Mosaic

Mosaic art assembles small pieces (tesserae) into larger images or patterns. Materials range from ancient stone to modern glass, from broken pottery to polished marble. The technique creates durable, vibrant works that can last millennia.

Making mosaics is part puzzle, part painting. You're building images piece by piece, making countless small decisions that add up to something greater. The process is meditative, the results stunning—light catches the faceted surfaces in ways flat paint never could.

Mosaic art dates to ancient Mesopotamia, flourished in Greek and Roman cultures, and reached sublime heights in Byzantine churches. Those gold-backed glass tesserae created heavenly effects still breathtaking today.

The technique adapted through centuries—from Islamic geometric patterns to Gaudi's organic forms to contemporary installation art. Modern mosaic artists work in every scale, from jewelry to architectural surfaces.

Mosaic classes teach material handling and cutting techniques before you begin a project. You'll learn to score and snap glass or tile safely, arrange pieces, and adhere them. Most beginners create a small panel or decorative piece.

Studios provide tesserae, adhesive, grout, and tools. Safety glasses protect against flying shards. Wear old clothes—grout is messy.

Classes typically run 3-4 hours for a complete piece. The work is accessible to beginners; cutting takes practice but isn't difficult. You'll leave with something beautiful and permanent.