february 21st -27th | invite onlyThe Natural Plasters Guild: A Gathering of Craft & Community
Join the West Coast’s premier gathering for natural building professionals.
The Natural Plasters Guild is an annual skill-sharing event hosted and produced by Gold Hill Clay Plaster co-founder James Henderson.
Held every February, this gathering is designed exclusively for contractors and professional crews who make their living installing natural plaster systems, as well as those dedicated to pursuing a career in the craft.
A Retreat from the Chaos:
More than just a training seminar, the Guild offers a unique space for professionals - who often work in isolation - to immerse themselves in a community of like-minded artisans. It is a place where passion is celebrated, skills are sharpened, and the ancient traditions of clay and lime are modernized for the 21st century.
Innovation & Renovation:
Each year focuses on the latest installation techniques, including natural plastering over conventional buildings and modern substrates.
The Social & The Silly:
From slideshows of professional work and business strategy discussions to the world-famous Plaster Olympics, the Guild balances hard work with high-energy community building.
Interested in Joining the Guild?
The Natural Plasters Guild is an invitation-only event for active professionals and highly enthusiastic individuals committed to natural plastering as a career.
If you are interested in attending the next retreat in February, please leave your details below.
We look forward to learning about your work and your path in the world of natural building.
Building a Non-Toxic Future.
Our mission is to empower a new generation of builders to move away from "toxic sludge" and petroleum-derived commodities.
By sharing the secrets of high-performance, 100% natural materials, we ensure that both the inhabitants of the homes and the artisans who build them can thrive in a healthy, nurturing environment.
The event is structured to provide both deep technical instruction and collaborative experimentation:
Days One & twoThe Master Class
Kick off the Guild with our optional two-day Master Class. Led by world-class guest instructors, this exclusive intensive focuses on specialized international techniques. It offers a rare, focused deep dive for serious artisans to master advanced skills before the main retreat begins.
Days three to fiveThe Skill-Sharing Retreat
The heart of the event, featuring a game show format where masters demonstrate techniques in quick, 15-minute sessions, followed by hours of hands-on practice at dedicated stations.
Morning Demos9:00 – 10:00am
Hands-On Stations10:00am - 12:30pm
Lunch Break12:30pm
afternoon demos1:30 - 2:30pm
Hands-On Stations2:30 - 5:00pm
Thursday: Community & Craft
Thursday focuses on deep connection. After a relaxed morning, join the famous slideshow session where artisans showcase their finest work to the group. The evening transforms into a celebration with a pizza party and open mic, fostering lasting bonds within the family.
Friday: Business & The Olympics
Friday blends strategy with high-energy fun. We cover essential industry topics like legalities and social media before launching the legendary "Plaster Olympics"—a spirited competition of skill and silliness. The retreat concludes with a final cleanup and warm community farewells.
