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24 - 30 NOVEMBER, 2025

VESSEL RETREATS & THEASTER GATES

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PANAMA

TRADITIONS THAT SHAPE US

WE INVITE YOU TO OUR FIRST COLLABORATIVE POTTERY RETREAT

A 7-day island immersion into embodied creativity - grounded in clay, the hand and the act of making.

Sponsored by Theaster Gates and The Experimental Design Lab, artist, sculptor and alchemist of materials that carry memory. This experience honours the old ways of knowing from a contemporary lens: through clay, process and the wisdom in your hands.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Intersection of nature and creativity

Wild clay

Collective making

Guidance workshops from Freya Bramble-Carter and Theaster Gates

The practice of shaping, forming - not to take home but to be part of something bigger

Moments of solitude

Moments of stillness

Moments of sound

Movement & dance

Unexpected performance

You may listen to the clay

You may do nothing but feel

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 7 days stay at Selva Terra Private Island Resort

  • Round trip airport transfers from David Airport to Selva Terra Island Resort

  • All-inclusive fresh and healthy meals: breakfast, lunch and 3-course gourmet dinner

  • Selected wines and beers

  • Daily pottery workshops: wheel throwing, sculpture and handbuilding. Plus, open studio per day

  • Daily yoga overlooking the ocean 

  • Howler monkey hike: The Lookout and Plantation tour

  • Kayaking/SUP mangrove tour

  • Surfing on our private break

  • x1 60 minute complimentary massage

  • Use of facilities including kayaks, paddleboards and surfboards

  • Use of clay and workshop materials

MEET YOUR HOSTS

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THEASTER GATES

Artist. Maker. Archivist 

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FREYA BRAMBLE-CARTER

Artist. Ceramicist. Teacher.

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GEMMA BELL

Host.

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LOCATION: SELVA TERRA - A PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT IN PANAMA

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Selva Terra is a location like no other. What makes Selva Terra stand out apart from being on a private island, are the facilities and excursions available that cater to all tastes. There is truly something for everyone, from the most adventurous souls to those just simply seeking relaxation and bliss.

During your stay, you will have access to the resorts’ secluded and private beaches, two pools, spa, hiking trails, magical mangroves, surf break and complementary use of surfboards, kayaks and paddleboards. Not only will you be learning or enhancing your pottery skills, but you will get to enjoy some quality relaxation time or get involved in as many island adventures as you desire! 

Getting there: 

Fom Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to David Enrique Malek Airport (DAV).  Copa Airlines offers daily flights between PTY and DAV. Selva Terra is only 1 hour away including a short boat ride from David Airport - transfers are included.

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CASITAS

Retreat in privacy at the beachfront or Pacific ocean
facing casitas surrounded by landscaped gardens.
Every casita has its own bathroom, deck with ocean
views and coffee machine. 

£500 deposit is required upfront to secure your spot with the balance due 30 days prior to the retreat start date. Payment instalments available upon request.


This is an intimate experience with limited space only 4 rooms remain.


Single occupancy with private bathroom: £2,950

Shared/double occupancy with private bathroom: £2,500

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TYPICAL DAY

  • 08:00 - 09:15 Sunrise Yoga 

Greet the day with breath and movement whilst you stretch into the morning light

  • 09:30 -  Breakfast  ​

Fuel up with fresh, nourishing food with tropical fruits and island favourites

  • 10:30 - Pottery workshop

Hands in clay. Guided exploration. Sometimes quiet, sometimes playful. We’ll sculpt, build and experiment together ​

  • 13:30 Pottery studio – with lunch break  

Eat, rest, swim or wander through the jungle

  • 17:00 Chill time, massages

Unwind your body. Lie under a tree. Let the island hold you
 

  • 19:45 Dinner ​​and Evening Circle

A communal table. Local flavours. Slow dining, shared stories. Could be music. Could be silence. Could be something in between. A moment to connect, reflect or celebrate

 

*Subject to change

​Would you like more info or to find out if this retreat is for you or have some questions you'd like to ask... Book a free call below :

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Room selection
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