Tag Archives: Art

Mosaic Trifecta Tour with Bonnie Fitzgerald and Kim Wozniak

6 Apr

Magnificent Mosaic sites in Washington D.C., Philadelphia and NYC
with Bonnie Fitzgerald and Kim Wozniak
November 7 – 11, 2018
$1995 per person

Get ready to enjoy a rich and memorable week of mosaic sight-seeing, art history, private studio visits and great company. Your tour hosts will be Bonnie Fitzgerald, artist and founder of Maverick Mosaics, and Kim Wozniak, artist and owner of WitsEnd Mosaic and Smalti.com.

Chagall

Our adventure begins in Washington, D.C. We’ll visit sacred sites, including the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception as well as several unique and hidden gems in offices, city parks and municipal buildings. Our local treasured artist Megan Walsh shares her studio and gallery space with us.

Magic Gardens

On to Philadelphia’s Magic Garden. Isaiah Zagar’s has been creating public art mosaics in Philadelphia for over 30 years, and we’ll enjoy a docent-led private tour of his garden. Next, stop at Tiffany’s remarkable “Dream Garden” mosaic interpretation of Maxfield Parrish’s iconic painting show us a totally different kind of mosaic mastery. And no worries, we’ll make time for a Philly favorite, the famous “Cheesesteak.”

 

A short hop up the road in Bucks County, PA, we’ll visit the remarkable Glencarin Castle on the grounds of Bryn Athyn Cathedral, then settle in for the evening after visiting the artist village of New Hope. In the morning, it’s on to New York and another private studio visit at Miotto Mosaic Art Studios. This visit is by private invitation, and promises to be both memorable and enriching.

Chuck CloseOnce in mid-town Manhattan, we’ll enjoy a free afternoon and evening. Take in a Broadway show, a museum, visit Times Square or just have fun with your mosaic friends and colleagues. The next morning, we’ll explore the city’s subway mosaics. You’ll see a broad range of mosaic styles from magnificent mosaic signage created at the turn of the 20th century to recent installations including the Second Avenue Chuck Close works.

The Mosaic Trifecta Tour is designed for art enthusiasts and mosaic lovers. Space is limited. Visit maverickmosaics.com for details and quick links. For questions or additional information please give is a call at 703/856-5160.

INCLUDED
* Price includes daily breakfast
* 5 night’s hotel accommodations
* All ground transportation from our meeting place in Washington, D.C. through our arrival in New Your City, where we will transition to public transportation
* All admission fees, guide/docents fees, bus driver tips and subway tokens

NOT INCLUDED
* Airfare

NOTE: Trip originates in Washington, D.C. and concludes in New York City.

TO REGISTER
Our travel and logistics partner, A La Carte Travel, is a leader in providing educational institutions with affordable access to learning opportunities. Learn more here: www.alacartetravel.com/maverick-dc-2018

Bonnie Fitzgerald 2018ABOUT BONNIE
Bonnie Fitzgerald is the founder and owner of Maverick Mosaics. She has been dedicated to nurturing and expanding creative expression through the art and community of mosaic art since the mid 2000’s. Maverick Mosaics’ educational focus is to Open Doors to your creativity, pique your urge for adventure, and heighten your sense of discovery. From history lessons to cultural achievements to breathtaking natural wonders travel changes who we are. Since 2012 Bonnie, has been leading international tours and teaching workshops abroad. 2018 takes us to mosaic sites in the USA, Italy and Slovenia. Our 7th trip to the amazing Hacienda Mosaico in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is scheduled for January 2019.

Kim WozniakABOUT KIM
Kim Wozniak is trained in art and architectural design, and has found her voice in mosaics. After leaving the corporate world Kim reclaimed her creative spirit by combining her love of art and building materials. Her rule-breaking style was quickly recognized in the mosaic community and has led her to create both public and private installations throughout the United States, and her fine art mosaics are exhibited internationally. Kim was one of three Americans representing the United States in Ravenna, Italy at the prestigious 2011 juried biennial exhibition: Ravenna Mosaico and Works of the World. She has studied the medium of mosaics with masters from Italy, Mexico and the US. Her work has been featured in several publications including The Craft Report, Breakout, Mosaic Art Abstracts and many other publications. Bonnie and Kim shared an Artist Residency at the Olive Stack Gallery in Listowel, Ireland for one month in 2018. They have traveled together extensively, including two trips to Italy and the Cottage in Wisconsin.

 

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Go Wild in Costa Rica with Candace Clough and Pam Goode

25 Mar

Go Wild in Costa Rica with Candace Clough and Pam Goode
January 13 – 20, 2019
$1980 Double, $2380  Single
(Double Your Fun Discount: See Info Below)

Join Candace and Pam for a rollicking jaunt through the Costa Rican jungle to identify favorite flora and fauna and then create your own mixed media art.

Finca Luna Nueva
Rainforest Trail
Flowers Onsite
Studio Visitor

Our retreat will combine a six day mixed media mosaic workshop led by Candace Clough with onsite organic farm and rainforest tours, farm to table organic meals grown, prepared and served onsite, and a lazy water safari to view shore birds and monkeys. Accommodations will be at glorious Finca Luna Nueva (New Moon Farm), a sustainable rainforest ecolodge and certified organic biodynamic farm with single or double lodge and cabin accommodations, panoramic open-air workspace, wifi, ionized pool, jacuzzi, and spa. Optional activities at an extra cost include guided Arenal Volcano Lava Hike, Butterfly Garden or Cloud Forest Tours, Zipline Canopy Tour, Rafting, or Hanging Bridge Canopy Tour.

