Happy New Year!
This post is dedicated to everyone who took a class in my studio this year and helped to make it a year filled with mosaic inspiration for me. Please enjoy this album I created, with just some of the many many wonderful pieces of art created in 2017.
Thank you for your continued support of my work!
Happy 2018!
Christine
Martin Cheek, a British mosaic artist who has been making mosaics for 30 years, and has written 7 best selling books about mosaics (which you’ve seen in my studio!) will be on a 3 month teaching tour in the US and I’m thrilled to be hosting him to teach in my studio on April 7-8, 2018.
For the past twenty seven years, Martin has run mosaic courses all over the world with the intention, as he says, “to enable others to share in this wonderful medium”. Over two thousand students have participated, many of whom have continued to make mosaics either as a hobby or as a profession.
Martin is known for his sense of humor and his “cheeky birds” that are so well-loved. He is also known for pioneering the use of handmade glass fusions in his work. He will be providing custom made glass fusions for all students, and is ready to start working with you now via email, to create the fusions you need for your mosaic idea. This is a unique and rare opportunity! To read more about Martin and view his amazing mosaic work, visit his website.
For this class, participants will think about what it is they would like to make a mosaic of, and bring with them to the workshop this inspirational reference image. During the workshop we will be working with various materials including stained glass, vitreous glass, ceramic tile and pottery shards, along with Martin’s own hand made fusions to create pieces full of texture, dimension, originality and color. Using examples of Martin’s own work, he will show you how the various materials affect your finished piece. Martin will have on hand, many fused glass pieces to choose from that you can experiment with in your own creations during this workshop, and he can custom make fusions for you ahead of time, based on your specific subject idea for your mosaic. (orders for custom fusions must be placed by January 20, 2018)
No matter what your experience is with mosaic art, Martin addresses each student at his or her level of experience from beginner to beyond.
The course will be lots of hands on work creating mosaic pieces, practical demonstrations, slide-show presentations, and individual instruction, all of which are aimed to ensure that each student learns the art of creating mosaics and learns more about their own creative, personal style.
Glass cutting, shaping techniques and design elements and techniques will be covered. Choose between 2 size substrates: 12 x 12 inches or 16 x 12 inches to work on over the course of the workshop.
Course Fee: $350
Materials Fee: $60
Register now, space is limited!
A deposit of $100 will hold your spot, with the balance due by March 1, 2018.
Pay $100 Deposit
Pay in Full
These long slow days have finally given me time to plan out my schedule of classes for the fall. I’m taking the summer to work on my own projects, but I’m looking forward to having the studio full of awesome people making a spectacular variety of beautiful work in the not so distant future.
Click here to read full class descriptions and to register.
I’m offering a 6 week series, called the Mosaic Free for All. It will be on Wednesday evenings (6-9 pm) from September 13- October 18.
Also, back by popular demand are Mosaic Stepping Stones workshops. I’m offering this one-night course on 5 different dates. August 30, September 12, October 23, November 16 and December 5.
Please visit my workshops page for full class descriptions and to register, or contact me with any questions. And remember, if you refer a friend who ends up signing up, you’ll receive a 10% discount on your own tuition!
This spring, I had the pleasure of working to create public art with some amazing students at Lighthouse Holyoke.
This program was supported in part by a grant from the Holyoke Local Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
For the past year, students at Lighthouse have been working with the Holyoke Parks Department to secure state funding to renovate a run-down city park around the corner from their school. The school occupies a suite in one of the renovated mill buildings on Race Street by the canals. Soucey Park is just around the corner on Main Street and is in need of some TLC. The students took this on and secured $60,000 to make improvements to the park. They did community surveys to determine what the neighbors want out of their park. Many of the improvements are still in the planning stages, but one thing they agreed upon was public art.
This is where I came into the picture.
The Holyoke Local Cultural Council awarded me a grant to work with the students to create mosaic stepping stones for the park. The students, for whom it was their first mosaic experience, jumped right in and began creating. We discussed public art and the positive impact it can have on a neglected area, making people care more and take pride in their surroundings. The students’ work depicts imagery ranging from a Puerto Rican flag, to the elements of earth, air, fire, water, to landscapes with trees, to hands reaching out, to rainbows, and a yin/yang symbol of balance. They took to heart the impact that their work can have on this public space. I’ll wait to share pictures of these wonderful pieces, until the unveiling in the park later this summer.
In addition, the students each got to make their own small mosaic. The imagery ranged dramatically, including an impressive self portrait, a chili pepper, and more abstract designs.
I loved the opportunity to get to know these students and to experience the culture of their school, which is vastly different from a traditional school setting. Lighthouse Holyoke is about “self-directed learning” where teens choose their own path and are in the company of others doing the same. The school just finished it’s 2nd academic year and held it’s first graduation ceremony last Friday. I feel honored and thrilled to be a part of such an innovative and diverse community, and I salute all of the graduates, especially Alexis Dias, who was one of my students.
