Tag Archives: Bonnie Fitzgerald

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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Exterior Installations in Mexico with Bonnie Fitzgerald

1 Aug

Architectural Installations, Exterior Mosaics & Community Projects with Bonnie Hacienda Yucca CropBonnie Fitzgerald
January 15 -20, 2017
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
$1,875 Per Person, Double Occupancy

This is Bonnie Fitzgerald and Maverick Mosaics’ 5th trip to the Hacienda. We’re honored and very excited to be invited back to teach at the amazing educational environment that is Hacienda Mosaico.

Mosaics in MexicoThe primary focus of this workshop is exterior and large-scale mosaics and installations. For new students, this is the perfect opportunity to learn all about large-scale installations and community mosaic projects. Our workshop will guide you through the process of designing, fabricating and installing large-scale permanent mosaics for exterior or interior architectural settings. Each student will create several “studies” using various indirect mosaic techniques and a wide variety of materials. These exercise studies are invaluable, offering students’ time to explore materials and techniques that work best for projects they have in mind. Students are welcome to take their studies home for future reference. Additionally, you will gain experience in collaborative design, fabrication, and installation as a group by creating an architectural mosaic as a gift to the Hacienda.

Mosaics in Mexico

Mosaics in MexicoAlternate Focus: All students are welcome to create their own workshop and work on personal projects of any scale. Instructor will work with students one-on-one in advance to ensure you arrive at the Hacienda with appropriate materials. If you wish to create a personal mosaic to take home, you must submit a design concept to instructor in advance so materials can be sourced. Students are responsible for bringing their materials and the appropriate hand tools to cut their selected tesserae (mosaic pieces). Workshop includes a host of valuable hand-out materials and resource information.

All skill levels are welcome. Mosaic experience is helpful but not necessary.

Mosaics in MexicoA comprehensive presentation and lecture will cover creative and technical approaches best suited for community work. When many hands are involved there is magic to the art created, but there are lots of important planning steps to be considered. We will review the process of budgeting and bidding jobs, and share ideas for developing projects, recruiting and managing volunteers, and ways to gain the support of your local community. Students interested in exploring techniques to create a community based project will participate in a series of exercises to help master the appropriate method for their future projects. Materials list & instructions on packing will be sent after registration.

Mosaics in MexicoFor our gift mural to the Hacienda we’ll create a mosaic work in mixed materials and install the piece on Hacienda property using thin-set mortar. Everyone will gain valuable experience by participating in this hands-on exercise. In 2016 we created “Three Amigos” which are installed poolside to serenade you during meals!

Students are invited to a Hacienda welcome reception on Sunday evening, January 15. During our week together there will be tons of learning and lots of free time to explore Puerto Vallarta, shop or relax. After dinner each evening we offer optional instructor-supervised open studio. Students depart Saturday, January 21.

2017 Workshop Fee: $1,875

Included
Welcome Reception
6 Nights Lodging
5 Days of Instruction
5 Breakfasts & Lunches on Workshop Days Served Poolside
Unlimited Studio Use 24/7
Saturday Departure Brunch
Instructor will provide appropriate adhesives and a wide variety of mosaic materials; students are asked to contribute a small amount of materials for exercises and must bring their own mosaic hand tools.

To Register
A $500 deposit is required to reserve your spot. Maverick Mosaics is accepting payment for this workshop, via credit card, bank wire or check. A 3% discount is extended for cash or check payment. Contact instructor for details.

Please consider Trip Insurance

Mosaics in MexicoAbout the Instructor
Bonnie Fitzgerald is an artist, educator and author. As a past Executive Board Member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA), Bonnie has long been instrumental in raising awareness of mosaic as an art form throughout the United States. Bonnie teaches workshops throughout North America, including the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and leads study tours to destinations in Europe. She is the author of Guide to Mosaic Techniques (2015) and 300+ Mosaic Tips, Techniques, Templates and Trade Secrets (2012), which have been translated into 5 languages. To learn more, visit maverickmosaics.com and bonniefitzgeraldart.com.