Safari Float
Playing with Butterflies
Scented Brugmansia
Open Air Studio

We’ll have a scheduled lesson each day, as well as on-site tours during our first days in Costa Rica, plus twenty-four hour access to the open-air studio overlooking the forest and gardens. During free time, choose to continue art projects, enjoy the grounds and pool, grab an organic smoothie and head for the hammock, schedule an on-site bird watching tour, or make transportation arrangements in the office for any number of local adventure activities.

Candace Coleoptera Wheel 3

Coleoptera Wheel by Candace Clough

WORKSHOP

If you’re a follower of Candace’s work, you might have noticed that she never seems to do the same thing twice. She calls herself “tess-curious”, and it’s that spirit of discovering new materials and new ways of using and combining them that keeps her excited about art. Take a close look at the colorful beetles above and you’ll see stained glass, smalti, china, millefiori, beads, formed tile, and eggshell, all uniting seamlessly into a dynamic expression of an everyday bug.

Inspiration will be taken from naturalist-led walks around the property, which includes rainforest, landscaped gardens, herb gardens, and farmland. Materials will be a mix of student and instructor-supplied yummies. Candace will share her process from inspiration to design, material selection, fabrication and completion and will also talk about her experimental work.

Candace Clough, Design to Installation

INCLUDED

  • Bird WatchingTransfer from Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose to the Lodge and Return Transfer
  • Seven Nights Accommodation (rooms will be assigned in the order received)
  • Six Breakfasts, Six Lunches, Seven Dinners when at Lodge
  • 6-Day Mosaic Workshop and Open Studio Time
  • Daily Access to the Secondary Rainforest and Primary Rainforest
  • One Guided Farm Tour Onsite
  • One Guided Rainforest Tour Onsite
  • One River Safari with Transportation


NOT INCLUDED

  • Airfare To and From Costa Rica
  • Optional Tours and Activities
  • Transportation for Optional Tours or Local Transportation (Arrangements Provided at Lodge)
  • Offsite Meals
  • Trip Insurance (Recommended) (More info here)
  • Gratuities
  • Alcohol, If Available
Capturing Rainforest Images
Sunlit Flora
Down on the Farm
Candace Clough


NEED TO KNOW

  • Retreat has a minimum of 6  and a maximum of 10. Please reserve early, but don’t make flight reservations until notified that we’ve met the minimum.
  • Participants will bring their own materials; details to follow.

GOOD TO KNOW

  • Costa Rica Art RetreatTemperatures  for January average High 73, Low 59, with .4″ of Rain
  • Central Standard Time
  • Latitude: 10° North of the equator, with equal hours of light and darkness
  • Currency: US dollars are accepted pretty much everywhere, including tips
  • Electricity: 110, with standard US plugs
  • Fast Facts: Literacy rate 96.3%; Military abolished in 1948
  • Costa Rica is among the countries with the highest amount of protected land in the world; 25% of the nation is dedicated to park systems, reserves, or natural wildlife areas
  • Bridging the northern and southern most points of the two American contents, Costa Rica is the meeting point for a variety of cultures and a density of plant and animal species said to be unlike any other country in the world
  • Approximately 850 bird species, 9000 plant species, 34,000 insect species, 205 mammalian species, 220 reptilian species, and 160 amphibian species

ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATIONS

Read more about Finca Luna Nueva here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER

Click here for MAR Costa Rica 2019 More Information and Registration form or contact Pam for questions.

DOUBLE YOUR FUN DISCOUNT

Two weeks in Costa Rica??? Why YES PLEASE! Sign up for Candace’s workshop January 13 – 20 AND Color Costa Rica January 20 – 27 with Jean Cauthen, Pam Goode and Laura McRae Hitchcock and receive a $150 discount on the total cost. Email Pam for payment information.

ABOUT THE LEADERS

Candace Clough

Candace Clough has worked as a professional landscape gardener for 30 years, a mixed media artist for 15 years, and an instructor for the past 5 years. Her mosaics have been included in juried shows and featured in Mosaic Art Now as one of 18 pieces selected from 500 international entries. An explorer at heart, Candace’s mosaics span all media, styles, themes and sizes, from micro mosaic jewelry to a seven foot concrete and mosaic Cat Couch. Most recently she’s added Designer/Inventor to her list of accomplishments, and is currently awaiting final delivery of Breda by CLC, an ergonomic mosaic tool that reduces stress and injury to the hand.

Pam Goode

Pam Goode is a self-proclaimed color slut who made her first mosaic nineteen years ago after a transformational trip to (coincidentally) Costa Rica. With five additional Costa Rica trips behind her, she’s well-versed in the locations and landscapes across the country and in love with the gentle spirits she consistently encounters there. In addition to her mosaic work at pamelagoodemosaics.com, Pam has been planning and leading retreats worldwide through Mosaic Art Retreats since 2013 and Wild Hair Adventures, new in 2018.

