Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Feb 9-19, 2027
Ten Day Pottery Retreat in Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Presented in collaboration with The Pottery Garden
Dates: February 9-19, 2027
Format: 10 day stay with 8 working studio days, workshops and artist presentations & closing exhibition
Location: The Pottery Garden, Josiah's Bay, British Virgin Islands
Cost: $4168-$5406 (not including airfare)
Info Session: Tuesday, June 16 at 7 PM on Zoom. Register below:
Join us in February 2027 for a 10-day ceramics retreat in beautiful Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
Set against the backdrop of turquoise waters, lush hillsides, and quiet beaches, this unique experience invites you to work and learn at The Pottery Garden with local artist, educator, and guide Karl Burnett. Hosted in collaboration with Alison Brannen—who first connected with Karl during a sailing trip six years ago—this retreat blends making, cultural exchange, and exploration in a truly special setting.
You’ll spend your days in the studio and your evenings soaking in the rhythms of island life—with opportunities to connect, learn, and share your work with the local community.
What’s included:
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10-day stay in Cane Garden Bay, steps from a swimmable beach, restaurants, and sunset views
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Daily transportation to and from the studio
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8 studio days, including 1–2 electric kiln firings
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Artist-led workshops and presentations, including:
• Throwing with Karl Burnett
• Saggar Firing with Alison Brannen
• Sculpture with Catharina Goldnau
• Plus a special guest workshop (to be announced) -
Island tour + free day to explore
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A concluding exhibition of participant work in Road Town, with official local recognition
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Opportunities to experience authentic Tortolan culture and cuisine
Travel & Accommodation:
Accommodation options range from $4168–$5406 CAD, depending on your preference (shared villa or hotel). All accommodations include access to kitchen facilities.
Columbus Sunset Vacation Apartments
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Private bed in 2 bedroom w/kitchenette: CA $4168
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Shared 1 bedroom (private bed/shared room): CA $4003
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Private bed in shared Villa (Sunset house) based on 4 pp occupancy: CA $4168
Double Room, double occupancy, 2 single beds CA $5406
Shared double bed options are available for those looking to reduce costs. Contact fusion@clayandglass.on.ca to make arrangements.
Airfare to be arranged individually with recommended travel agent. Cost estimate: $1500.
Optional add-on:
Extend your stay and explore more of the Caribbean—boat charters and additional travel can be arranged independently with support from our travel agent.
Learn more:
Join us for an info session on TBD (Zoom).
About Karl Burnett &
The Pottery Garden
Karl Burnett was born and raised in Tortola and was formally introduced to pottery at the BVI High School in 2002, where he immediately fell in love with clay. After graduating, he convinced his family to purchase him an electric kiln and a pottery wheel, both of which he still uses today. Through years of practice, research, and experimentation, he taught himself wheel throwing and glaze-making from raw and local materials, and continues to share his passion through The Pottery Garden. After years of working in other fields, Karl began selling pottery from his pickup truck in 2013, which led to the vision for a dedicated studio. The Pottery Garden began development in 2014. Despite major setbacks from Hurricane Irma, the space was rebuilt and officially opened in, 2019. Today, The Pottery Garden includes a working studio, a large outdoor wood-fired kiln, a retail gallery, and a lush garden of fruit trees and plants.