Take a Look!
To “see” the Hacienda experience have a look at the video from our 2013 trip.

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Winter Escape! Go BIG in Mexico with Bonnie Fitzgerald

11 Aug

Winter Escape: Exterior Mosaics, Architectural Installations & Community Projects with Bonnie Fitzgerald
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
January 10-16, 2016
$1,725 double occupancy

There’s no better way to ward off the winter chill and get your mosaic mojo on than a trip to the warmth and beauty of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in January. This will be Bonnie’s fourth workshop retreat to Hacienda Mosaico, and she is very excited to be invited back to teach.

Bonnie Fitzgerald Hacienda MosaicoStudents will be guided through the process of designing, fabricating and installing large-scale permanent mosaics for exterior or interior architectural settings. You’ll create a personal mosaic using the appropriate indirect mosaic technique for your materials, and take the artwork home ready for installation. Additionally, you’ll gain experience in collaborative design, fabrication, and installation as a group by creating an architectural mosaic as a gift to the Hacienda.

All Skill levels are welcome. Mosaic experience is helpful but not necessary.

About Hacienda Mosaico
Want to see just how beautiful the Hacienda is? Click here for our 2014 video.

About the Workshop
Bonnie Fitzgerald Hacienda MosaicoStudents are invited to a welcome reception hosted by Hacienda Mosaico owner and famed artist Sandra (Sam) Leonard on Sunday evening, January 10. Formal class time will be held daily from 10:00 AM -2:00 PM. Instructor-supervised open studio is offered each evening after dinner to work on your own personal project. There will be tons of learning and lots of free time to explore Puerto Vallarta, shop or relax. Students depart Saturday, January 16.  Space limited to 12 students. Workshop has already exceeded the minimum and is a “go.” Deposit of 50% required to reserve your spot.

$1,725 Retreat Price Includes
6 Nights Lodging (double occupancy)
5 Days Workshop Instruction
24/7 Studio Access
Breakfast and Lunch served poolside daily by the Hacienda’s private chef
Welcome Reception Sunday night
Departure breakfast Saturday

Not Included
Dinners (many inexpensive options in the neighborhood)
Optional Field Trips
Airfare
Travel Insurance

Bonnie Fitzgerald Hacienda MosaicoAbout the Instructor
Bonnie Fitzgerald is an artist, teacher and author. Her passion is designing and creating one-of-a-kind artwork and guiding art enthusiasts, young and old alike, on a journey to discover and develop their own personal artistic voice through the art of mosaics. Bonnie is also founder of Maverick Mosaics, a company specializing in art education and unique learning experiences, including international travel adventures and hosting workshops led by mosaic artists from around the world.

Dedicated to furthering the art of mosaic education, she has authored two books: 300+ Mosaic Tips, Techniques, Templates and Trade Secrets and Bonnie Fitzgerald’s Guide to Mosaic Technique.  300+ Tips has been translated into Italian, French, German and Dutch. Both titles were published by Trafalgar Square, London and are available on-line, from many book stores, mosaic supply vendors and Maverick Mosaics.

More Information
For additional workshop details, click here. To Register, click here. To contact Bonnie, click here.

Join us for a week filled with learning, laughter, community and sunshine!

Bonnie Fitzgerald Hacienda Mosaico

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Italy with Maverick Mosaics

3 May

The Divine, The Diva, and The David: Italy with Maverick Mosaics
September 25 – October 4, 2015
$3,595 per Person, Double Occupancy

Experience the splendor and magic of Italy with Maverick Mosaics as we open doors for you to learn, create and laugh. Get ready to enjoy a rich and memorable week of mosaics, history, culture, great food, and hands-on art projects. From the Vatican to Niki de Saint Phalle’s Tarot Garden to the treasures of Florentine Art this will be an amazing one of a kind adventure.

