Workshops
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The Basic Pebble Mosaic 2-day workshop with Maggy Howarth
World reknowned British pebble mosaic artist, Maggy Howarth returns to CMS to share her secrets on her traditional in-situ pebble technique. You will cover basic principles of construction: examining different types of stone, explore simple patterns using different shapes of pebbles; discuss and compare essential bases and mixes. There will be advice towards the making of successful designs using contrast, shape and color. In addition there will be an evening slide-show of world-wide pebble mosaics. Participants will make a small pebble mosaic to take home. This course is suitable for beginners and will appeal to enthusiastic gardeners, landscape professionals and artists. This course is limited to 15 students.
Cost - $400/course $75/materials fee.
- Cost:
- 475.00 - Register »
- Duration:
- 2 Days
- Instructor(s):
- HOWARTH
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Pebble Pre-cast Technique 5 day workshop with Maggy Howarth
There is no better authority on Pebble Mosaic creations than British artist and author Maggy Howarth, who returns to CMS for this course the Pre-cast technique. The aim of this course is to give students a basic foundation in the indirect, upside-down method. This construction of pebble mosaic involves casting slabs using grout and concrete. The course will cover: making patterns and molds, discussing the principles of casting and concrete technology, and advice on achieving successful designs. On the first day there will be a comparison of pebble types and patterns, followed by a demonstration of the upside-down technique and an opportunity to practice. On the 4 days following, participants will make their own small mosaic blocks, cast them and turn them out the following day. There will be plenty of supervision and assistance to enable a reasonable result by the end of the course.
Because of the difficulty of this technique, it is necessary to have previous experience of pebble work. Students should have completed a basic pebble work course. Submission of previous completed works will need to be reviewed by Ms Howarth before admission to the course. If you are new to pebble mosaics, enrolling into the 2 day in-situ class is required.
A kindly word of advice: The Pre-cast course requires an aptitude for precise handwork, and a lot of practice to produce good results. Please note, you will be creating a large scale, very heavy pebble mosaic that will not be transportable home unless you are driving. If you plan on keeping your pebble mosaic, please know that you will be responsible for making arrangements for shipping it home. This class is limited to 15 students.
Cost - $800/course $200/materials fee
- Cost:
- 1000.00 - Register »
- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Instructor(s):
- HOWARTH
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Smalti's Next Level: B Cuts with Sue Giannotti
We're sorry, but this workshop is currently full. Please check back at a later date.
Expand your Smalti experience with St. Louis artist, Sue Giannotti. Ms Giannotti returns to teach this now 4-day workshop that delves into the Smatli techniques often seen in contemporary European mosaics, focusing on the chunky textured B-cuts, andamento alternatives, color and value techniques, all designed for added impact. While easily used in landscapes and abstract art, these skills can be helpful in any type of mosaic. Using Smalti from the Orsoni Factory in Venice, Italy, the class will go beyond the A-cuts to explore chunkier B-cuts and study why, when and how to incorporate BOTH of them into a mosaic.
Students will learn how to use a hammer and hardie to manipulate B-cuts for texture and interesting andamento options. Students should bring a sketchbook and between 4 and 6 design inspirations (photos, sketches; recommended size 8"x10") as starting points for their mosaic. For those who have some Smalti experience and are ready to do even more with this fantastic material, please join us! Includes materials and use of tools. This class is limited to 10 students.- Cost:
- 475.00
- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Instructor(s):
- Sue Giannotti
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Working Realistically in Mosaic: Persepctive, value and Color with Shug Jones
While most people realize the need to understand perspective, value and color when using conventional art media to create representational art, many don't realize how important it is to have a working knowledge of them when creating in mosaic. Successful realistic mosaics work because they employ directional cuts and andamento paired with appropriate value systems. Added to this is the ability to "read" color in objects and understand how to visually "blend" them on the substrate.
In this 5 day workshop, students will learn the basics of perspective and value by doing drawing exercises that will help them create objects that have volume and form. They will hear a lecture on color theory as it relates to mosaic, view a slideshow of realistically rendered mosaic and will then use their new skills to create one of their own. Students will work from photos provided by the instructor, chosen to help them have a successful and positive experience. They will create a mosaic using Venetian glass tiles and stained glass tesserae. Each student will receive close individual interaction with the instructor and participate in discussions of work in progress with the class, allowing students to also learn from each other. Students need to bring a sketch book and an Ebony drawing pencil (available at all art supply and hobby stores). Materials and use of tools included. Class size is limited to 12 students.- Cost:
- 600.00 - Register »
- Duration:
- 5 days
- Instructor(s):
- Shug Jones
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Sculptural Forms for Mosaics with Sherri Warner-Hunter
This workshop is for anyone who is interested in creating 3-dimensional forms to cover with mosaic. The main emphasis of this workshop will be how to create a relatively light weight sculptural form by carving polystyrene foam and the process of covering it with concrete to create a sturdy interior or exterior base for mosaic. This is the technique that Hunter uses for most of her public artworks.
