6-7 JUNE 2026
INTRODUCTION TO Woodcarving Workshop
WITH KERSTIN THOMAS And Renato Costa e Silva
Working with wood is a dream of many. The material lures us with its touch, smell, and direct relation to nature.
This workshop was designed for those who want to give wings to this dream, try something new, and give form to a piece of wood. With mallet and gouges in your hand, you will start with small exercises to be able, on the second day, to carve small reliefs in chestnut wood.
Working with wood is a constant dialogue between the artist and the raw material that, due to its characteristics, does not allow us to "easily" impose our ideas and requires communication, commitment, sensitivity, and technique.
At the end of the course, you will take home a piece made by you, resulting from the dialogue between your creativity and the learning experience this workshop has given you.
Kerstin Thomas
A sculptor for about 30 years, studied wood carving and sculpture in her home country, Germany. After studying Portuguese Language and Sociology, she set up her studio in Cerdeira in 1990. With a preference for autochthonous wood, her work is inspired by the rural setting. Working in and with nature allows her to clear ideas and express her reflection on the world. . Co-founder of the Cerdeira-Home for Creativity project. She divides her time between her art practice and the artistic direction of Cerdeira - Home for Creativity.
Renato Costa e Silva
Ceramicist, and sculptor, has a vast curriculum not only in the area of ceramics but also of large public sculpture in various materials. Born in Angra do Heroísmo, Azores island, with its abundant nature, working with wood was a challenge that came up naturally, and from time to time, he returned to wood due to the special characteristics of this wonderful material. Renato lives and works in Angra and Cerdeira.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
SCHEDULE
6th and 7th June:
Course from 10 am to 6 pm, with a two-hour lunch break.
Participants are welcome to check in the day before the course starts and check out the day after it ends.
Want to know more? Ask us for the daily full program at artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com ✨
CONDITIONS
Deadline for enrollment: May 6th, 2026
Special discount for members of our community available for early bird registrations by March 22nd, 2026.
THE COURSE FEE INCLUDES:
Integration in a small group of participants;
Training 6 hours a day, speaking in English and in Portuguese;
Lunch during the course;
Free accommodation at the hostel during the course (3 nights)*;
All the materials needed for the course;
*The hostel is equipped with two dormitories (female/masculine), a kitchen, and two shared bathrooms. The booking includes towels and linen.
IMPORTANT! Leave extra space in your luggage! We also recommend bringing extra space in your luggage to take your pieces home at the end of the course.
ACCOMMODATION UPGRADES AVAILABLE:
Upgrade to 3 nights in a standard schist house shared by 2 participants and breakfast at an additional cost of 240€/per participant. Includes shared room, equipped kitchen, towels, and bed linen.
Upgrade to 3 nights in a standard schist house for single occupancy by 1 participant and breakfast, with an additional cost of 345€/per participant. Includes single room, equipped kitchen, towels, and bed linen.
Please note that all accommodation options have limited availability and will be booked according to the order of registration and payment. This rate is not cumulative with other discounts or promotions. For more information, contact artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com.
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
You may withdraw within 14 days of registration, paying the correspondent transfer fees. Following the EU consumer protection legislation, payments are not refunded past 14 days of registration. The payment will be fully reimbursed if the training cannot be held because of insufficient students.
Suppose the training is canceled by Cerdeira - Home For Creativity for reasons of significant force such as a pandemic, civil disorder, a natural catastrophe, medical or family issues of the teacher, and others beyond our control. In that case, Cerdeira will offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years.
PAYMENT INSTALLMENT OPTIONS
You can pay for the course in up to 5 monthly installments, depending on the course. Payments are automatically deducted from your chosen payment method starting from the date you submit your registration form. Please be aware that additional costs for this service apply, depending on the selected installment plan. At checkout, after selecting your preferred option, make sure to review the total amount to be paid before completing your registration. Please note that if installment payments are not fulfilled within the established timeframe, your registration will be canceled without a refund of the amounts already paid.
If you have any questions, contact us at artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com.