Art Retreats ItalyOur trip will focus on mosaic art in the cities of Rome, Florence and the Tuscan region. Upon your arrival in Rome you will visit famous “must sees” including the Coliseum and Roman Square, but surely the highlight will be our private visit to the Vatican and its Mosaic Studio where mosaic artisans restore, create and fabricate mosaics for installation worldwide. We spend 3 days exploring Rome, visiting cathedrals, Basilica’s and archeological sites. A private classical Italian cooking class will top off our time in Rome and replace the calories you burned walking the city!

From Rome our private coach takes us through the Tuscan countryside to our first stop, the exotic sculpture garden of Niki de Saint Phalle. The Tarot Garden is comprised of several large-scale mosaic sculptures, and something you have to see to believe. While in this rural area you will have a unique “cowboy” lunch experience at a local family farm followed by a stop at the Saturnia Hot Springs. We travel on to explore the medieval towns of Siena and San Gimigano. You will visit the famous alabaster studio of Volterra where in this magical atmosphere we will watch artisans work with this luminescent and unique stone. It’s always a treat to visit mosaic artists, and the studio of Albo Mazzetti will open their doors to us. Albo has been creating masterworks for countless installations throughout the world for over 30 years and his Tuscan studio will be a memorable experience.

Art Retreats ItalyIn Florence we visit some must-sees including the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’ Accademia, both outstanding collections of Renaissance masterpieces. And of course there will be time with “David” and time to take in the Florence Duomo Complex, which includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Santa Reparata Excavation, the Florence Baptistery and the Museum of the Opera del Duomo.

Another studio visit, and an unforgettable experience, is a hands-on workshop at the artistic studio of the Masters Iacopo and Bruno Lastrucci guaranteed to satisfy lovers of mosaic and stone. We will learn about “Florentine commesso”, a particular kind of mosaic, developed in the 16th century in Florence. Pietra dura (literally, “hard stone”) and semi-precious stones are used in these designs. Only in Florence do the few great masters continue to produce works of art using the technique. Special tools are used and the craftsmanship is beyond compare.

Time will be included for you to leisurely discover the cafes and shops along Florence’s famous Ponte Vecchio.

Our Florence accommodations will be at Villa il Poggiale, a manor house just outside the city. After a long day of learning and exploring you can relax with a dip in the villa’s pool or savor a drink in the garden. We will have a gourmet meal prepared for us at the villa and dine like kings and queens in Italian splendor during our stay.

This trip is designed for adults and space is limited to ensure an intimate and personal experience.

Many of the adventures and excursions on Maverick trips are UNIQUE, one-of-a-kind opportunities with some components not available to the public. We offer hassle free travel, English speaking escorts and university educated guides, wonderful accommodations, and street-level cultural engagement anchored in the world of art and architecture. We plan on making keepsake art-work along the way in workshops lead by local artisans.

Maverick’s inaugural Art Camp trip to France in June 2013 and our recently completed adult adventure to Spain were amazing, thanks in large part to the expertise and planning of our travel and logistics partner A La Carte Travel. A La Carte Travel is this nation’s leader in exclusively providing educational institutions with affordable access to learning opportunities abroad, and Maverick Mosaics qualifies as an educational institution. Hassle free travel is paramount, ground transportation and transfers are included, no waiting in lines for scheduled tours and we have English speaking escorts and guides traveling with us. A La Carte Travel promotes the values of understanding the world we live in through experiencing and learning about different cultures. With over 18 years of experience organizing educational tours, A La Carte Travel is the perfect partner with Maverick Mosaics for this unique travel and learning adventure.

Click here for a detailed itinerary and to register. A La Carte Travel – Italy.

Cost is $3,595 per person. Price includes lodging, all admission fees, ground transportation, (workshops, cooking class, olive oil and wine tastings), full-time English-speaking escort, daily breakfast, special meals as described on detailed itinerary. Price also includes a special gourmet meal at the Tuscan Villa and a closing farewell dinner in Rome. Price does not include airfare and is based on double occupancy.

For anyone traveling from Washington, DC (Dulles Airport) we are researching group airfares that will be below market rate. If you are in the DC area, or wish to depart as a part of the DC group contact us.

Learn more about Bonnie here.