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Mixed Media Mosaics on Cape Cod

2 Mar

Mixed Media Mosaics on Cape Cod with Amy Marks
September 29 – October 2
, 2017
Workshop Fees: 2-Day Workshop, $240 
(includes materials)
Housing Fee: 2 nights: $110, 3 nights: $160

Enjoy the beauty of Cape Cod in the company of other mosaic artists.

In the 2-day mixed media workshop, we’ll create either an 8” x 10″ wall hanging or a 10” x 10″ mirror. You’ll learn how to create your own tesserae with polymer clay using a variety of techniques including stamping, painting, and gold leafing. You’ll also learn how to embellish glass tiles, transfer images onto clay, and mosaic with beads.  You’ll combine all three media into an abstract mosaic that is not grouted. This class is open to students at all levels.

 

Accommodations
Accommodations will be at The House on Koi Pond, featuring two bedrooms with queen beds, one with 2 twin beds and second floor bedroom with small bed. This delightful cottage has 2.5 bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, dining area and living room. The workshop will be held in the beautiful all-season enclosed deck overlooking 1.5 beautifully landscaped acres. We’ll be near Nauset Light Beach, part of the Cape Cod National Sea Shore, and right on the Cape Cod Bike Trail which goes all the way to Provincetown. More information on Koi Pond House here.

Friday, September 29, 2017  (Tour Day)
After check in at the House on Koi Pond, we’ll visit the Cultural Center of Cape Cod in South Yarmouth, MA to see the New England Mosaic Society’s Member Exhibition. Then, onto the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans to view Byzantine-style mosaics made in the studio of Alessandra Caprara in Ravenna, Italy. Weather permitting, we’ll take a walk at Nauset Light Beach, part of the National Seashore and end the day with a mouth-watering seafood dinner at one of the Cape’s wonderful restaurants.

Saturday, September 30, 2017
We’re two steps from the Cape Code Bike Trail. Start the day with a bike ride or walk on the trail followed by breakfast. The workshop begins at 9 and ends at 4:30 with Happy Hour on the deck. There is an hour for lunch (or you can keep working!) when you can enjoy the beautifully yard, take a walk, relax by Koi Pond, listen to a waterfall or get to know other mosaic artists. We can all go out to dinner or you can have dinner in and continue working on your project during open studio time.

Sunday, October 1, 2017
We’ll follow the same schedule as Saturday, but will break around 4:00 for a “Show and Tell” where workshop participants will show others what they’ve done and share what they’ve learned. For those staying Sunday evening, a dinner excursion is available, as well as extended mosaic time.

Monday, October 2, 2017
We say good-bye to the each other and the House on Koi Pond, but not before a final bike ride or walk on the Cape Cod Bike Trail. On your way home, take a leisurely trip back along scenic route 6A with stops at galleries. In Sandwich, visit the Sandwich Glass Museum and see a live demo of glass making, as well as see samples of glass made from the 1800s to today.

Housing Costs: 2 nights: $110, 3 nights: $160. 
Note: If needed, additional accommodations will be provided at a nearby timeshare if space is available.

Not Included


Food, tours, entrance fees and transportation are not covered. I encourage everyone to bring food so we can pool for breakfasts, lunches and snacks. That way we can enjoy our surroundings and keep costs to a minimum.

Fine Print

If we do not get 4 registrants for the workshop, the workshop will be cancelled and you will get a 100% refund. If you cancel within 30 days of the retreat, you will be charged a $20 administrative fee, which will be taken from your deposit.

About the Instructor: Amy Marks creates textural, mixed media mosaics with a rich color palette. She currently serves as President of the New England Mosaic Society.

For More Information or To Register: Contact Amy @ amyloumarks@gmail.com.

 

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Create Your Own Mosaic Workshop in Mexico with Carol Shelkin

9 Oct

Create Your Own Mosaic Workshop in Mexico with Carol Shelkin
February 5 – 11, 2017
February 12 – 18, 2017   FULL
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
$1850 per person, Double Occupancy

This workshop encourages you to experience and use stained glass, tempered glass, smalti, tile, air-dry clay or any material of your choosing to create a realistic or abstract design. All levels are welcome, from Beginner to Advanced students.

Carol Shelkin WorkshopSome Options Include:
Option 1: Mosaic in a painterly fashion and understanding realism in mosaic art with stained glass or tiles.
Option 2: Tempered Glass: Creating an abstract design with the layering technique using mementos and other embellishments like: clay pieces, jewelry, stained glass foil papers, glitter etc.
Option 3: Working with Clay tiles in Mosaic: Work with NEW and exciting air-dry clay to create tiles for embedding in your mosaic design.
Option 4: BRING WHAT YOU WANT!

There will be lessons on shading, color, balance and understanding how to apply these materials and techniques to any mosaic style.

Hacienda MosaicoMosaic is unique to all students and my goal is to help each student ONE-TO-ONE and in an optional collaborative environment develop and find their own techniques, styles and voice. There will be professional artist tricks taught. Other subjects will include: composition, presenting artwork to gallery owners, exhibitions, building a resume, pricing, shipping, framing – or not framing, photographing your mosaic art and much more. During this week: bring questions! We will have time for lots of one-to-one instruction. No questions will go unanswered!

Whether you want to try something new, jump start your creative side, or take your work to the next level, it will be a most inspiring week full of art in the tropics!

All participants will be contacted by Carol in advance to be sure you have a list of supplies.

