Program Information

Programs / Residency Applications / Notifications / Workshops / Opportunities

woman using pottery wheel

Program

Why exchange?? Exchange is the central theme. Exchange in conversation, learning process, exchange with another culture, and the internal exchange that happens as we develop our artwork. This is an opportunity to work with other artists, exchange ideas, develop new relationships, network, have new influences, experiment, and explore other aspects of creativity and ideas. For a group experience, there is the opportunity for creating memories, sharing inspirations, and the development of relationships.

The program is flexible,1 week to 3 months, with preference, and price-break, for longer stays. Groups are encouraged. The studio is fully equipped with 1 large high-fire electric kiln, wheels, tables, tools, underglazes, glaze making materials and a clear glaze. Other arts are accommodated, as there is space for painting, drawing, sculpture or other media. We can create a space for exhibition as work develops. Four clays are available to purchase prior to arrival, and all subsequent visits to suppliers can be arranged. All artists have available assistance in any area they need. Artists are free to work at their leisure.

Private lessons and individually designed courses are available for an additional charge. Clay is sold separately.

Application Process

Residency Application

See Contact Page to send your message or questions! Contact

Residencies of 1 week to 3 months are available. There is a price break for the 2 and 3 Month Residency. For ceramic residency a 3 week residency is suggested as a minimum to complete work to be able to ship.

For all Residencies, please send the following:

  • A brief statement of intention
  • Resume/ CV
  • 4-6 images or website
  • Requested dates

Group - If applying as a group: brief statement of request/intention, with members names, 4 images or website and Requested dates

Weekly residency: Send me your request or idea and requested dates

There is a price break for the 2 and 3 Month Residency

Structured Program Private lessons:

The structured program is available to all levels of ceramic students. The prices are for an individually designed structure practice for 2 weeks, which has the possibility of expanding to 4 weeks. Included is the use of the studio to practice. Clay is purchased separately.

  • 2-week Beginner’s course
  • 2-week course for intermediate and advanced
  • Month long program available
Notification:
  • Deposit fee required within 10 days of acceptance notification. Refunded within 5 days of departure or applied to firing fees
  • Monthly fee required 1 month in advance of start-date
  • Weekly residency fee due prior to start date as scheduled
  • 2-3 Month Residency - Monthly payments will start upon arrival to the studio, for the consecutive months.
  • Refunds available 2 weeks prior to start date with a 20% fee for Residencies ONLY

I am so lucky to have Lauren so close to me. As a beginner, it was such a gift to learn from Lauren's 40+ years in the industry. Right away, I felt Lauren's skills as a teacher - super patient, knowledgeable, and kind. The environment nurtured my creativity and I progressed significantly in the month I was with her. The studio is lovely - lots of natural light, well laid out, and clean. I already look forward to doing another intensive or workshop with her. Highly, highly recommended.

Ivonne Sanchez

Nice, France

Since my arrival here in Saint Raphael my eyes and heart have been alive with the color, architecture and life around me. Riding my bike and wandering on foot has provided me with the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the red rocks, aqua water and calm culture through my camera lens. Each day I have brought the spirit of this beautiful place back to the studio and through drawing, sculpting and throwing on the wheel, clay has retold the story of my experience here. It is not often I am able to be quiet, but I have found that the IaRex l'Atelier, with its beautiful views and peaceful vibe is an ultimate haven for creating in nurtured solace. Best of all I am leaving with not only new work particular to this place, but a new friendship with Lauren, a valued contributor to the ceramics community. Her welcoming presence and knowledgeable command of the arts is a perfect balance to lead you through your stay here.

Shanna Fliegel

I spent five weeks taking ceramics classes at IaRex l'Atelier and had the most amazing time! Lauren is a natural teacher - she was quickly able to gauge my skill level coming in and tailor my classes to what would help me improve most. With her guidance over a few weeks I learned how to keep pieces centered; pull walls with uniform thickness; make pieces with a specific form in mind; throw large bowls, vases, rounded forms, and jars with lids; paint with underglazes; recycle clay; organize a studio; and so much more. Lauren was encouraging as I learned new skills, and helped me gain a more general appreciation for the art form. Outside of classes, she always made sure that I was doing okay with living abroad for the first time and offered her help wherever she could. Most importantly, it was wonderful to have her company during my time there and I learned many life lessons from her that extended beyond ceramics.

The studio is a beautiful place to create - it has lots of sunlight, is well supplied with tools, and is kept very organized and clean. Saint Raphael was also a nice place to stay with the beach just a few minutes away and boulangeries all around. It was really easy to take the train up and down the coast to Nice and Marseilles, and there were even direct lines to Paris and Lyon.

I loved my first month at the studio so much that I came back again for a second set of classes, and know that as soon as I find the time in my schedule I would like to go back again. I would highly recommend the program to anyone looking to either improve their ceramic skills or to create with dedicated time and space in a beautiful part of the world.

Iman Wahle

In the midst of a beautiful cross-breeze, we made things out of Spanish black clay on the wheel and by hand. It just a short time, Lauren’s studio and its surrounding town charmed its way into our hearts and for sure, we will be back for another stay.

Anna Giocondo

The ceramic studio from laRex Atelier is well equipped and has lots of space. It is the perfect place to explore new ideas and create new works. With the great support of Lauren Kearns, the host, I had a good time working and learning new things about ceramic materials. Whatever you need, she will help you with it. St. Raphael is also perfect to explore the surrounding area and get impressions of the easy French feeling in cote Azur. I hope to come back soon to this inspiring place.

Rahel Zweig

Artists/Instructors

woman shaping clay with hands

Bring a group of students to exchange, experience, learn and discover! The programming for IaRex l’Atelier is flexible. The space is open to workshop proposals.

Time: 3-day workshops to 1 month

I have a formula for 3 options available of creating workshop fees. Send me an email for more information about how to price your workshop!

Applications:

Send a Proposal with the following information:

  • Course Title and description
  • Requested dates
  • Fee requirement
  • Materials required

Use the Contact Page, or send an email to iare.kearns@gmail.com

Workshop Information

  • All fees for all workshops are due 2 months prior to the workshop start date. A deposit of 300€ is required at the time of sign up
  • Monthly payments are accepted for Workshops only
  • When you come to the IaRex l’Atelier for a workshop, you are welcomed to stay for 1 extra week for a reduced price of 125€ a week
  • Refunds available for workshop, minus a 20% fee, 2 months prior to workshop start date.

Reservation Confirmation

  • When the workshop is full you will be notified. Please wait until the confirmation email and phone call to buy tickets or reserve accommodations.
  • Included in workshops: Materials and firing. Weekday lunches are optional.

Additional Opportunities

In addition, the following 2.5-hour sessions

  • Birthday Party
  • Team Building Experience
  • Working with clay
  • Learn to Draw
  • Private Lessons
  • Wheel
  • Private Course development