Learn more about Maverick Mosaics here.

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Exploring France with Bonnie Fitzgerald and Maverick Mosaics

1 Feb

France: Back to the Future & Forward to the Past
with Bonnie Fitzgerald and Maverick Mosaics.
June 27 – July 6, 2015
$2,995 Double Occupancy
A 4 day add-on option available to explore Paris more deeply

Get ready to enjoy a rich and memorable week of history, culture, art through the ages, great food, hands-on art projects, and yes a little technology, as we explore humankind’s cultural past and a glimpse into our future.

Art RetreatsOur trip will focus on art and cultural achievements through the ages. You will visit the Perigord region of France (southwest) and go “forward to the past” as we experience some of the oldest know artistic expressions on earth, the famous Caves of Lascaux (Paleolithic-Stoneage). Continuing forward into the past we visit the Medieval fortified town of Carcassonne. Going “back to the future” we visit the contemporary art museum of Toulouse-Lautrec, the celebrated market of Sarlat and much more. There will be wine tastings, special meals and private and exclusive entry to archeological sites as we experience moments in art and culture spanning 17,000 years! Our trip begins and ends with time in Paris where we will lunch at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, visit museums and get a taste of the “City of Light.”

Art Retreats FranceFrom Paris we train to Toulouse and via our private coach travel to Carcassonne, the second most visited site in all of France after the Eiffel Tower. The site of Carcassonne has been occupied since Neolithic times and retained as a medieval fortified town well into the 16th century. It is an architectural marvel and has been restored to its medieval splendor. You will visit the towns of Albi and Sarlat, both known for their architecture and market shopping. We’ll have a wine tasting at a family owned vineyard and farm, visit art galleries, cathedrals, castles and several museums.

Cave Art FranceThe caves of Lascaux have been referred to as the prehistoric equivalent of the Sistine Chapel. Our visit to Lascaux includes private access and tour of the Fac Similé of Lascaux IV. Additionally, you will enjoy a day in Castle Merle, a prehistoric site renowned for 10 authentic prehistoric rock shelters dating back 35,000 years, and these cave dwellings include original sculptures from the period.

Art Retreats FranceOptional workshops are offered along the way for all participants, both kids and adults, including painting in caves (after learning to mix paint pigments), carving a limestone sculpture (after having your artists tools made in front of you!), and a visit with a local mosaic artist to create your own unique broken pieces souvenir. There will be opportunities to try on a suit of armor, sip coffee in a village while soaking in the local color, and wander through the grape vines of a family owned vineyard. At the end of our adventure we train back to Paris for one last night together and a special Bon Voyage dinner.

This trip is open to a multi-generation audience, adults and children ages 10+ with parents or guardian. Maverick Mosaics provides chaperone service for children 15+ who wish to travel without an adult. Contact us for more details.

Art Retreats FranceWhat does multi-generation mean? At Maverick Mosaics we believe strongly in the benefits of teaching the young as well as the young at heart. Young people bring an energy and unbiased view to our world.  What kinds of children will be on the trip? At this writing we cannot say, but on our previous trip we had children along who were filled with curiosity, humor and good manners. Some were in high school, others were college students and another had just received her masters degree. A parent must accompany children under 15. If you wish to travel with like-minded people, and the subjects and locations we are exploring on this trip interest you, then this adventure is designed for you.

An optional 4 day add-on in Paris and surrounding sites will be available. Contact us if this interests you. We will decide what additional sites to visit with input from participants.

Art Retreats FranceMany of the adventures on Maverick trips are UNIQUE, one-of-a-kind opportunities with many components not available to the public. We offer hassle free travel, English speaking escorts and university educated guides, wonderful accommodations, and street-level cultural engagement based in the world of art and architecture. We plan on making souvenir art-work along the way in workshops lead by local artisans, and enjoy professionally led wine tastings and fine food sampling.

Cost is $2,995 per person. Price includes lodging, all admission fees, ground transportation, daily breakfast, 3 lunches, closing farewell dinner and Escort fees. Price does not include airfare and is based on double occupancy.

