fabrica design platform

textures & surface decoration
2025-06-02 09:00 - 2025-06-06 13:00, 2025-06-02 14:00 - 2025-06-06 18:00 (Africa/Cairo) | Fabrica Design Platform, Dar Khawla Building, Chehade Street, Beirut, 0000 0000, United States
We’re excited to welcome Maria Loram to our studio this June, all the way from Los Angeles, for two exclusive workshops! Loram will guide participants through an immersive exploration of surface decoration, with a focus on special effect glazes and ceramic textures. These sessions are designed to help you develop surface treatments that reflect your personal style, blending technical glaze knowledge, hands-on demonstrations, and a thoughtful dive into the philosophy of creative experimentation.
key learning objectives:
Understand the structure and chemistry of ceramic glazes
Learn to mix, test, and modify glazes with confidence
Explore special effect glazes such as crawl, lichen, and lava
Experiment with flux modification and glaze behavior
Work with advanced materials like titanium dioxide and silicon carbide
Understand how colorants and mesh size affect glaze results
Use aggregates and slips to create depth and texture
Strengthen hands-on skills in applying and adjusting experimental glazes
Engage in group feedback and critical discussion to refine techniques
what to expect:
Participants will move from theory to practice -learning to craft, test, and refine their own glazes while gaining a deeper understanding of surface as both a technical and expressive medium. Each day will combine lecture-style discussions, live demonstrations, and guided studio experimentation. You’ll create a set of test tiles, explore various surface combinations, and leave with personalized glaze recipes and reference materials to continue developing your work. The workshops will also include collective critique sessions, fostering a sense of shared learning and discovery within the group. Whether you’re an experienced ceramicist or an advanced beginner, this masterclass offers an opportunity to expand your creative vocabulary and approach glazing with confidence and curiosity.

the las salinas fdp pop-up
2025-06-20 09:00 - 2025-10-02 18:00 | Las Salinas Resort
From clay to coast — we’re Shaping this summer in Anfeh!
We’re thrilled to announce our 3-month Fabrica Design Platform pop-up at Las Salinas Resort, bringing creativity, craftsmanship, and community to the northern shores of Lebanon. This summer, immerse yourself in the world of clay while enjoying the coastal charm of Anfeh — where art, sun, and sea meet.
Under the guidance of Michel Bacha, our talented instructor, you’ll have the chance to explore the timeless art of ceramics through a variety of engaging classes for all ages and levels:
Adult Handbuilding Classes — Learn the fundamentals of shaping, sculpting, and glazing in a relaxing and inspiring coastal setting.
Kids Classes — Fun, hands-on sessions designed to spark imagination and develop creative confidence in young makers.
Teens Classes — A space for creative self-expression, where teens can experiment, build, and refine their artistic voice.
Private Sessions — Personalized workshops tailored to your pace and interests, ideal for individuals or small groups.
Monthly Membership — Stay committed to your creative journey all summer long with unlimited access to studio hours and special member benefits.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned potter, this summer pop-up is your invitation to slow down, connect with the material, and experience the joy of making — surrounded by sea breeze, sunshine, and the warm Fabrica community.

exploring the art of delicate porcelain
2025-06-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Fabrica Design Platform, Dar Khawla Building, Chehade Street, Beirut, 0000 0000, United States
Immerse yourself in the refined world of porcelain, a material celebrated for its purity, translucence, and quiet strength. This workshop invites participants to explore the unique behavior of porcelain—its responsiveness, fragility, and luminous surface—through thoughtful hand-building techniques. You’ll learn how to embrace its challenges and possibilities to create elegant, expressive forms that highlight precision and restraint.
key learning objectives:
Understand the specific qualities and handling techniques of porcelain clay
Learn methods for shaping thin, refined forms with structural integrity
Explore joining, trimming, and surface refinement techniques for porcelain
Experiment with translucency, layering, and subtle surface treatments
Gain confidence in working with a material that rewards patience and precision
what to expect:
Step-by-step demonstrations and individual guidance throughout the process
Practical insights into drying, firing, and finishing porcelain pieces
Exploration of minimalist and organic aesthetics unique to porcelain
The opportunity to create and bisque-fire a refined porcelain vessel or sculptural form
A serene, focused environment that celebrates craftsmanship, discipline, and material sensitivity

