The Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation is offering a series of adult mosaic classes starting this month.
Skilled mosaic artist Nikki Murray-Mason aims to build on the success of the children’s camps she ran at KAF this summer. There will be an extended range of techniques in the adult classes.
Mosaic-making involves the application of small pieces of stone, glass or tile into a decorative design, such as a picture frame or table top.
“In recent years, there has been a growing number of people interested in this particular art form, perhaps because it is very therapeutic and calming to create something beautiful out of pieces of broken tile or ceramic,” says Ms. Murray-Mason.
The courses are as follows:
- Mosaic 101 beginner level: Runs from September 14 to November 24 with no class on October 26 on Wednesdays from 9am to 12pm. An introduction to ceramic tile mosaics for interior use. All students will make a large frame with mirror inset. The course covers mosaic design, terminology, resources, types of materials, tools, setting, grouting and finishing. Books will be provided for the design aspect. Students are encouraged to research design ideas prior to class.
- Lightweight concrete sculptures for mosaic — all levels: Runs from September 12 to September 26 on Thursdays from 9am to 12pm. Concrete mosaic sculptures aren’t just for outdoor gardens. In this short course you can learn how lightweight materials can be used to create interesting shapes for display anywhere. Students will apply fiberglass mesh and concrete to Styrofoam or everyday items they have assembled or carved themselves. These will become sculpture bases ready for mosaic application. Syudents should prepare to work outside, get messy and have fun in this mosaic sculpture class. No experience is necessary.
- Open to all mosaic: Runs from Septepmer 12 to November 21 on Mondays from 9am to 12pm with no class on October 24. Alternative classes run from October 3 to December 12 on Thursdays from 9am to 12pm with no class on October 24.
Anyone is welcome to this class, whether a novice or an expert. Students will create an indoor or outdoor piece of their choice. You can take a structure to decorate or contact Kaleidoscope before the first class with the size of board required. Those who have attended the Lightweight Concrete Sculptures workshop are welcome to take their form to the class.
- Christmas baubles — all levels: Runs from November 28 to December 12 on Mondays from 9am to 12pm or an alternative course runs from November 30 to December 14 on Wednesdays from 9am to 12pm. Back by popular demand are the Christmas decoration classes. Students will mosaic glass baubles to make luxurious Christmas decorations.
Hang them near holiday lights and enjoy the stunning reflections. The foundation advises anyone interested in this course to sign up early to avoid disappointment.
Murray-Mason added: “My goal with these classes is for participants to create a piece that they are really proud of and want to display in their home. I like to think that they will also become more confident in their work as an artist as the weeks pass.”
Course costs range from $180 to $630 depending on the course selected and whether the participants are KAF members.
Anyone interested in signing up for an adult mosaic class should contact KAF by email at [email protected] or call 542-9000.
Those who register early and are also a KAF member receive an additional discount.
The Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation is based at 27 Jubilee Road, Devonshire (the corner of Jubilee and Parsons Road or old Elliott School).