workshop and Demo with John Domenico

August 28 – 29, 2026 | $350
Artist John Domenico will lead a two-day, hands-on experience in which participants will be able to repair their own objects using Western Kintsugi methods. John is an expert at repairing ceramic objects with gold, but has altered the methodology to fit his western environment and resources, thus the name Western Kintsugi.

New to this year’s workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn how real Urushi Lacquer is used in Kintsugi through John's demonstration. Due to volatility and allergens, students will not be able to work with Urushi during the workshop. However, participants will be given information on how they can order Urushi on their own.

Participants will learn about traditional Kintsugi methodology and philosophy. John will also demonstrate how he creates his own tea ware and how historic ceramic influences have led to the work he makes today. John and the Soldner Center share the belief that it is essential to appreciate and honor the history of the techniques we practice, especially those as culturally significant as Kintsugi and Tea. 

Participants are encouraged to bring their own item to repair, but will also have the opportunity to practice on provided broken pieces. Each attendee will receive their own Western Kintsugi Kit including all the items needed to execute their own repairs.

John Domenico is a ceramic artist based in Denver Colorado.   He has exhibited work nationally, is founder of the nonprofit La Serra Collective. John built and operates the Denver Anagama, a resource of La Serra, and one of the larger wood-fired ceramic kilns in the country.
John is also a professional winemaker at Balistreri Vineyards, a nationally awarded natural winery on the same property and working in symbiosis with La Serra.
While his art practice is focused on large scale sculpture, he has always maintained a small pottery practice and his Kintsugi work can be found in the book Kintsugi: The Poetic Mend by Bonnie Kempski.
John attended Arizona State University where he double majored in Material Science Engineering and Ceramic Fine Arts and completed his MFA at Pennsylvania State University. During his years in academia John noticed the large culturally perceived distance between the sciences and the arts which was symptomatic of a larger issue in the ways art exists in American culture. These experiences planted the seeds for La Serra - a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the way art is culturally defined and experienced. La Serra stands for the belief that art moves culture and offers an expanded more engaging idea of art as an idea that can change the world.

Traditional Kintsugi is the Japanese art form of repairing broken ceramic objects with gold, highlighting the repair. It originated in the late 15th century in Japan closely related to Japanese tea ceremony, and in recent years has been gaining increased attention and popularity in the United States. Of equal intrigue especially in the ceramic community is the Tea Bowl. John shares, “The philosophies that Kintsugi is rooted in are overlapping and intertwined with those of Tea. Rooted in mindfulness and respect, they have much to offer today's culture.”

workshop details

August 28 — 29, 2026 | 10am - 5pm

Maximum Number of Participants: 12

Cost: $350.00 

What to Bring: Participants are encouraged to bring their own ceramic item to repair.
Most activity will be outside in the Soldner Center kiln yard area. Wear comfortable clothing for the season and appropriate shoes for being outdoors.

Lunch: Included for each day along with snacks and drinks

Kintsugi Kits Include: Mica based gold powder, Aluminum based gold powder, Lacquer, PC-11 Epoxy, Fine Paintbrush, Diamond Dremel Bit, N95 Mask, & Safety Glasses.

Optional Kit Add-On: The opportunity to add .5g of 24K gold to the kit of supplies will be offered to participants approximately a month ahead of the workshop due to the fluctuating price of gold.

REGISTER

SCHOLARSHIPS
A limited number of full and partial tuition scholarships are available If interested, please submit a request HERE prior to registering for this event.

ENROLLMENT POLICY
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will only be confirmed for an event upon completed online registration and receipt of tuition payment in full. We cannot guarantee placement in an event until payment is received.

CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel a registration and receive a refund, you must notify the SC at least 14 days before the start date of the event. We will refund your payment minus a 10% cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 14 days before the start date of an event. In the event that the Soldner Center is forced to cancel a class, a full refund will be issued.