illuminated clay: ceramic lighting structure
2025-07-23 09:00 - 2025-07-24 18:00 | Cer Amour
We’re thrilled to welcome Tamara Al Issa from Toronto for an intensive workshop in ceramic lighting design. Renowned for her illuminated sculptural works, Tamara will lead participants through a technical and creative exploration of ceramics as a medium for light. This hands-on program combines material experimentation, structural design, and functional integration, offering participants the opportunity to merge craftsmanship with lighting technology.
key learning objectives:An in-depth exploration of ceramic lighting design, including:
Advanced free-form design methodologies for illuminated objects
Structural and aesthetic development using coil and slab construction techniques
Integration of lighting components and fixture design principles
Surface refinement, detailing, and personalization for functional prototypes
what to expect:Participants will design and construct a bisque-fired ceramic lighting fixture, applying both sculptural and technical processes to achieve a functional and visually compelling piece.

architectural ceramics - hand-building monumental vessels
2025-07-25 09:00 - 2025-07-26 18:00 | Cer Amour
We’re thrilled to welcome Tamara Al Issa from Toronto for an intensive, hands-on workshop in architectural ceramics. Known for her monumental sculptural work, Tamara will guide participants through the technical and conceptual processes behind creating large-scale ceramic forms. This workshop offers a rare opportunity to develop advanced construction techniques and gain insight into the structural logic of complex ceramic assemblies.
key learning objectives:An immersive, process-driven exploration of large-scale ceramics, including:
Advanced hand-building methodologies for monumental forms
Structural integrity and internal support strategies
Precision in joining complex components
Final surface refinement and assembly of large works
what to expect:Participants will design and construct a bisque-fired monumental sculptural vessel, applying professional techniques in form building, stabilization, and finishing.

glazing techniques
2025-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Fabrica Design Platform, Dar Khawla Building, Chehade Street, Beirut, 0000 0000, United States
Hands on workshop where you’ll learn two essential glazing methods; dipping and pouring to achieve a unique surface finishes on your ceramic work.
key learning objectives:
what to expect:

sculpting color & form
2025-09-26 10:00 - 2025-09-27 17:00, 2025-09-29 10:00 - 2025-09-30 17:00 | Fabrica Design Platform, Dar Khawla Building, Chehade Street, Beirut, 0000 0000, United States
We’re beyond excited to welcome renowned ceramic artist Bianca Pintan, flying in all the way from Australia, for an exclusive two-day immersive workshop dedicated to exploring bold shapes, expressive color, and tactile surface design.
Known internationally for her distinctive sculptural language and fearless approach to form and finish, Bianca’s work celebrates movement, imperfection, and the beauty of raw material. This workshop offers participants a rare opportunity to learn directly from her and dive deep into her creative process — from the intuitive shaping of clay to her signature color and surfacing techniques.
key learning objectives:
An immersive exploration of Bianca’s sculptural philosophy and organic hand-building methods.
Developing an understanding of how shape, balance, and surface interact to create emotional and visual impact.
Practical insight into color theory, pigment mixing, and textural layering to achieve Bianca’s signature vibrancy.
what to expect:
Over two transformative days, participants will:
Hand-build a sculptural vase using Bianca’s signature organic techniques that celebrate fluidity and spontaneity.
Experiment with color and texture, learning Bianca’s process for mixing pigments, layering tones, carving, and surface refinement.
Gain personalized feedback and creative guidance throughout the making process.
Leave the workshop with a finished sculptural piece that reflects both Bianca’s influence and their own artistic expression.
This is a rare chance to slow down, experiment freely, and reconnect with the material in a space that celebrates intuition, creativity, and the joyful energy of clay. All materials and tools will be provided.

