Discover the Art of Ceramic Instrument Making
Join us for an in-person workshop where you'll learn to handcraft your own ceramic instrument using ancestral techniques rooted in Mesoamerican traditions. Guided by artist and musician Vianney López, this immersive experience blends earth, sound, and creativity—no prior clay or music experience needed. Held in her personal studio sanctuary in Philadelphia, this intimate gathering weaves ancestral knowledge and expansion of creativity to further explore our visions. The journey culminates in the creation of a one-of-a-kind instrument and a deepened connection to the sacred artistry of sound.
Workshop Offerings
𖠷 Grandmother Ocarina & Bird Whistle
A grounding and deeply resonant vessel, the Grandmother Ocarina carries ancestral tones and earth-rooted presence. In this workshop, you’ll shape a larger-bodied ocarina designed for low, powerful notes and sacred ceremony. Adding symbols, aspects of nature or objects as you envision with the abuelas. Alongside it, you’ll craft a small bird-shaped ocarina, a high-voiced companion that carries lightness, song, and spirit. Together, they embody both the expressions of your creative prayer.
𖠷 Art of Flutes
Create a traditional clay flute with soft, breath-born tones. This workshop focuses on forming and tuning melodic instruments that invite stillness, prayer, and personal song. You’ll craft a variety of flutes—each unique in tone and form—and have the opportunity to add sculptural elements that reflect your own symbolic language, animal spirit, or ancestral connection.
𖠷 Open Sculptured Instrument
Merge sculpture and sound as you design an ocarina/flute that’s also a visual art piece. You’ll explore creative forms — from animals to symbols — while learning how to integrate voice and shape into one harmonious expression.
✦ What’s Included in the 2-Day Workshops:
– All Materials Provided
Clay, sculpting tools, carving tools, and supplies for building and tuning your instrument.
– Hands-On Instruction & Live Demonstrations
Step-by-step guidance on forming, shaping, and tuning your instrument, with live demos and one-on-one support.
– Crafting Your Own Sound Channel Stick
You’ll create a personal tuning tool to help carve and refine the inner air passage (or “voice”) of your instrument.
– Ancestral Techniques & Instrument Anatomy
Learn the foundations of clay instruments through an ancestral lens—covering airflow, tone chambers, and breathway design.
– Musical Note Guidance & Sound Mapping
Explore how to shape your instrument’s voice using a pentatonic or diatonic scale. You’ll learn how to place and tune finger holes, test for tone, and chart your instrument’s note range using tuning tools and listening practices.
– Creative Expression & Sculptural Play
Design your piece with personal symbols, textures, and forms—blending function and artistic expression.
– Small Group Environment
Enjoy an intimate setting for personal guidance, questions, and connection with fellow makers.
– Firing Instructions for Home Completion
You’ll receive detailed instructions for safely firing your piece at a local pottery studio after the workshop.
– Nourishing Meals Provided
Begin each day with a fresh, locally prepared breakfast and enjoy thoughtfully made lunches—crafted by a nearby kitchen to keep you energized and fully present in your creative flow.
– Tea, Snacks & Grounding Atmosphere
Nourishing snacks and breaks throughout the day to help you stay centered and inspired.
Each 4 Day Workshop is $550 USD
Add ons: $30 firing plus shipping (this is per person)
Local pick up instead of shipping is also an option.
it will be two weeks for creations to fully dry to be fired & shipped. Making sure they are 110% dry is the most important to prevent cracks or explosions in kiln.
Monthly Payments Available
Monthly payment installments are available for this offering. If you're interested in setting up a payment plan, please reach out to me directly at info@vianneylopez.com
Included in Workshops
4 Day Workshops of 2026
Workshops will take place at the Arts of Origin Studio in Philadelphia, PA
Application to Join Workshops Below
April 16 - 19
Grandmother Ocarina & Bird Whistle
April 23 - 26
Art of Flutes
May 14 - 17
Art of Flutes
May 18 - 21
Open Sculptured Instruments
August 13 - 16
Grandmother Ocarina & Bird Whistle
August 20 - 23
Art of Flutes
FAQ
-
No experience is needed! These workshops are open to all levels, from beginners to experienced artists and musicians. Each step will be guided with care.
-
We recommend booking your stay at Yowie Hotel, as it offers comfort and easy traveling to our workshop studio.
The drive from Yowie Hotel to the to the workshop studio is about 7–11 minutes in light traffic, or up to 13 minutes during busy times.
For those staying at Yowie, we’re happy to help organize a group shuttle to and from the workshop space each day. Once you’ve booked your room, let us know and we’ll coordinate transportation with other travelers.
Other Options:
Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City Hotel
or
Sharing an Airbnb :connecting with others in the group who are traveling and finding an airbnb to stay and sharing transportation together to get dropped off/pick up at the studio
Many different creative possibilities!
-
Yes, you’re welcome to attend multiple workshops if you feel called to deepen your practice or explore different forms. Each workshop will offer its own flow, creative possibilities, and teachings — so returning participants are always welcome.
-
In my private artist studio in Philadelphia, PA.
-
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own tools if you have favorites! We’ll also provide a full set of standard classroom tools, so it’s not required.
-
Yes! Register by the end of October to receive $50 off your workshop with code EARLYBIRD50.
-
Firing is not included in the workshop. We encourage you to find a local pottery studio or community kiln in your area that can assist with firing your piece after the workshop. We’ll provide guidance on firing temperatures and best practices.
However, I do offer an optional add-on: $30 per person for firing, plus shipping. This helps cover kiln time and the careful packing required to return your creations to you safely.
If you’re local and prefer not to pay for shipping, a studio pick-up option is available.
Please note: Clay pieces must fully dry before firing — usually 1.5 to 2 weeks — to help prevent cracks or explosions in the kiln.
-
Participation in the 4 days is essential, as each session builds upon the last. We recommend joining only if you’re able to attend the full 2 day workshop.
-
At the city location, there is free parking available in the surrounding areas, though it may take some time to find a spot. I recommend arriving early to give yourself time to park. You can also use the free app SpotAngels to help locate free or paid parking nearby.
Cancellation Policy
60 days out: 50% of the total payment can be refunded.
60 days before: Payment is non-refundable.
Payment can be transferred to a future Workshop
