March 2012
Thank you to Duane for sending us a picture of his finished piece – we love it!
Martin Cheek Workshop – a grand time was had by all!!
On the weekend of March 23 and 24th the Mosaic Oasis Studio was filled to capacity with both mosaic artists and mosaic enthusiasm. Martin Cheek, a world renowned mosaic artist and teacher was introducing us to new techniques for mosaic design using his Cheeky Fusions. Martin brought a different teaching style into the Oasis with his wry, British wit (some may say sarcasm) and lectures that were both informative and entertaining. Martin got wonderful reviews from the participants – below are some pictures from our weekend – stay tuned for more pictures as the participants finish up their art panels.
Brigit and her Red Tailed Hawk!!
Stayed tuned for finished pieces – coming next month!!
February 2012
February Vacation Workshops for Children and Teens
School Art Project
February Vacation Teen Classes – February 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th
Morning (10am to 1 pm) Session – reserved for children 8 to 12 years of age
Afternoon ( 2 pm to 5 pm) Session – reserved for children 13 and up
$25 per session plus a $10 material fee
Choose from a variety of really fun mosaic plaques that you can customize to fit your room or home!! This is also a great time to get that art/history project done – mosaics has a very long and interesting history! 
Call or email us to reserve your time in the studio – thanks.
March 24th and 25th, 2012 – Martin Cheek Master Workshop
The Mosaic Oasis Studio & Supply, presents mosaic artist Martin Cheek to give a Master Mosaic Workshop
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, March 24th and 25th, 2012
TIME: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
· COST: $320
· Includes lunch on both days, coffee, tea, water
· Includes substrate, tesserae (ceramic, vitreous glass, smalti, millifiori, found objects)
· DOES NOT INCLUDE Martin’s custom-made glass fusions – Martin will bring some with him and he can pre-make fusions especially for students, see examples at:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.207269765978505.49475.149388761766606
If you are interested email Martin prior to the course and give him the details of your design.
Please note: It is not possible for participants to make their own fusions in this workshop so make sure to place an order with Martin.
WHERE: Mosaic Oasis Studio 1189 B Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA
Black Cats ©Martin Cheek Artwork 
artin Cheek Artwork
Smalti, Millefiori and Glass Fusion Workshop
AIMS OF COURSE:
This masterclass with Martin will provide you with an opportunity to learn and create using smalti, millefiori and glass fusions. It is especially for students who have experience in mosaics, allowing you to expand on your existing skills and develop your personal style and creativity.
WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD ACHIEVE:
During the course you will design and make a mosaic of 12 x 12 inches in area.
TEACHING METHOD:
At the beginning of the day of the course Martin will give a 45 minute PowerPoint slideshow showing how smalti, millefiori and glass fusions are made. Using examples of his own work, Martin will demonstrate how these materials can be incorporated into mosaics for great effect.
Participants will then begin working on their mosaics.
Martin will then give individual instruction and by looking at the participant’s designs will suggest how these different materials can be applied to your artwork. Martin will teach the direct mosaic method using a variety of materials including glass and ceramic tesserae. During the course you will design and make a mosaic approximately 1 sq ft in area and be equipped to tackle more and larger projects. Instruction and individual attention will be friendly and constructive, and a number of people return to Martin's courses due to the relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. This class is geared to those with ability ranging from advanced beginners to advanced students.
As a unique feature, Martin can pre-make bespoke (custom made) fusions especially for the course participants. The participant emails Martin the design plus dimensions a few weeks in advance, then Martin can make fusions of fish fins, butterfly wings, etc. This worked very well at the SAMA, Society of American Mosaic Artists annual conference in Chicago in 2010 and proved very popular with members.
STUDENT PREPARATION FOR COURSE
It would be really useful if you could bring with you two design ideas for your mosaic. Try to make your ideas different from each other, so that we will be able to discuss the various mosaic possibilities, which your designs will suggest to me.
Keep you designs simple and bold – remember that the smalti briquettes average 2cm x 1 cm in size so don’t make your design too fiddly! A quick glance at Martin’s website: www.martincheek.co.uk or any of his books will give great examples.