Bkerzay potter's fair
2025-09-27 10:00 - 2025-09-28 18:00 | Bkerzay, Chouf, Lebanon
We’re thrilled to take part in Bkerzay’s yearly Potters’ Fair, a vibrant celebration of clay, craftsmanship, and community — featuring over 50 talented potters from across Lebanon.
This much-anticipated event brings together makers, collectors, and pottery lovers in the heart of nature, offering a chance to explore beautiful, one-of-a-kind ceramic creations.
Our Fabrica Design Platform members will proudly showcase their personal collections alongside an inspiring lineup of Lebanese ceramic artists, including:
Imane Asmar, Tania Abdel Rahman, Wael Hadad, Micha Amyouni, Paval Riga, Kareen Abdel Nour, and Majdoline Hattoum.
Come discover, connect, and celebrate the incredible diversity of contemporary pottery in Lebanon. Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast, or simply curious, there’s something here for everyone.

live demo: building, carving & color secret
2025-09-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Fabrica Design Platform, Dar Khawla Building, Chehade Street, Beirut, 0000 0000, United States
Due to popular demand, we’re thrilled to announce that Bianca Pintan’s live demonstration will now take place on our rooftop studio terrace — a beautiful open-air setting where creativity meets the horizon.
This special session offers a front-row experience into Bianca’s artistic process and philosophy. Known for her bold sculptural language and luminous use of color, Bianca will be sharing the methods that have defined her practice and captivated collectors and designers around the world.
During the live demo, Bianca will be showcasing:
Handbuilding a large sculptural vase — revealing her intuitive process of shaping and composing organic forms.
Carving and refinement techniques — a detailed look at the custom tools, gestures, and movements she uses to achieve her fluid surfaces.
Her approach to pigments and color layering — uncovering how she mixes and applies tones to create depth, vibrancy, and visual harmony.
This rooftop demonstration is an invitation to witness the poetry of Bianca’s process — a rare opportunity to observe, learn, and be inspired by one of today’s most distinctive voices in contemporary ceramics.
Spaces are limited, so we encourage early registration to secure your spot for this unique event under the open sky.

advanced sculpture ceramic art
2025-10-06 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-13 12:00 - 15:00 | Fabrica Design Platform, Dar Khawla Building, Chehade Street, Beirut, 0000 0000, United States
Push the boundaries of clay as a sculptural medium in this advanced, hands-on course designed for artists seeking to explore form, texture, and scale.
Participants will experiment with a range of construction methods and complex joining techniques while developing works that move fluidly between abstraction and figuration. Through guided exploration, you’ll learn how to translate ideas into expressive sculptural compositions that challenge balance, proportion, and material limits.
The course also delves into surface development, exploring carving, layering, and finishing techniques that enhance form and gesture. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual thinking, allowing each participant to cultivate a personal language in clay that reflects both technical mastery and artistic vision.
All tools are provided. Some prior experience with hand-building or sculpture is recommended.
key learning objectives:
Explore the expressive potential of clay as a sculptural medium beyond functional form.
Learn advanced construction and joining techniques for complex structures.
Develop a deeper understanding of balance, proportion, and composition in three-dimensional design.
Experiment with surface treatments — carving, layering, and textural development — to enhance form and movement.
Strengthen conceptual and critical thinking, translating personal ideas into sculptural outcomes.
Refine craftsmanship and structural stability for larger-scale pieces.
what to expect:A process-driven and exploratory course combining technical development with creative experimentation. Each session will include demonstrations, guided exercises, and open studio practice. Participants will begin with small-scale studies to test form and balance before advancing toward one or more finalized sculptural pieces that integrate the learned techniques.
Expect a collaborative and reflective studio environment with individual feedback, group discussions, and opportunities to present and critique work. By the end of the course, participants will have developed both a refined technical foundation and a stronger personal sculptural identity in clay.

handbuilding & glazing techniques
2025-10-07 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-07 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-08 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-10 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-14 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-14 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Fabrica Design Platform, Dar Khawla Building, Chehade Street, Beirut, 0000 0000, United States
Learn handbuilding methods — including pinching, coiling, and slab construction — to create functional and sculptural ceramic pieces. This class invites participants to explore the full creative potential of clay through intuitive form-making, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a focus on personal expression. Once your pieces are built, you’ll discover a range of glazing techniques that bring depth, color, and texture to your work. From layering glazes and experimenting with surface treatments to achieving unique visual effects, you’ll learn how finishing transforms form into expression.
key learning objectives:
Learn foundational handbuilding techniques — pinching, coiling, and slab work — to create vessels and sculptural forms.
Understand how to combine forms and textures to achieve balance, proportion, and structural integrity.
Explore surface decoration methods, including carving, slip application, and underglaze painting.
Develop a strong understanding of glazing principles, color layering, and surface experimentation.
Cultivate a personal creative approach that bridges technique with artistic expression.
what to expect:A hands-on, exploratory course designed to expand your confidence and creativity with clay. Each session begins with guided demonstrations, followed by ample studio time for individual practice. Participants will create a small collection of handbuilt works — from functional pieces to expressive sculptural forms — and complete them with their own glaze and surface designs.
Throughout the course, you’ll receive personalized feedback and technical guidance to refine your skills and bring your artistic vision to life.Studio glazes and tools are provided. No prior experience is required — just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