The beach is within walking distance along with two cafes one block away for mini snacks, dinner options and my favorite: fresh fruit smoothies!

Carol Shelkin WorkshopPlease Bring:
  • Any materials, substrates & tools to work with
  • Sturdy bag to transport mosaic home
  • One of each: pen, pencil, colored pencil (blue, red or green) and 10 toothpicks
  • 2 regular Sharpie markers (black, regular & fine point)
  • Safety Glasses
  • Smart phone or camera – used as a tool
  • Push tool: toothpicks
  • Small tabletop lamp, such as an Ott Lamp

Summary:

  • Retreat Price: $1,850.00 (based on double occupancy).
  • Lodging: 6 nights & 7 days
  • Mosaic Art Instruction: 5 days (unless you come for TWO WEEKS, then 10 DAYS!)
  • Unlimited Open Studio: 24/7
  • Two Optional trips to Sayulita & Art Walk Downtown Puerto Vallarta
  • Meals Included by the Hacienda’s Personal chef: Sunday evening Welcome Carol Shelkin WorkshopReception, 6 full breakfasts & 5 lunches (more like dinner) served poolside in a tropical setting and a Saturday departure breakfast
  • Students must bring their own tools and Supplies. Carol will contact you for a helpful material list, and packing instructions will be provided after registration.
  • Free time: Anytime!

About the Instructor: Carol Shelkin, with studios just outside of Philadelphia, is a Carol Shelkin Workshopprofessional artist with over 25 years teaching experience. She attended PA Academy of the Fine Arts, USA, and Scuola Nazionale del Mosaico Restauro in Ravenna, Italy. She has shown her work both nationally and internationally in juried shows and galleries with her mosaic artwork  found in public installations and private collections. She has been invited to be a Presenter and Instructor at the Mosaic Association of Australia and New Zealand (MAANZ) Summit, the Society of American Mosaic Artists’ yearly conference, and also offers workshops in Costa Rica, Canada, Spain, Morocco, Australia, Italy, Mexico and throughout the USA. Carol is a founding member and President of the Mosaic Society of Philadelphia, a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists and a juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

Visit Carol’s website here. Contact Carol here.

TO REGISTER:

Contact Sam at Hacienda Mosaico. A $500 deposit is required for registration. More about Hacienda Mosaico here.

Trip insurance is strongly advised.

Travel Insurance 101: How to Protect Your Vacation
This “plain language” tutorial will explain travel insurance so you can
easily find the right plan.

Save

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Winter in Todos Santos, Mexico with Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

16 Sep

Winter in Todos Santos, Mexico with Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
February 3 – 9, 2016 (Wednesday-Tuesday)
$1,699.00 Double Occupancy

Imagine creating mosaic art with spectacular ocean views to inspire you, beautiful gardens and pools to relax you, and a personal chef to prepare gourmet meals to sustain you. This is just the beginning of the Todos Santos mosaic art retreat.

Mosaic Class Mexico

You will spend one full week creating mosaic art in one of the most creative and peaceful settings on the Baja Peninsula, the pueblo magico of Todos Santos. The accommodations for this retreat will be at the beautiful boutique hotel, Los Colibris Casitas. Los Colibris has 6 wonderfully inviting casitas, each with comfortable beds, great clean bathrooms, and private patios to enjoy the amazing scenery and ocean views. The infinity pool and hot tub are great for star gazing and observing the humpback and grey whales that often visit at this time of year.

Mosaics in MexicoDuring this mosaic art retreat each participant will learn the proper techniques for creating a mosaic art mural for vertical surfaces.  These techniques will be achievable and repeatable for anyone that would like to create a backsplash, a shower mosaic or any other vertical mosaic on their own. During this retreat participants will work on mosaic designs that will be installed at the property of the retreat.  Predetermined designs will be selected before leaving for Todos Santos, and each participant Mosaic Workshop Mexicowill have an opportunity to work on different parts of each of the designs.  The group will go through the whole process, including grouting, so that everyone leaves with a complete hands-on experience to repeat on their own if they choose.

We’ll also enjoy some of the most delicious and healthy Mexican food ever — always created with love by Chef Iker.

Mexico Whalewatching

Whale tail from our work tables

Todos Santos is an artist colony on the Tropic of Cancer, just one hour north of Cabo San Lucas, but an entire world away. Nestled next to 70 miles of pristine, undeveloped beach, Todos Santos is famous for the remarkable quality of its light, which drew the first American artists from Taos in the 1980s. Since then artists of all stripes and nationalities have populated the town, which is a charming reflection of their passions with wonderful restaurants, art galleries, and shops. The people of Todos Santos are warm and welcoming, and love sharing the pleasures of their hometown with visitors. The beaches of nearby Pescadero and Cerritos are added bonuses.

Retreat Price:  $1,699.00 (based on double occupancy)

Included
Airport transfer on arrival and departure (within time frames)
6 nights lodging at Los Colibris
Evening welcome reception
5 full breakfasts & 5 lunches pool sideby local chef Iker
Refreshing agua fresca throughout the work day
Evening transportation into town
Last evening cooking class and dinner
Instruction: 5 days from 10a-2p.  More work time will be available if desired.

