I’m delighted to be collaborating with the Providence Preservation Society to offer a two-part clay plastering workshop at a residence right off downtown Providence, RI.
We will be plastering the interior walls of an owner-built straw panel house over two weekends:
- Part 1, Base Coat: Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12, 10am to 4pm.
- Part 2, Finish Coat: Saturday, April 24 – Sunday, April 25, 10am to 4pm (ticketed separately)
We’ll start with the basics of how a clay plaster works: how water, clay, sand, and fiber work together to make a durable, beautiful, and protective wall finish. We’ll review different material sourcing and mixing strategies, as well as health and safety knowledge. Then, we’ll dive into plastering, with everyone getting plenty of time on the wall and individual help.
This particular plaster will use bagged pottery clay and masonry sand—”off the shelf” ingredients that are often chosen to reduce the complexity of sourcing and processing. We’ll also get to use a mechanical mixer!
Tickets are $162 per workshop, including fees, with generous discounts available for students and tradespersons, thanks to the Providence Preservation Society and donors.
As always, this workshop is 100% beginner-friendly, and combines a basis in theory with muddy, hands-on practice! We are very fortunate that the homeowner supports the mission of sharing natural building experiences with the general public. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience natural building right in the city, on a project that is as “real” as it gets. Expect a fun, educational, and action-packed experience!
The location is highly accessible by regional and local transit.
See further details on the event page.
biolithic builds 
Leave a comment