beginners' sculpture ceramic art
2025-10-08 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-15 12:00 - 15:00 | Fabrica Design Platform, Dar Khawla Building, Chehade Street, Beirut, 0000 0000, United States
Experiment with clay as a sculptural medium in this hands-on introductory course designed for beginners eager to explore form, texture, and creative expression.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of handbuilding and construction methods, discovering how clay can be shaped into expressive forms that range from abstract compositions to simple figurative pieces. Through guided demonstrations and individual practice, you’ll develop confidence in manipulating the material while learning how to balance structure, proportion, and surface.
The course also introduces essential surface development techniques, including carving, texturing, and simple finishing approaches that bring each piece to life. With a focus on exploration and play, this class encourages personal expression and creative growth through clay.
All tools are provided. No prior experience is required.
Key Learning Objectives:
Discover clay as a sculptural and expressive medium.
Learn core handbuilding methods such as pinching, coiling, and slab construction.
Understand basic principles of form, proportion, and stability in sculpture.
Explore surface treatments like carving, stamping, and textural layering.
Gain confidence in developing both abstract and representational forms.
Build creative thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on experimentation.
what to expect:An engaging and supportive studio environment where beginners can freely explore the possibilities of clay. Each session includes live demonstrations, guided practice, and open studio time for personal experimentation. Participants will create a small body of sculptural work that reflects their growing understanding of form and material.
Expect a balance of structure and creativity — with individual feedback, group discussions, and plenty of time to explore your own artistic direction. By the end of the course, you’ll walk away with a solid foundation in sculptural ceramics and the confidence to continue developing your creative practice.

ceramics for kids
2025-10-08 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Fabrica Design Platform, Dar Khawla Building, Chehade Street, Beirut, 0000 0000, United States
Playful, creative sessions that introduce children to the wonderful world of clay through fun, hands-on projects. Each class encourages kids to explore their imagination, develop fine motor skills, and experience the joy of shaping, building, and decorating their own ceramic creations. Through storytelling, experimentation, and guided making, children learn how to bring their ideas to life while developing focus, coordination, and confidence — all in a nurturing, inspiring environment.
All tools are provided. No experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy!
key learning objectives:
Discover clay as a fun and expressive material for creative play.
Learn basic handbuilding techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab forming.
Develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Practice observation and imagination, transforming ideas into 3D forms.
Explore surface decoration, painting, and simple glazing methods.
Build teamwork, patience, and confidence through group activities and shared projects.
what to expect:A lively and engaging series of sessions where every child becomes an artist! Each class begins with a short creative warm-up or theme — from animals and nature to imaginary worlds — followed by guided clay activities. Children will create a variety of playful pieces, from small sculptures to colorful functional objects.
Pieces will be dried, fired, and glazed, ready for kids to take home and treasure. The atmosphere is relaxed, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and discovery at every step.