Baja Peninsula TravelYou will have plenty of free time to explore Todos Santos and its surrounding areas. Popular activities include a mosaic tour and gallery walk, hiking, beach walks, whale watching and shopping. There will also be excursion options that can be booked through Todos Santos Eco Adventures. Massage and yoga are offered at Los Colibris; the yoga deck sits at the highest point of the property on the tropic of cancer, and has one of the most amazing views of the Pacific.

Accommodations

Learn more about Los Los Colibris here. Room selections will be made in order of full payments received.

Baja Peninsula Art WorkshopOther Links

Todos Santos Eco Adventures
Todos Santos Eco Adventures Facebook
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

To Register

Deposit of $850 (1/2) may be made through PayPal (2.5% more will be added to the total using Paypal) or check. Materials, tool list & instructions on packing will be sent after registration. Payment in full must be completed by November 5, 2015.

Cancellation and refund policy:  All cancellations are subject to a 20% handling fee. For reservations canceled less than 90 days before the workshop, 50% is refundable. If canceled less than 60 days before the workshop, 25% is refundable. If canceled less than 45 days before the workshop, fee is non-refundable.  Should the retreat be canceled for any reason the entire amount paid will be refunded within fourteen days after the retreat’s cancellation. Instructors have no obligation regarding any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations. Instructors and Los Colibris accept no liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket or for canceled flights.  Travel Insurance is recommended.  All workshop participants should consider purchasing Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage, Accident and Medical insurance from a reputable insurance company. Travel Insurance Guide is here.

To register, please email Tami with name and contact info.

Instructor: Tami Macala

Mosaics in MexicoI am a professional mosaic artist and teacher. I have been creating art all my life, and mosaic art for almost 20 years. In 2009 I started the Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art based on my love for mosaic art and wanting share my passion with other creative people.

I have vacationed in Todos Santos several times in the past three years and have stayed at Los Colibris each trip.  I love the rustic and quaint feeling of Todos Santos, and Los Colibris is the perfect location for the accommodations and creating a wonderful environment for this mosaic retreat.

For more information, email Tami here.

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Mosaic Artists Take Over Touchstone Retreat Center!

12 Jan

Mosaic WorkshopsTouchstone, a craft and retreat center in the Laurel Highlands of Western Pennsylvania, has invited a full slate of mosaic artists to teach in 2014.

Instructor: Rachel Sager
May 16–19
Building Stories in Stone: Contemporary Mosaic in a Geologic Medium (Intensive)
All Levels | $300 Plus Selected Housing/Meal Plan
Extended Weekend Workshop

Instructor: Rachel Sager
August 10 – 16, 2014
Building Stories in Stone: Contemporary Mosaic in a Geologic Medium (Immersive)
Instructor: Rachel Sager
All Levels | $500 + Selected Lodging/Meal Plan
Weeklong Workshop

Rachel Sager WorkshopAre you ready for adventures in the creeks, hills, and valleys of Touchstone’s woodland campus? Join award-winning and internationally exhibited mosaic artist, teacher, and speaker, Rachel Sager, in her journey into the magic of sourcing local Southwestern Pennsylvania stone and transforming it into elegant tesserae, the building blocks of mosaic. This extended weekend intensive will cover building a sturdy substrate, mixing and applying high-quality thin-set mortar, cutting with hammer and hardie, the classic tool of the Italian mosaic maestros, and learning the nuances of andamento, the flow and pathways of mosaic. The field trip part of the workshop will include Rachel’s singular process of hunting and gathering for her material. This will be a challenging but also contemplative workshop, and students will learn valuable cutting skills along with mosaic philosophy. You will leave with a 12 x 12-inch mosaic, but more important, you will take home specific knowledge of an ancient medium translated into a contemporary format.

Rachel’s bio and class schedule can be found here for the May Intensive, and here for the August Immersive. Learn more about Rachel’s work here. Lodging/Meal Plans here.

May 23–26
Realistic Flower Mosaics
Instructor: Yulia Hanansen
All Levels | $300 + Selected Lodging/Meal Plan
Extended Weekend Workshop

Yulia Hanansen WorkshopLearn to translate images of flowers into realistic and powerful mosaic statements in this extended weekend workshop. To create flower mosaic, students may work in a traditional mosaic layout or master an exciting and visually effective “brush-stroke” technique that Yulia uses for her own flower portraits. Materials and techniques are discussed in-depth with demonstrations given in groups and individually. Stained glass is used as a primary material for this project with instructions provided on how to cut, shape, and lay out the pieces. Students also explore color and composition in mosaic arts. The workshop concludes with instructions on grouting and a group discussion on the made pieces.

Yulia’s bio and workshop schedule can be found here. Learn more about her work here. Lodging/Meal Plans here.

May 30–June 2
Exterior Mosaics
Instructor: Bonnie Fitzgerald
All Levels | $300 + Selected Lodging/Meal Plan
Extended Weekend Workshop

Bonnie Fitzgerald WorkshopThis workshop covers everything you need to know about creating professional permanent mosaics to withstand moisture and freeze-thaw cycles in exterior environments. Workshop lectures will include important information about selecting appropriate materials, substrates, and fixatives that will endure weather year round. We begin Friday evening with a picture presentation and lecture covering technical considerations and design principles. We will spend a portion of the workshop experimenting with both stained glass and ceramic tiles suitable for exterior use. You will make 2 small experimental/prototype pieces, one in glass and the other in ceramic. These exercises are a valuable experience in cutting and designing. We will then embark on our larger project on Saturday.

