Sun, May 30
|Sicily Artist Retreats
The Sirens' Song: Sicily 2027 — Kirsten Stingle Sculpture Retreat
Study with internationally exhibited narrative sculptor Kirsten Stingle in western Sicily, where ancient myth, Mediterranean light, and the language of clay come together. You are invited to explore gesture, expression, story, and mixed media in this immersive sculpture retreat.
Time & Location
May 30, 2027, 9:00 AM – Jun 06, 2027, 9:00 AM
Sicily Artist Retreats, Marsala, Sicily
About the event
Workshop Overview
"Come here quickly, glorious Odysseus, great pride of the Achaeans; stop the ship so you can hear our voice. No one ever leaves here in his black ship, if first he does not hear the voice from our lips, sound of honey; then he sets off again full of joy, knowing more things.” — Temptation of the Sirens from Book XII, The Odyssey
The Sirens are a powerful presence in the mythic imagination of Sicily and the surrounding Mediterranean: bird-like women in Greek mythology said to have hidden among the rocks, luring sailors toward destruction through their enchanting song. Should a sailor pass safely by, he would gain untold knowledge, truth, and wisdom. But if he surrendered to the Sirens’ music, he was doomed. Odysseus escapes by tying himself to the mast of his ship while his crew blocks their ears with wax.
Like many female figures in myth, the Sirens’ voice — an instrument of agency, truth, and prophecy — was treated as dangerous. Their honesty was seen as harmful; their power had to be resisted, silenced, or survived. As narrative sculptors, we have the opportunity to reimagine these figures and celebrate their song. What truths would contemporary Sirens belt out today? What arias of prophetic wisdom might they have to share with us?
About Kristen Stingle Workshop in Sicily Artist Retreats
In this workshop, you will explore the narrative possibilities of present-day Sirens and give them form. Kirsten will lead the class in hand-building a sculpted head with an open mouth — singing, calling, warning, or raging. Wings will also become an important element of the work. In some myths, the Sirens were given wings by Demeter to help search for her daughter, Persephone; in others, the Muses wore the Sirens’ wings as a crown. Feathered wings suggest flight, freedom, transformation, and perspective. To honor this important part of their story, Kirsten will guide students in creating ceramic feathers or other decorative elements that deepen and advance the narrative of each piece.
About Kirsten Stingle
Kirsten Stingle is a narrative sculptor whose work creates entire worlds of imagination. Her sculptures are rooted in hand-built porcelain figures, with special attention to gesture, expression, and the emotional language of the human form. She combines ceramics with mixed media — including fiber, metal, book arts, wood, vintage relics, and found materials — to build layered narrative environments that invite curiosity, empathy, and wonder.
Kirsten’s work has been included in museum exhibitions and international art fairs, and has been featured in publications including Hi-Fructose, Beautiful Bizarre, HEY! modern art & pop culture, What Women Create, and Art Doll Quarterly. Her teaching is known for being generous, accessible, and deeply attentive to each student’s personal narrative vision.
This retreat will balance focused studio work with cultural exploration. Most studio days end with a sunset aperitif by the sea. Excursions include a visit to Segesta Archaeological Park and its iconic Greek temple, time in the elegant historic center of Marsala, a trip to the island of Mozia to see the celebrated Charioteer statue, and an excursion to the medieval mountaintop town of Erice, including visits with local ceramic producers.
Partners are welcome for an additional retreat fee.
What's Kirsten Stingle's approach to ceramics?
Kirsten’s step-by-step approach to figurative ceramics is accessible and carefully structured for both beginners and intermediate students. Her
demonstrations and handouts are followed by individual tutorials, allowing her to help each participant develop and achieve their own narrative vision. Finished pieces will be photographed, labeled, and prepared for later firing.
How is the the Studio in Sicily Artist Retreats?
Participants will work in Sicily Artist Retreats’ ample, fully furnished sculpting studio, with space for focused hand-building, discussion, demonstration, and individual development. The studio is designed so artists can settle into the rhythm of serious work without the distractions of ordinary travel.
Studio lunches will be prepared by a private cook, giving participants time to rest, refuel, and return to their work without leaving the creative environment.
What Can I Expect From a Week in Sicily Artist Retreats?
Arrival day airport transfers, orientation, aperitif, and welcome dinner
Daily studio sessions with Kirsten Stingle
Guided sculpture instruction, demonstrations, and individual feedback
Private, chef- prepared studio lunches
Excursions to Stagnone Lagoon, Mozia Island, Marsala Historic Center, Erice mountain, and Segesta Greek Temple and Archeological Park,
Boutique hotel accommodations at Baglio Custera Resort with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms
Most meals and all ground transportation included
Time for rest, conversation, poolside relaxation, cultural immersion, and unhurried exchange with Kirsten and fellow artists.
Final preparation of works for later firing
Accommodations
Participants will stay at Hotel Baglio Custera, a boutique resort in the Marsala countryside nestled among olive groves, with sweeping views, luxurious atmosphere, and private rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Cuisine
In Sicily, food is part of the experience. Guests will enjoy fresh, seasonal, garden-to-table meals rooted in the flavors of western Sicily, with menus designed to be vegetarian or pescatarian. Studio lunches will be prepared by a private cook, allowing artists to relax, gather, and return easily to their work. Dinners will include meals at award winning Baglio Custera restaurant, local eateries, a seaside pizzeria, and a special evening with folkloric dancers.
Traveling with an Accompanying Guest
Accompanying guests are warmly welcome for an additional retreat fee. While studio instruction is reserved for registered workshop participants, guests may enjoy the beauty and comfort of the retreat experience, including shared accommodations at Baglio Custera, scheduled excursions, airport transfers, and time to relax by the pool or explore the surrounding area.
This is a wonderful option for a spouse, partner, or friend who would like to experience Sicily alongside you while you take part in the workshop. Guests will be included in group dinners, cultural outings, and excursions to sites such as Mozia, Marsala, Erice, Segesta, and Donna Franca Winery.
Payment Options
Retreats are paid in full at the time of booking. For guests who prefer to spread payments over time, flexible payment options such as Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm “book now, pay later” services are offered at checkout.
These payment options are provided through third-party payment platforms and are subject to their approval, terms, and availability. All bookings remain subject to Sicily Artist Retreats’ cancellation and refund policies.
Package
Artist
This ticket is for registered participants of Kirsten Stingle Sculpture Workshop: The Sirens’ Song — Sicily 2027.
$4,200.00
+$105.00 ticket service fee
Artist Early Bird Ticket
Early Bird Artist Ticket — Save $200 Reserve your place early for Kirsten Stingle Sculpture Workshop: The Sirens’ Song — Sicily 2027, and Artist Early Bird Ticket -- receive $200 off the regular artist registration through August 31, 2026
$4,000.00
+$100.00 ticket service fee
Accompanying Guest
This ticket is for an accompanying guest sharing a room with a registered workshop participant. It includes accommodations, meals, scheduled excursions, airport transfers, and retreat activities. Workshop instruction and studio participation are not included. During studio hours, guests may relax at the hotel or arrange optional self-pay activities, subject to availability.
$2,100.00
+$52.50 ticket service fee
Total
$0.00