ceramic painting & illustration techniques
2025-10-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Fabrica Design Platform, Dar Khawla Building, Chehade Street, Beirut, 0000 0000, United States
Transform ceramics into storytelling surfaces in this creative, hands-on class that merges art, illustration, and functionality. Participants will learn how to treat clay as a canvas — exploring underglaze painting, surface design, and decorative composition to create expressive, personalized pieces. Guided by demonstrations and individual feedback, you’ll discover how color, line, and texture can bring narrative and emotion to your work. Whether your inspiration comes from nature, memory, or abstract expression, this class invites you to explore storytelling through the language of surface.
All tools are provided. Open to all levels.
key learning objectives:
Understand the fundamentals of underglaze painting and color layering on ceramic surfaces.
Learn drawing, illustration, and composition techniques adapted for clay.
Explore surface treatments, from linework and pattern to painterly effects.
Develop a personal narrative or theme expressed through visual design.
Gain control of the relationship between form, color, and glaze finish.
Create finished, functional or decorative ceramic pieces that tell a story.
what to expect:A dynamic and expressive studio experience where each participant creates a collection of handbuilt or wheel-thrown pieces decorated with original designs. Sessions include guided exercises in sketching, color testing, and surface application, followed by individual work time to refine your ideas.
Expect a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere where creativity and experimentation are encouraged. By the end of the course, you’ll have developed both technical painting skills and a unique visual language on clay — transforming your pieces into works of art that blend story, color, and form.

ceramics for teens
2025-10-09 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-10-11 11:30 - 13:00 | Fabrica Design Platform, Dar Khawla Building, Chehade Street, Beirut, 0000 0000, United States
Playful, creative sessions that introduce teens to the wonderful world of clay through fun, hands-on projects. Each class encourages kids to explore their imagination, develop fine motor skills, and experience the joy of shaping, building, and decorating their own ceramic creations. Through storytelling, experimentation, and guided making, children learn how to bring their ideas to life while developing focus, coordination, and confidence — all in a nurturing, inspiring environment.
All tools are provided. No experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy!
key learning objectives:
Discover clay as a fun and expressive material for creative play.
Learn basic handbuilding techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab forming.
Develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Practice observation and imagination, transforming ideas into 3D forms.
Explore surface decoration, painting, and simple glazing methods.
Build teamwork, patience, and confidence through group activities and shared projects.
what to expect:A lively and engaging series of sessions where every child becomes an artist! Each class begins with a short creative warm-up or theme — from animals and nature to imaginary worlds — followed by guided clay activities. Children will create a variety of playful pieces, from small sculptures to colorful functional objects.
Pieces will be dried, fired, and glazed, ready for kids to take home and treasure. The atmosphere is relaxed, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and discovery at every step.

Tanagra figurines - celebrating the international day of friends of museums
2025-10-12 11:00 - 12:30 | AUB
Creativity meets history at the AUB Archaeological Museum!
Join us for a special children’s workshop where young participants will step back in time and create their very own Tanagra figurine — inspired by the ancient terracotta figures once crafted to celebrate beauty, movement, and daily life.
In this hands-on clay workshop, children will:
Learn how to shape a simple block of clay into a graceful standing figure.
Add expressive details and accessories that tell a story.
Explore carving and modeling techniques that bring their sculpture to life.
Guided by our instructors, this session combines creativity, history, and play — offering an enriching artistic experience within the museum’s inspiring setting.
All materials and tools are provided, and each participant will take home their finished clay figurine as a personal keepsake of their journey through art and archaeology.

technical ceramics for kids
2025-10-15 16:00 - 18:00 | Fabrica Design Platform, Dar Khawla Building, Chehade Street, Beirut, 0000 0000, United States
12-week technical handbuilding ceramics class plan for kids, designed to progressively teach a new handbuilding technique each week. Each session is 2 hours long, and the goal is for each child to learn and apply one core technique per session while completing a themed object. At the end of each session, they receive a “Technique Badge” checkmark toward their overall progress.
program goals
Develop core ceramic handbuilding techniques.
Encourage creativity through themed projects.
Build fine motor skills, patience, and confidence.
Progressively develop from simple to complex forms.
course breakdown — techniques by session
session 1: Pinchingsession 2: Coilingsession 3: Soft Slab Constructionsession 4: Hard Slab Constructionsession 5: Scoring & Slippingsession 6: Additive Sculptingsession 7: Subtractive Carvingsession 8: Hollowing Solid Formssession 9: Balance & Compositionsession 10: Handle & Attachmentsession 11: Glaze & Underglaze Techniquessession 12: Integration of All Skills
additional elements:
Each week includes a brief demo, followed by hands-on work and sketching before forming.
All kids need to get an exploratory sketchbooks for ideation.
Offer 10–15 minutes of group reflection at the end of each class to build artistic vocabulary and peer learning.