Bonnie’s bio and workshop schedule can be found here. Learn more about her work here. Lodging/Meal Plans here.

July 27–August 2
Strata Chroma: Mosaic High (Relief) and Deep (Color)
Kelley Knickerbocker & Erin Pankratz-Smith
All Levels | $500/+ Selected Lodging/Meal Plan
Weeklong Workshop

Erin Pankratz Smith WorkshopThis workshop is geared to interest and challenge students of all levels of mosaic experience.

You will first learn to build and rig your own durable, lightweight 2D mosaic substrates, incorporating pigmented cement in an adventurous exploration of color merging, layering, and texture. Next you will learn to recognize/create/exploit ideal joins of angle, height, size, and shape of a wide variety of black materials – both natural and manmade – for various visual effects, and then experiment with setting each into colorful cement mortars. Finally, using the strata format as a compositional framework, students will incorporate all they’ve learned into the construction of a small mosaic on their handmade substrates.

Their first collaborative artwork, I’m Pervious, built-in 2013, combined Kelley’s achromatic leanings and stratified-high-relief-materials approach with Erin’s saturated color aesthetic and birthed the idea for their ”Strata Chroma” workshop. 2014’s ”Strata Chroma” workshop marks the beginning of their collaboration as educators.

Kelley and Erin’s bios as well as a schedule for the workshop can be found here. Learn more about Kelley’s work here and Erin’s work here. Lodging/Meal Plans here.

Instructor: Carol Shelkin
September 5–7, 2014
Tempered Glass Mosaics
All Levels | $200 + Selected Lodging/Meal Plan
Weekend Workshop

Carol Shelkin WorkshopLearn how to create glittering mosaic art mixing collage with mosaic techniques using “Tempered Glass.” Tempered glass – also known as “Crash Glass” and “Safety Glass” is used to create mosaic art and architectural installations. A presentation showing examples of some of the finest works in Tempered Glass will be shown. You will learn to develop a jewel-like surface for both interior and exterior installations; and you will complete a mosaic using an overlaying technique with metallic papers, tissue, foils, glitter, photos, wordage, and more. You are encouraged to bring a variety of small paper images, photos, embellishments, and/or text to include in your mosaic. This is the perfect medium to permanently incorporate printed imagery!

Carol’s bio and workshop schedule can be found here. Learn more about her work at here. Lodging/Meal Plans here.

Instructor: Cynthia Fisher
September 19 – 21, 2014
Glass Mosaics
Cynthia Fisher WorkshopAll Levels: $200 + Selected Lodging/Meal Plan
Weekend Workshop

Mosaics are a medium one can readily learn at a workshop, and then continue with at home with minimal investment in tools and materials. You will learn about (1) the rich history of mosaics materials, (2) tools and substrates, (3) a variety of methods of mosaic assembly with the major focus on the indirect method, and (4) color and the mosaic palette and how tile shape creates visual texture. Lecture time will be kept to a minimum, and there will be an emphasis on one-on-one guidance, maximizing individual interests.

Cynthia is eager to share her considerable knowledge and experience working in the medium of glass mosaics, from artistic considerations unique to mosaic to architectural installations. Cynthia’s bio and workshop schedule can be found here. Learn more about her work here. Lodging/Meal Plans here.

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Mosaics on the Marsh, October 2013

23 Jul

Mosaics on the MarshMosaics on the Marsh Retreat with Pam Goode
October 21 – 25, 2013
Pawleys Island, SC
$375 – 550

Nothing soothes the soul quite like the lapping of tides against weathered docks, the tempered sunlight glinting across fields of watery grasses that thrive on the most tentative silts, the cry of majestic herons and hungry gulls, and a gentle fall breeze. Join us at iconic Pawleys Island for an old-style retreat in old-style surroundings.

Mosaics on the MarshOur site will be a three-story “cottage” with double wraparound porches and ample work tables facing the marsh. The golden month of October features magnificent skies and a softer light, with average highs in the 70’s and lows around 60. Nine bedrooms, five baths, two living rooms, two kitchens, and indoor/outdoor dining areas offer plenty of space for spreading out or working as a group.

Our workshop will consist of a quick-sketch technique overlaid with a modified-watercolor technique to create designs using fauvist or realistic colors depicting life on the marsh. We’ll be able to churn out a large assortment of sketches and paintings the first day, giving you ample possibilities for your mosaic. We’ll also talk about color, mood, cutting methods, and finding your own style.

An assortment of boards will be provided. This retreat is designed for stained glass, however, you are welcome to bring other materials if you prefer.

Mosaics on the MarshThe retreat will be structured loosely, with a group session each day, as well as one-on-one time with the instructor and group studio sessions. You are welcome to work throughout the day or take time off for the beach or local exploration. The lovely sand beach is just across the lane, and the island is ideal for biking, as well as canoeing on the inlet. Across the bridge on the mainland, you’ll find plenty of cute shops as well as local restaurants (both island casual and casual gourmet). Meals will be on your own or as a group, either on the mainland or self-catering. We’ll have plenty of kitchen space!

A barrier island, Pawleys is one of the oldest resorts on the East Coast, measuring  just over 3 miles long and 1/4 mile wide, and a whopping population of 138. Flip flops and shorts are the norm.

