Welcome to “Dada-Days,” where creativity knows no limits and everyone gets a taste of the arts without the intimidation of skill or prior experience. Imagine a place where pottery meets photography, glass fuses into art, and jewelry reflects the beauty of Mallorca’s landscapes. This hands-on movement, inspired by the radical spirit of Dadaism, invites all to explore, make, and discover the joy of creating something uniquely their own.
It all started with Lisa Heschel. Originally from Aachen, Germany, Lisa moved with her family to Mallorca, where she embarked on a mission to make creative expression accessible to all. Her initiative, “Dada-Days,” encourages people without prior experience in the arts to engage in pottery, photography, knitting, and more, fostering joy and personal growth through creativity.
What is “Dada-Days”?
“Dada-Days” is a unique platform offering workshops in a wide range of artistic pursuits, designed to help participants find happiness through hands-on creativity. The project is inspired by Dadaism, a 20th-century art movement that celebrated absurdity and rejected the elitism of traditional art. “Dada-Days” embraces this ideology by offering workshops that are free from the pressures of perfectionism and commercialization. Participants are encouraged to immerse themselves in the creative process, focusing on enjoyment rather than on producing museum-worthy masterpieces. Like the original Dadaists, “Dada-Days” opposes the exclusivity of the art world, welcoming anyone eager to try something new.
Meet Lisa Heschel – The Visionary Behind “Dada-Days”
Born near Germany’s Belgian border, Lisa Heschel has always been captivated by Mallorca’s wild natural beauty. Inspired during maternity leave spent on the island, she and her family decided to make Mallorca their permanent home. With a longstanding interest in pottery, Lisa sought creative classes for personal enrichment but found they were surprisingly hard to come by. After many attempts, she finally managed to try her hand at pottery—and it sparked an idea. Recognizing the need for accessible, beginner-friendly workshops, Lisa launched “Dada-Days” to share her passion for creativity with others.
How “Dada-Days” Connects with Instructors
“Dada-Days” collaborates with artists and craftspeople who are passionate about sharing their skills. Any artist can apply to teach, gaining a digital portfolio on dada-days.com featuring interviews and photos. “Dada-Days” works with instructors to develop engaging course concepts, but each teacher is responsible for setting their course fees. The platform helps artists gain visibility, allowing them to share their craft and even sell their creations.
Discover the Workshops
Here are just a few examples of the workshops available through “Dada-Days”:
Pottery Lessons for Beginners in Sóller with Luciana Luca
Luciana Luca, originally from Argentina, has been calling Mallorca home for nine years. She finds inspiration in the island’s landscapes, saying, “The world of ceramics is everything to me. It brings me peace, helps me work through challenges, and allows me to disconnect and reconnect at the same time.”
Fused Glass Workshop with Connie Mildner
Canadian-born Connie Mildner settled on the island almost thirty years ago. In 1997, she and friends purchased Finca Son Barrina to establish an organic farm, which, in Connie’s words, was “a wonderful expression of my creativity.” After closing her shop there in 2016, Connie transitioned from ceramics to glass art. Her workshops encourage participants to create vibrant, handmade glass bowls to take home.
More information about this workshop.
Cyanotype Workshop (Light Printing) with Mariám Otte
Cyanotype is a fascinating process of making photographic prints using sunlight to develop distinctive blue images. Artist Mariám Otte guides participants through gathering natural materials—seashells, leaves, and textures—before arranging them for exposure. The final product reveals a unique, one-of-a-kind print.
Mariám shares her journey, saying, “I grew up in a hardworking family with a love for analog photography. My father’s fascination with Super 8 cameras inspired me, and those early experiences led me into a career in photography. After working in Berlin, I moved to Spain, learning Spanish and working alongside celebrated photographers. My journey has blended commercial and creative photography, which has brought me back to the art I truly love.”
More information about this workshop.
Jewelry Workshops with Lidia Bosch
Mallorcan native Lidia Bosch draws inspiration from the island’s turquoise waters, mountains, and scenic coves. Her jewelry workshops in her hometown use sustainable materials, creating lasting, expressive pieces. Lidia’s creative workshops allow participants to engage with the natural beauty that has shaped her artistic perspective.
More information about this workshop.
Text by Stephan Reiryan