Riga Porcelain Museum to host “Varones” porcelain decoration workshop in November

The Riga Porcelain Museum will host a themed creative workshop called “Varones” (Heroines) in November, dedicated to the anniversary of the founding of the Latvian state. The museum runs porcelain decoration workshops every month, and alongside its standard offering it organises a special themed session each month.

In the standard workshops, visitors can paint porcelain dishes, make porcelain decorations and try other porcelain-related techniques.

Workshop theme

Participants will be encouraged to think about how to express artistically the ideas of Latvia’s founding and independence, and to honour people who have contributed to the development of the state and society at different times. Particular attention will go to the varied image of women in Latvian history – in politics and culture, in emergencies and in everyday life – and to their contribution to the general well-being of society. The workshop will also draw attention to less visible contributions, such as the dishes and decorations created by women artists working in the porcelain industry.

The decal technique

Participants are offered the decal technique. A decal is a carrier material treated with ceramic paints, a kind of “peel-off picture”. Different shapes can be cut from decal sheets and used singly or combined into a collage to create a simpler or more complex composition. After the item is fired in a ceramic kiln, the decal melts into the porcelain glaze and becomes a durable decoration that is safe for everyday use. Ready-made themed decals are also available.

Participation and registration

The fee is EUR 6.70–19.10, depending on the value of the chosen item. It includes a dish of the participant’s choice, decorating materials, a consultation with a museum educator and firing in the kiln. Finished items can be collected at the museum within a few weeks. Visitors aged 7 to 97 are welcome, individually or in groups of up to 12. The event is accessible to people with functional impairments, including wheelchair users.

The workshop is led by museum educators and artists Vita Lukstiņa and Astra Ratkeviča. In November it runs Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00–18:00. Advance registration is mandatory by phone at +371 26406354, Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00–17:30. The standard offering can be found at www.porcelanamuzejs.riga.lv under “Pakalpojumi” (Services).