Costs per-person for five-day mosaic workshop and accommodations:

$375 shared dormitory room (1 double and 5 twins)
$475 shared room (2 twin beds) (1 available)
$500 shared room (2 double beds) (1 available)
$550 single room (1 double or queen bed) (4 queens and 1 double available)

Cost for non-participating guest sharing your room: $250

Pam GoodeCost includes room, instruction, and some materials. Cost does not include transportation to the retreat location, meals, tools or mosaic supplies.

For more information or to register, contact Pam.

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Mosaic Mandalas and Mystic Immersion with Deb Aldo

2 Jul

Pebble Mosaic WorkshopMosaic Mandalas with Deb Aldo
July 27 – 28, 2013
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Members $335 / Public $355

Mandalas are contemplative tools for moving between the inner and outer experience, helping to restore a feeling of peace and calm. Get a taste of what it’s like to work on a mosaic, in a fun and meditative atmosphere. Class will begin with a short lecture and demo on how to cut, fit and combine mosaic materials in a radial pattern. Next a discussion and reflection on why creating art is important, even for those who do not consider themselves artists. Finally you will be taken on a brief meditative journey to call forth your creative muse. A variety of materials will be available, including stone, glass, pebbles and shells. All tools and materials and design possibilities /suggestions provided. All levels welcome. No experience necessary!

To register or for more information, call (860) 536-7601 X 213 or email.

Staying for the weekend? Ask MAC education staff about discounted Mystic hotels.

 

Mystic Immersion with Deb Aldo
Friday, July 26, 2013
6:30pm – 7:30pm
FREE and open to all Mosaic Mandala class participants

Meet and Greet at Mystic Arts Center

Immerse yourself in Mystic for the weekend! Relax and meet the instructor and fellow students at a reception just for class participants. Enjoy the MAC galleries with a private viewing of Mystic As Muse, MAC’s centennial exhibition, and a glass of wine. Free .

Saturday, July 27

Students are welcome to join the instructor for lunch and a walk in downtown Mystic. Lunch is at your own expense.

See you there!

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Mosaic Workshop in Provence with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze

21 Feb

Lavender in ProvenceMosaic Workshop in Provence
with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze
June 23 – 29, 2013
$1900

Immerse yourself in an educational trip and tour that will leave you inspired and creatively invigorated for the rest of the year! Enjoy the lavender in bloom, farm to table food, wine tasting, exploration of local markets and exhibits, and time to create in an inspiring studio environment.

Laurel True WorkshopJoin professional mosaic artists and educators Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze at Valerie’s Esprit Mosaique Studio in Avignon, France to explore and celebrate color and creativity through mosaics. Laurel and Valerie have teamed up to offer a totally cool, specifically curated and inspiring trip that will combine hands-on studio time, incredible insider sightseeing and experiential learning.

Esprit Mosaique Studio is full of joyful color and provides a welcoming place to learn, create and spend time in community with other mosaic enthusiasts. This is a wonderful opportunity for cross-cultural exchange with French mosaic artists — participants will leave Provence feeling like family.

Provence Workshop

Each instructor will offer lessons focusing on various techniques including fresco cement as a background treatment, demonstration of the uses of stacked and layered substrates, precision cutting techniques for glass and ceramic, creation of individual mosaics elements to be installed on a public wall in the Village of Avignon and guided exploration of materials and color through the creation of a piece that participants can take home.

Laurel True WorkshopStudents will have the opportunity to work on mesh, film and cementicious substrates.* Students who would like to focus on only one technique or project during the week are welcome to do this instead, at their own pace, with one-on-one guidance from instructors.

In addition to enjoying time in the studio, participants will have the chance to eat delicious meals together, tour nearby Provencal markets including St. Remy and Les Baux de Provence, visit the breathtaking and indescribable exhibition at Les Carrieres des Lumieres, as well as enjoy educational wine tastings and a Provincial backyard BBQ at the home of Valerie and her family.

Laurel True Workshop

COST: $1900

Includes: Mosaic Workshop Instruction, Accommodations Sunday, June 23 – Friday, June 29, breakfast and lunches, Thursday night special dinner, transportation from train station or Avignon airport and to and from workshop, and all touristic visits to markets, exhibits and wine tastings.

Does Not Include: Flight, Dinners (except Thursday) or Personal Expenses.

Both instructors are bi-lingual and workshop and activities will be in English and French.

This workshop has only 10 spots, so sign up early!

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Hotel de Atelier is a charming hotel in the lively village of Villeneuve Las Avignon, five minutes from the town of Avignon. Read more here.

ITINERARY:

Laurel True ProvenceSunday, June 23
Participants arrive and get settled in Hotel de Atelier

Monday, June 24
Morning: Arrive at Esprit Mosaique Studio, introductions and first project
Lunch at Restaurant La Strada
Afternoon: Studio instruction and work time
Evening: Free

Tuesday, June 25
Morning: Studio work time and instruction
Lunch: Restaurant La Strada
Afternoon: Studio time
Evening: Wine tasting at Cave de Tavel

Wednesday, June 26
Morning: Visit Provencal market in village of St Rémy de Provence and to ancient Gallo-Roman mosaic site
Lunch: In Les Baux de Provence
Afternoon: Visit art exhibit at Carrières des Lumières
Evening: Free

Laurel True ProvenceThursday, June 27
Morning: Studio work time and instruction
Lunch: Restaurant La Strada
Afternoon: Studio work time and instruction
Evening: Winery visit and wine tasting at Chateau Neuf du Pape, then a slow food, Provencal family bbq at Valerie’s beautiful home.

