Kintsugi with luis santiago


(Onsite) Monthly Saturdays 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Fee: $85 JFGM Members, $90 Non-members (covers ONLY 1 session + includes materials)
Pricing does not include admission if you plan to walk the gardens after the workshop. Please click here to purchase an admission ticket and present at check-in.

Kintsugi is a centuries-old Japanese art form that honors the beauty of imperfection by repairing broken ceramics with lacquer mixed with powdered gold. Rooted in Zen philosophy, Kintsugi embraces the idea that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history—not flaws to be concealed, but features to be celebrated. Rather than disguising the cracks, the golden seams transform the once-broken piece into something uniquely beautiful and resilient.

As a metaphor for life, Kintsugi reminds us that our own scars and hardships need not be hidden. We all face challenges and emotional fractures. But instead of concealing them, we can choose to acknowledge, honor, and even highlight them—transforming pain into strength, and imperfections into art. Kintsugi teaches us to be courageous, to accept our histories, and to see beauty in the process of becoming whole again.

Included in the workshop:

  • Learn about the history and philosophy of kintsugi

  • Repair two ceramic pieces to take home

  • Learn to embellish your pieces using both gold mica powders and gold leaf colors

  • Receive a complete instructions and supply list

  • Receive a sample of your choice of three gold mica powder colors

  • You are welcome to bring your own piece to repair.

Workshop Dates


About the instructor

Luis Santiago has been teaching decorative finishes and traditional crafting techniques for several years.  He discovered kintsugi and saw how its message of resiliency,  self compassion and renewal can help others through troubling times. Luis enjoys teaching workshops that impart a more significant meaning  for people to continue to benefit from even after  the workshop is over.