Stay tuned for photos of the stepping stones, once they’re installed in Soucey Park later this summer!
For 6 weeks this past winter, I had the pleasure of working as a visiting artist at Belchertown High School with 3 art classes (a total of 34 students) to design and create a mosaic mural for the town library. The students were a mix of grades 9-12, students of Lori St. Pierre. Lori and I wrote a grant together to the Massachusetts Cultural Council to fund the project.
For many of the students, this was their first awareness of mosaics, though some had seen mosaics in parks or in airports before. We talked about how mosaic art can teach us about a culture. Each student made his or her own mini mosaic- a 4” x 4” work that they got to keep, that also served as a way to practice working in the medium- cutting glass, learning about the way shapes fit together, and the technical aspects of how it all gets attached and grouted. Here are just a few of the wonderfully creative pieces they made:
Then, together as a class, we made lists of ideas of what is special about Belchertown. For some students, this was a challenging exercise, and I can appreciate how hard it is to recognize the uniqueness of where you’re from if you haven’t yet lived in other places! But we came up with lots of subject matter, and the students spent a few days sketching out their ideas. Here are just some of the sketches they made:
Then I worked in my studio, using the students sketches to compose a scene depicting Belchertown. For me, this was the hardest part of the whole project, figuring out how to include a representation of every category of items the students had drawn. I decided to feature the landscape, the Quabbin Reservoir and Swift River, wild animals, farm animals, an apple tree, a maple tree with taps, a ferris wheel to represent the Belchertown Fair, a soccer player and band member, and of course, the Clapp Memorial Library– which was to become the destination of the mural. I had design input from Lori, as well as my mother, Cathy Kenneally, who is somewhat of a legend in the Belchertown schools, having been the elementary art teacher for 20 years. She retired last June.
After February break, I returned to school with a full size color rendering of the design (3’ x 4’) and students got to work making the mosaic.
One at a time, as the sections were completed, we assembled them onto a “master” and students began to work on the background areas. It was a wonderful example of teamwork, compromise and collaboration.
When the whole mural was completed, I did the job of attaching it to a lightweight board, called WEDI board, through a series of flipping sections, spreading mortar to the right thickness, and then assembling a team (including Lori, my mother and one of the school custodians) to help flip the whole thing back over, because by that point it was heavy!
On the last day, we grouted the mosaic:
The installation at the library happened one evening after closing. Greg, the library custodian lent his assistance and my husband Bill was there to help (as he often is when I’m doing an installation). The frame, which was made of steel, by my friend Pat Bennet, was bolted to the wall, and the mosaic secured to the frame with a cleat system. In this way, if they ever need to take it down, it will be easy to do so.
Finally, on April 6, it was time to have our celebration of the mural. We had covered it with paper, to allow for a dramatic unveiling and many of the students and their families attended the event, along with many members of the community- the school board, library trustees and even a photographer from masslive.com. A local baker decorated a big sheet cake to look like the mural, which was so awesome!
I could not be more pleased with this experience, and with the outcome. Belchertown now has a piece of public art to be proud of, and the students who made it will be able to come back year after year, eventually bringing their own children to see the work they participated in. I am so grateful to all who made this possible, especially Lori St Pierre, Sheila McCormick, the Library Director, and to the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Click here to read the article in the Daily Hampshire Gazette about this project.
Click here to read the article in the Belchertown Sentinel about this project.
Click here to view photos of the reception on MassLive.com
Students at the reception
Lori St. Pierre and I, at the Clapp Memorial Library
Click here to read the full descriptions and to register
I’m also offering an incentive for you to spread the word. If you refer a friend who signs up for a workshop, you’ll receive a 10% discount on your own tuition.
(discounts are given as partial refunds after you sign up)
This is a popular class because you can finish a project in just one evening. Learn about shape and pattern by creating a unique design to enhance your garden. You can leave them outside year round.
In this 8 week series, you’ll create a personalized piece of furniture for your home. Everything is provided, including the handmade wooden table frame. Make something you’ll treasure forever.
This is your chance to make the project of your choice- a mosaic wall panel, house number, flower pot, mirror frame, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Spend Earth Day weekend up-cycling beautiful glass and other materials to make functional mosaics for your kitchen table and coffee table. Great for beginners, but open to all levels.
Visit my website to read the full descriptions and to register.
Remember to tell your friends! Mosaics classes are a really fun thing to do with friends, and you’ll get 10% off your own tuition when your friend signs up for their first class with me. Or, get a group of 6-8 friends or coworkers together and I’ll schedule a class for you at your convenience.
I’m looking forward to seeing many of you this spring.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Christine
Do you want to spice up the front of your house in a really personalized way? If so, then make a mosaic number plaque for your house!
