and collage with photo transfers, texture and mark makiung with stitch, fabric rusting, and more.
In addition, the group will have the opportunity to experience the Tamegroute ceramic tradition using native clay and Tamegroute glaze to make simple sculptural embellishments for the journal.
No prior ceramic experience necessary.
A Little About our Journey
Our journey through the sunset lands of Morocco on the western edge of legendary El Maghreb beins in Casablanca where we will begin gathering momentoes and memories on our journey together, where the Promenade follows the Atlantic, also the home to the stunning Hassan II Mosque that Westerners are allowed to visit.
From there we will travel to the enchanting blue city, Chefchaouen, visit the Roman ruins at Volubility and travel the ancient trade route to visit the village of Ait Ben Haddou.
We will learn about the process of the carpet weaving at Afous Agous women's collective in the high Atlas, and negotiate with traders in the souks of Fez.
Arriving at Kasbah Aitisfoul on the northern edge of the Sahara, we will enjoy gentle workshop days and time to collaborate on our assemblage journals as the days unfold in a rhythm of the desert. We will travel into the Sahara to go glaming for a night and take a camel ride to watch the setting sun.
Our path eventually brings us to Marrakech where we will wander the souks visiting some of Michelle's favorite merchants.
Examples of assemblage books made on our recent trip to India
Say Yes!
Spend 16 days seeing with new eyes and connecting to what matters. This inclusive and immersive experience will rekindle your imagination and revitalize your creative soul.
This is a small group experience, so spaces are limited.
Unearthing Ireland:
Explore myth, magic, and the heroine's journey
Waitlist Only
Art Spirit Journey by Essence of Mulranny
Kirsten Stingle and Lora Murphy
July 28th - August 8th
Essence of Mulranny
Assemblage book based on the history, land, and myth of Ireland.
Ireland’s history and mythology are as rich and dense as Irish bogland. Whether it is the High Kings of Tara, Queen Maeve and the Tain, the Salmon of Knowledge, or the Tuatha de Danann, these tales remain a vital part of Irish identity. Traces of the past are alive and intertwine with the language and landscape of Ireland. Goddesses of long ago can still be found in the names of most of Ireland’s rivers; Saint Brigid’s holy wells continue to bless those seeking help; and Neolithic through Iron Age monuments and cairns continue to reveal the secrets of a vibrant civilization that tracked the movement of time and seasons of celebration in the stars.
During this creative retreat, we will learn about the tales associated with place and let the whispers of these stories inspire us as we imagine a world more attuned to the cycles of nature and the land. We will will experience the well-known monuments of Bru na Boinne and the Hills of Tara and then move to Mulranny where we can explore the more intimate, off-the-beaten-track but no less imporatant Neolithic sites around County Mayo. This retreat provides an exploration of place and a connection to the landscape that is deeply rooted within the Irish people.
Join us as we dive headfirst down the rabbit hole that is Irish mythology, legend, and lore to create a sculptural assemblage travel book that documents are understanding of Ireland and its rich past. In addition to learning different book building and binding methods, Kirsten will guide participants in mixed media techniques such as image transfer, collage, cyanotype, mark making with stitch, and the process of eco-printing and eco-dyeing with local botanicals with folkloric and mythic connections. By building up layers, we will create a book that is as layered as Ireland.
Archeological Places
We Will Visit:
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The Hills of Tara: Home of the High Kings of Ireland
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Bru na Boinne: Neolithic passage tombs that predate Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
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Knocknashee (Hill of the Fairies): A megalithic hill fort with two Neolithic passage graves and thirty hut foundations.
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Carrowkeel Passage Tombs: A cluster of passage tombs built in the 4th millinneum B.C.
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Ceide Fields: The oldest known Neolithic field system
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Grace O’Malley (The Pirate Queen) Castle
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Rathcroghan: The legendary dwelling of Queen Medb and the focal point of the epic Tain.
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Oweyngat: The legendary dwelling place of the Battle Goddess Morrigan.
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Holy wells, ogham stones, and souterrains.