We will also address a variety of ways in which this process can be adapted from a free standing sculpture to totem elements and bas relief wall pieces. Each student will create their own form using this process. Sculptural mosaic techniques will be presented however participants will not be doing mosaic in this workshop.
Participants will also be introduced to non-welded, metal armature construction and metal working tools through a simple hands-on project. Application of concrete and ferro cement process will be demonstrated so students can complete their projects at home.
Coloring concrete, embedding and simple casting will also be addressed in visual presentations and discussions. Bring your ideas, sketches or pictures for sculptural mosaic and concrete pieces with you so we can share and impart creative problem solving.
Sherri Warner Hunter is known for teaching sculpture, concrete, and mosaic workshops at her studio in Bell Buckle, Tennessee and around the country. She has authored two books on working with concrete - Making Concrete Garden Ornaments and Creative Concrete Ornaments for the Garden, both published by Lark Books.
All materials and use of tools are included. The class size is limited to 15 students.
- Cost:
- 675.00 - Register »
- Duration:
- 5 days
- Instructor(s):
- Sherri Warner-Hunter
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Pebble Mosaic Workshop
Participants will learn the ancient art of pebble mosaic by using a pre-cast method to construct a stepping stone out of concrete and pebbles. The workshop includes a slide show of pebble mosaics around the world as well as information about using concrete and making molds for other types of pebble mosaics. Ms. Roland has both studied and assisted Maggy Howarth's pebble courses. Participants should wear old clothing for this class. This weekend course includes all tools and materials.
- Cost:
- 275.00 - Register »
- Duration:
- 2 Days
- Instructor(s):
- Gwyn Kaitis
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Weekend Architectural Installation Workshop
In this weekend course, students learn how to design execute, and install a mosaic for an interior space. Substrates, and materials will be discussed at length. Participants will help to construct and install a project (ie: backsplash, floor, etc) section and learn indirect application methods. If you are considering a home tiling project, this class is for you. Tools and materials are included. Students are encouraged bring a notebook.
- Cost:
- 250.00 - Register »
- Duration:
- 2 DAYS
- Instructor(s):
- Matt Federico
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Color Theory and Application
This class is for all artists of any level who want to learn and master their understanding of color and how it works in art and mosaic making. Many color topics will be discussed including defining color, color combinations, color theory, tints and tones and color blending just to name a few. Projects will be design oriented, beginning with non-mosaic materials and finishing with a mosaic. Material and use of tools are provided.
- Cost:
- 250.00 - Register »
- Duration:
- 2 Days
- Instructor(s):
- Rochelle Borrett
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One Day Mosaic Basics
Crunched for time but want to learn how to make a mosaic? We are happy to offer this new course that covers all the basics of mosaic art. We will provide an item for you to create or you are welcome to bring in an object of your own to mosaic. Students will learn about cutting, materials and adhesives so they can begin to create their own mosaics. Tools and materials are provided by CMS.
- Cost:
- 75.00 - Register »
- Duration:
- 3 Hours
- Instructor(s):
- Various
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1-Day Smalti Workshop
Smalti is one of the oldest and most original materials of mosaic art. This thick glass tile holds light the way no other material can. Our exquisite smalti is manufactured at the Orsoni family factory in Venice, Italy using the same ancient techniques and traditions passed down through the generations. The colors of smalti are rich and offer the artist many possibilities to achieve dynamic mosaic works of art.
In this one day intensive workshop we will explore this beautiful traditional material by teaching students how to cut and set smalti, use tools such as a hammer and hardie as well as the more contemporary wheeled cutters. Each student will create a 6"x6" mosaic panel. Design, color and composition will also be covered. The class includes tools, handouts and a beautiful selection of Orsoni Italian smalti. This workshop is suitable for beginners and advanced students.
- Cost:
- 195.00 - Register »
- Duration:
- 1-Day
- Instructor(s):
- Andryea Natkin
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Memory Ware Mosaics
Have you been saving your broken knick knacks and dishes? Have you collected coins, buttons and keys but don't know why? Memory ware is a turn-of-the-century folk art tradition with roots in African-American and Victorian craft where all lost and broken pieces come together to create a unique and beautiful work of personalized art. Create your own piece of memory ware by embedding broken items and small objects onto a vessel. Students should bring their own personal collection of broken bits and pieces, but will have access to CMS's collection of shards as well.
- Cost:
- 175.00 - Register »
- Duration:
- 2 Days
- Instructor(s):
- Staci Sterenberg