Friday, June 28
Morning: Visit the quaint medieval village of Uzes and Ancient Roman site of Le Pont du Gard
Lunch: on the riverside
Afternoon: Studio work time
Evening: Visit town of Avignon

Saturday, June 29
Morning/Lunch: To conclude our week together we’ll take a gorgeous walk in a nearby lavender field and enjoy a Provencal picnic. 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Afternoon: Goodbyes and departure!

Mosaics in France“Valerie hosted me at her beautiful home and studio in Provence last Spring and we decided to put together this workshop experience so that mosaic artists could come and enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing area and the warmth and hospitality of Valerie and her family and community. I came back from that trip bursting with energy, inspiration and a full heart, and can’t wait to share this experience with my students!” ~ Laurel True, mosaic artist and co-instructor of workshop

“I welcome you to my studio and town, in the hopes that each participant/student comes away with a feeling of having spent a wonderful week of creativity, sharing our mosaic passion and fun, discovering the most beautiful places in Provence, with the desire to come back to explore more !”  ~ Valerie Nicoladze, mosaic artist and co-instructor of workshop

PAYMENTS:

Payment can be made through Pay Pal; 50% due at time of registration to hold spot with 50% balance due by April 1st OR  students may also make one payment if they wish, at time of registration.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations made before April 1 will receive a full refund, minus $100 admin fee. Cancellations April  1 – 15 will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations after April 15 are non-refundable unless space is filled, in which case there will be a refund minus the $100 admin fee.

Register for this workshop here.

Questions? Contact Laurel here or Valerie here.

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Sonia King Workshops at West Dean College, U.K.

5 Feb

Mosaic Intensive: Chichester, U.K.
Developing Artistic Expression with Sonia King
West Dean College
July 21 – 26, 2013
₤466 Non-Residential

Mosaic Intensive: Chichester, U.K.
Working in Monochrome with Sonia King
West Dean College
July 27 – August 2, 2013
₤608 Non-Residential

Sonia King West Dean Join Sonia King at the acclaimed West Dean College for a week (or two!) of mosaic immersion in an exceptional setting.

Artistic Expression, July 21 – 26, 2013

The goal of this workshop is to offer an elevated sense of what mosaic is about, offering a new way to think about one’s work and the knowledge to push to the next level. Special emphasis will be made on personal expression and developing one’s individual style. The class specifically covers working with texture, scale, andamento and spacing; achieving effects through varied cutting and laying styles and/or mixed materials; and working direct using cement-based adhesive.

Sonia King WorkshopStudents will produce a mosaic using a variety of techniques/materials. There is extensive inquiry into cutting techniques, varied materials and laying styles; essentially broadening the student’s skill-set. There are also varied discussions about design, the complexity of working with more than one material, spacing, andamento, and reflectivity.

Students will bring their own materials for use; possible materials include glass, unglazed ceramic, found objects, mineral specimens, beads, stone and fossils. There will be a limited selection of materials available for purchase.

Sonia King at West DeanYou work on your own project with lots of individual attention, dealing with issues that relate specifically to your work. However, all are invited into the discussions so there is a high level of learning from each other’s specific situations. Additionally there are group discussions and lectures on a variety of topics including design considerations when using multiple materials, cutting techniques, etc. A group review at the end focuses on problems solved and lessons learned.

Working in Monochrome, July 27 – August 2

Creating mosaic in a monochrome palette emphasizes the focus on cutting, laying style, reflectivity, scale and texture. Limiting possible decisions to the primary principles of mosaic offers learning opportunities that color can mask. Working within a single color family enhances technical skills while expanding our understanding of the subtle impact on personal expression.

Sonia King at West DeanWe’ll work direct in a variety of materials with special attention to cutting techniques, methods of laying, and broadening your skill set. The class specifically covers working with texture, scale, andamento and spacing; achieving effects through varied cutting and laying styles and/or mixed materials; and working direct using cement-based adhesive. There are also varied discussions about design, the complexity of working with more than one material, reflectivity and more. Most importantly, you’ll leave the workshop with an elevated sense of what mosaic is about, a new way of thinking about your work, and the knowledge to enable you to push to the next level. Some prior mosaic experience is recommended.

Each student will produce a mosaic using a variety of techniques/materials. Possible materials include glass, unglazed ceramic, found objects, mineral specimens, beads, stone and fossils. Plan to bring your materials with you. There will be a limited selection of materials available for purchase.

Sonia King at West DeanStudents will work on their own projects with ample individual attention, dealing with issues that relate to their specific  work. However, all are invited into the discussions so there is a high level of learning from each other’s specific situations. Additionally there are group discussions and lectures on a variety of topics including design considerations when using multiple materials, cutting techniques, etc. A group review at the end focuses on problems solved and lessons learned.

West Dean

Located in SouthEast England and 12 miles from the coat, West Dean is internationally known for its programs in visual arts and conservation. The 6400 acre estate features exceptional gardens for an inspiring and peaceful stay.

For more information or to register for either session, click here.

Images from previous workshops at West Dean are here.

More about Sonia King here.

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