For anyone traveling from Washington, DC (Dulles Airport) we are currently holding an airline reservation round trip to/from Paris $1,170 per person. More details here. Learn more about Maverick Mosaics here.

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Treasures of Barcelona and Madrid with Maverick Mosaics

19 May

Treasures of Barcelona and Madrid
Maverick Mosaics
September 12 – 21, 2014
$2995

Travel Abroad with Maverick Mosaics as Adult Art Camp goes International!

Mosaic Art Retreats SpainOur second international trip will be to the colorful country of Spain to pay homage to three of Spain’s most important native sons: Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi and Salvador Dali.

Introducing the trip of a lifetime for anyone with a sense of adventure. Get ready to enjoy a long week of culture, history, contemporary art, great food and a hands-on project. You’ll experience the splendor of Spain in the spirit of Maverick Mosaics’ successful Art Camp format: learn, create and laugh.

Take in the magic and beauty of Spain with like-minded and adventuresome companions. Your trip will be filled with fun adventures and designed to entertain while providing unique learning experiences. We offer hassle-free travel, wonderful accommodations, and street-level cultural engagement based in the world of art and architecture. We plan at least two hands-on workshops including making mosaics.

Mosaic Art Retreats SpainOur adventure begins in Madrid as we spend our first day discovering the wonders of the Royal Palace and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, where Picasso’s masterpiece “Guernica” is enshrined. With Madrid as our home base, you’ll make day trips to Segovia and Toledo. In Toledo our day includes time at the cathedral Santo Tomé to view an El Greco masterpiece and a visit to Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca. We’ll visit internationally recognized potters and renowned Toledo sword makers whose blades have been sought after from around the world (think Zorro, swashbuckling Earl Flynn and Samurai warriors!).

En route to Segovia, a must-see stop at El Escorial is planned. The building is the most important architectural monument of the Spanish Renaissance. After a magical day in Segovia, where architecture dates to Roman times, we’ll train to Barcelona.

Mosaic Art Retreats SpainOnce in Barcelona you’ll have a series of fabulous art filled experiences: The Picasso Museum, a guided tour of Gaudi’s Bascilica de la Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and La Pedrera. You’ll make your own mosaic in the spirit of Gaudi and revel in the magic of the city as we make our way touring its famous sights. Topping off our time in Barcelona, we’ll visit the Salvador Dali museum, one of the most unique and multi-sensory museums in the world.

Professionally led wine tastings, fine food and dancing are also scheduled along the way. We wrap up our trip with a day at the beach in breathtaking Sitges. Just a short drive from Barcelona, this is “The Jewel” of the Catalan coast.

Maverick’s inaugural Art Camp trip to France in June 2013 was amazing, thanks in large part to the expertise and planning of our travel and logistics partner A La Carte Travel. A La Carte Travel is the nation’s leader in exclusively providing educational institutions with affordable access to learning opportunities abroad, and Maverick Mosaics qualifies as an educational institution. Hassle free travel is paramount, ground transportation and transfers are included, no waiting in lines for scheduled tours and we have a full time English/Spanish speaking escort traveling with us. A La Carte Travel promotes the values of understanding the world we live in through experiencing and learning about different cultures. With over 16 years of experience organizing educational tours, A La Carte Travel is the perfect partner with Maverick Mosaics for this unique travel and learning adventure.

For more details, trip itinerary, workshop details and costs please click here.

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Exploring Mosaics in Glass Retreat, September 2013

9 Jan

Exploring Mosaics in Glass
with Bonnie Fitzgerald
September 6 – 9, 2013
$345 + Your Choice Lodging / Meal Plan

Mosaic Workshop Bonnie FitzgeraldJoin Maverick Mosaics’ founder Bonnie Fitzgerald for a 4-day mosaic retreat at Pennsylvania’s only residential craft school, Touchstone Center for Crafts. At Touchstone, nature and creative energy combine to produce a unique synergy and students learn in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.