If you don’t have time to prepare any designs before the course, then try and bring some sort of pictorial reference with you. This could be anything from a book to a greetings card that you like or even a piece of wrapping paper or packaging that may have caught your eye. If you can decide and resolve your design beforehand, this will save you valuable time on the first day.
Making mosaics in a detailed thorough way, is very time consuming but is also a very rewarding process that will result in an end product that will give you lasting pleasure. In other words: the course is not just so much about what you finish but more importantly what you learn, which will equip you to continue making mosaics on your own, long after you have finished this course!
Martin Cheek – A Profile
Martin Cheek graduated in graphic design from Exeter College of Art & Design in 1981. Having made award winning films as a student, he subsequently worked on several puppet animation projects including "The Wind in the Willows" "Paddington Bear" "Noddy in Toyland" and "Portland Bill". He then set up his own production company Cheeky Films Ltd.
For many years Martin was a part time lecturer at the Royal College of Art. He is a former art critic for the Daily Express and now works full time as a professional mosaic artist. Martin is regularly commissioned by both private and corporate clients as well as by museums. His work also appears in leading national magazines and newspapers as well as on television. His weekend courses in the UK and abroad continue to be popular with students from all over the world keen to learn the art of making mosaic. Over 2000 people have now attended Martin’s courses.
“Mosaic is becoming more and more popular both as an art form and as a decorative medium. I regard my mosaic work as a logical progression from animation, both of which involve building a coherent whole, displaying character and movement, from thousands of tiny elements. I am particularly inspired by the natural world and relish the challenge of capturing its organic grace in such a seemingly uncompromising medium.”
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.207269765978505.49475.149388761766606
Thank you, thank you for participating – below is a list of those who were in our art show!!
MOSAIC OASIS CLIENT ART SHOW – SEPTEMBER 2011
Wall Hangings
Cardinal – Tracey Gresser
Cattails, Cat Tales, Cattell’s – Colleen Kirby Cho
Georgia O’Keefe – Amy Ellentuck
Guitar – Juliette
Jerusalem – Judi Bohn
Macaw – Mimi Ellentuck
Mosaic Elle – Kelly Harrington
Pot of Flowers – Nancy Baratta
Rooster – Marlene Talbot
Round & Round – Jessica Gusar
Seascape – Marybeth Connolly
Sicilian Doorway – Ann Baratta
Sleeping in the Bed of the Wild Boar – Colleen Kirby Cho
Sunrise – Joanne White
Tuscan Flowers – Gloria Vigliani
Tables –
Arabesque Table – Glynda Bentham
Leaf Table – Karen Edlund
Moroccan Tile Table – Anne Kelly Contini
Sunflower Table – Liz Clayton
Watermelon Table – Liz Clayton
Mirrors
Diamonds and Rust Mirror – Marlene Talbot
Geometric Tile Mirror – Nick Sargent
Maine Mirror – Terry Bromfield
Pebble Mirror – Judi Bohn
Small Round Mirror – Kelly Harrington
Triangular Field of Flowers Mirror – Paula Hobson
Victorian Mirror – Mary DeCourcey
Functional Items
Cubes Trivet – Nick Sargent
Found Items Garden Ball – Anne Kelly Contini
Purple Passion Trivet – Kate Loosian
Red and Gold Candle Holder – Heidi Star
Watermelon Trivet – Belle Brett
Wine and Cheese Tray – Ann Baratta
Various Trivets
Leisure Time Items (In a Category of It’s Own)
Golf Club and Ball – Solomon Owayda
Tennis Racquet – Solomon Owayda
Calling All Mosaic Oasis Artists!!
Please send us your work for our own Mosaic Oasis Exhibition
WHO: Anyone who made any mosaic art at the Mosaic Oasis or with materials bought from the Mosaic Oasis.