In response to numerous requests, I am offering this course as a 7 week series on Monday evenings in my studio, beginning January 30. There are a few spots left so I wanted to make sure to get the word out. This will be a really fun way to use a variety of materials (glass, pottery, tile, stone, etc), while working in the indirect method, and creating a functional, customized piece of art for the front of your house. You can include imagery that is special to you, or that reflects the landscape, in addition to the number itself. These are going to be true works of art.
Another special feature to this project is the frame: handmade by local metal sculptor Pat Bennet from Holyoke. You will have your choice between a couple of different sizes of these beautiful steel frames to attach the mosaic to your house.
Read the full description and sign up here. Or contact me if you have questions.
And… gift certificates are available in any amount, so you can gift this class, or a portion of the tuition to a creative friend or family member.
Make this a winter filled with creativity!
Tufted Titmice by Noel Watkins, Student
I am excited to announce that Cathleen Newsham, founding member of the New England Mosaic Society, will be teaching this workshop in my studio in March! Space is limited, sign up early!
If you love mosaics and are ready to tackle installations but don’t know where to start, this is the workshop for you! Taking on an architectural mosaic project can be a scary prospect! In this two day workshop, Cathleen Newsham, founder of Modern Mosaic Arts, will try to calm your nerves by showing you her tried and true techniques and sharing her experiences from 17 years of architectural mosaic creation. Detailing the initial process of pricing, presenting and designing, as well as sourcing, fabrication and installing, she will reveal her secrets to a successful mosaic installation. You will get an inside look at how a mural is made and how to turn your love of mosaic into a business that can be profitable and fun!
This is a professional development workshop, so you will not be completing a mosaic. You will take home two small ungrouted test mosaics that will allow you to try the techniques we will be discussing, enabling you to feel confident in your abilities before starting a project of your own. The goal of this class is to listen and learn, not to create an art piece.
Sign up now! Space is limited! Discount for NEMS members!
$400 plus $10 materials fee
$25 discount for New England Mosaic Society Members
Regular Price
NEMS Member Price
Here are some of Cathleen’s installations:
You can see more of Cathleen’s work on her Facebook Page, or on her Website.
Cathleen Newsham, Owner, Modern Mosaic Arts, LLC, Danbury, CT
For 17 years, Cathleen has been designing, fabricating and installing architectural mosaics. With degrees in graphic design and fine art, she continues her creative studies with accomplished mosaic and fine artists, learning new techniques and materials, and meeting other creatives from around the world. Between architectural and graphic design projects, you will find Cathleen traveling throughout the U.S. teaching the art and business of mosaic.
917-796-6086 Email Cathleen
Here is what some of Cathleen’s past students have to say about this workshop:
Student Work
Summer is still very much here! But that doesn’t mean it’s too early to plan fun and creativity into your fall schedule.
After taking some time off, I am excited to announce my fall class offerings. You will see a mix of familiar classes and new offerings, and I am really looking forward to all of it!
Click here to go straight to the workshop descriptions
This fall there will be:
Mosaic Tables, offered as an 8 week series on Wednesday nights beginning on September 21
Creative Mosaics in the Indirect Method, offered as a 6 week series on Tuesday nights beginning on October 18
Stepping Stones, with 6 different date options on various weeknights and one morning option
and, introducing… my new direct method workshop…
Say it in Mosaic: The Powerful Language of Lines, the weekend of October 15-16.
This new workshop is inspired by my experience of taking some workshops this summer. It’s especially geared for those with some mosaic experience, but open to everyone.
I would love to see you this fall at my studio in Easthampton.
And I would love your help in spreading the word, so I am offering a special incentive:
If you refer a friend who signs up for a class, you’ll receive a 10% discount on your own tuition.
(discounts are given as partial refunds after you sign up)
Student Work
Click here to read the full descriptions and to register.
Thank you for your interest in mosaics and in my workshops! I am grateful for all of the support and couldn’t do this without you!
Contact me with any questions.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Best wishes,
Christine
I am excited to announce this new workshop that I will be co-leading with Cait Scudder, August 6-7. Please help spread the word!
Cait Scudder, MAT, RYT-500, is a yoga teacher, writer and international workshop leader living in Bali. Passionate about creating safe spaces for transformation and expansion, she teaches meditation, yoga and creative writing to groups around the globe.
Do you feel stuck? Do you long to get out of your head, into your body and start living a more joyful life? Are you ready to remove the blocks of judgment and self-doubt standing between you and your creative expression? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this workshop is for you!
Join us for this 2-day transformation workshop designed to break down old stories, ignite your creativity, and reconnect you to an embodied sense of wholeness in community. Through a blend of creative writing exercises, gentle all-levels yoga, and a playful exploration of materials, you will be encouraged to craft your story into a mosaic, rearranging the pieces in a way that fuels growth, unlocks expression of self and fosters a sense of connection.
No experience necessary!
Dates: August 6 & 7, 10 am to 3:30 both days
Cost: $230, includes all materials, plus a catered healthy lunch both days