Exploring Mosaics in Glass is a comprehensive class offering a strong foundation for constructing decorative art mosaics. Students will be introduced to several types of glass materials applicable to mosaics. Day one begins with an overview of contemporary glass mosaics and their role in both the decorative and fine art world. We will then cover design principles, terminology and technical considerations. We will dedicate a portion of Saturday to design work, including composition and color theory. Students will then solidify their design and create their mosaic cartoon. Students are encouraged to create original designs; however, the instructor will have optional patterns available for those who feel more comfortable creating from an existing design. Our last day will be spent on grouting and finishing techniques, friendly critique and Q & A.

Materials offered will include stained glass, vitreous tiles, art glass tiles, millefiori, fused glass and glass gems. Instructor will provide an ample amount and variety of materials for you to complete your project. Students are welcome to bring supplemental materials that they may wish to incorporate into their design, and a suggested materials list will be sent out 2 weeks in advance.

Saturday and Sunday will be full studio days allowing for plenty of time for fun and creativity, with time allotted to enjoy our beautiful surroundings with walks and fresh air!

This workshop is suited for anyone new to mosaics or folks wishing to take their work to a new level. Students can expect a great deal of personal instruction and guidance.

Suggested projects include a 16’ X 20” mirror surround or a home décor piece measuring approximately 1 square foot. Students must provide their substrate (instructor will provide resources in advance). You may work on any 2-dimensional project. A separate supply fee of $45 will be payable to the instructor. Fee includes tool loan, ample selection of tesserae, adhesive and grout.

Mosaic Workshops Bonnie FitzgeraldTo view Bonnie’s portfolio with many glass mosaic examples please visit Bonnie Fitzgerald Art.

Touchstone Center is located in the Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, PA. They offer full room and board in residence halls or cabins. Click here to visit the Touchstone Center website for more information.

Workshop and lodging reservations will be handled through Touchstone beginning February 2013. Students are strongly encouraged to pre-register directly with Bonnie.

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My Luggage Exploded!

5 Jan

Packing Tips for Artists

Luggage strapped together with bungie cords and plastic wrap? Tee shirts and tesserae strewn along the tarmac? Bonnie Fitzgerald is a travel veteran with three mosaic retreats planned for 2013 (so far!). I’m betting she knows more than your average Joe about the proper valise. Do you?
Don’t Carry your Jewels in a Paper Sack, by Bonnie Fitzgerald
‘Tis the season to purchase GOOD LUGGAGE. If you’re taking trips and schlepping materials, a good suitcase can save you time, money and muscle. Luggage has entered a new realm of efficiency and portability, and January is typically a big sale month for . . . you guessed it. There are tons of good manufacturers. Try a spin around your local mall and take a few for a test drive. You can also research the best buys on-line. Some suggested features to look for include:
  • Drenched Luggage, HeathrowHard-sides PROTECT what is inside. Hardside polycarbonate is lightweight and durable and allows the shell to absorb impact by flexing when under heavy pressure
  • Expandable design allows flexibility when packing — helpful if you’ll be coming home with more stuff than you left with, and equally helpful if you’re bringing home less since you used up your supplies
  • Multi-directional 4-wheel spinner system makes for super easy maneuverability and smooth, quiet rolling
  • Telescoping handles make a comfortable fit for all
  • Need a little more convincing?
Bon Voyage!

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Mosaic Art Retreats: More Mexico 2013

27 Oct

Mosaic Art Retreats

What’s Up in Puerto Vallarta? SIX mosaic retreats at Hacienda Mosaico!

12/2 – 12/8, 2012 Carol Shelkin, Faces, Flowers & The Human Form in Mosaic

2/10 – 2/16, 2013 Woulterina “Riana” de Raad, Life-Size Mosaic-Covered Concrete Sculpture

2/17 – 2/23, 2013 Shug Jones, Fun with Figurative Mosaics

3/3 – 3/9, 2013 Susan Wechsler, Spirit Houses

5/5 – 5/11, 2013 Bonnie Fitzgerald, Large-Scale Mosaic Murals

Read more about Hacienda Mosaico here.

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