WHAT: From the smallest piece like a 4" panel to a functional piece like a mirror or table (see pictures below)
WHERE: At the Mosaic Oasis Studio
WHEN: Friday night September 30 and Saturday October 1st, 2011
TIME: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm and 11:00 am to 4 pm
RECOGNITION: An award will be given for a "Best in Show – Abstract" and a "Best in Show – Representational", both based on use of color, style, and technique. A third award will be given to the mosaic that the attendees vote as their favorite. All three winners will receive a gift from the Mosaic Oasis Studio & Supply.
Here are the simple steps that you need to do to become a part of this show
- Call or email us to let us know that you would like to participate
- We will send you a confirmation email and a sample of an email letter that you can send to family and friends
- Send the sample email letter out to family and friends inviting them to view your art and the art of other mosaic artistis, 6 – 12 people would be great
- Bring your piece to the Mosaic Oasis studio by Wed September 28th
- Join us on Friday night or Saturday during the day to view your art work and the work of other mosaic artists!
We look forward to hearing from you!!
4" Geometric Panel by Nick
12" Art Panel by Jessica
Lenca Table by Jane
Terry's Maine Mirror
See Our Tables in Progress………
Congratulations to Jane for finishing her beautiful table made from Honduran Lenca Tiles – her table is for her new and improved office space!!
Here are some tables in progress….. stay tuned for more tables as they are completed.
Tables, Tables, Tables – for indoors or outdoors!!
Table-making Weekend during the Greek Festival, June 2, 3, 4 and 5th
We will be starting on Thursday night June 2nd and working throughout the weekend, please call or email us to reserve a time and place at the mosaic table! Work on your table for just a few hours or for the whole weekend.
Come in with your design and let us help you get started.
Cost: $100 Beginner and Beyond Fee or studio time at $12 per hour, plus cost of table (you can bring your own or buy one from us)
Islamic Art Inspired Table by Glynda
17" Diameter Octagonal Table (20" high)
A mosaic table is a great way to spruce up your outdoor space, add one to your front porch or your back patio. A mosaic side table for your living room or den adds an instant conversation piece to your home, especially if it is made by you! A table made for outdoors can withstand some rain and weather so you won't have to worry about bringing it inside when the weather looks iffy. Join us for our table-making weekend, the same weekend of the Greek Festival that is happening right across the street at St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church. If the weather is nice it would be great to sit outside and work on your table while listening to the Greek music and enjoying some delicious Greek food. There are lots of people out and about to admire your creativity.
We have the following tables available for purchase, three occasional tables, two 20" high and 15" square tables and one20" high and 17" octagonal table, for $40 each. We also have two round cafe tables (as pictured above) 28" high and 20' diameter for $65. If you would like one of these tables for the mosaic table weekend we do ask that you purchase it in advance to reserve your place. Please contact us soon if you would like us to order a table for you, we will be happy to do that. If you wish to order one your self you can get them at Monster Mosaic at http://www.monstermosaics.com/Tables-s/177.htm
You are welcome to bring your own table. Great places to find tables are at garage or yard sales, an old table that you have at home that you may want to refurbish, or even an inexpensive table bought from The Christmas Tree Shop, Target, or Ikea. We can help you prep your table so that it is suitable for mosaicking.
The Oasis Table by Suzanne
Lenca Tile Table by Suzanne
20" Round and 28" high Cafe Table
Egypt Inspired Table by Suzanne
Thursday May 12 and Friday May 13th
|
Garden Planter Workshop with Richard Youngstrom
7" High and 8" Wide Garden Planter by Ann Garden Planter Workshop with Richard Youngstrom Thursday and Friday, May 12th and 13th and grouting on May 19th – 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, $110 Spruce up your outside space with a unique and colorful planter, Richard will teach us how to use objects (old plates, ceramics, china, family heirlooms, stones, sea glass, china, jewelry) that you may have collected over the years to incorporate them into a flower planter for outdoor use. We will have plenty of materials on hand but you are encouraged to bring your favorite broken (or even unbroken) china that you cannot bear to toss out and recycle it into a beautiful piece of art. Richard will teach us how to cut and break these materials and to design your piece. If your schedule does not allow you to come all 3 nights please call us and we will see if we can work something out that fits your schedule. Class size limited to 12. Since retiring six years ago from his career as a safety, health, and cancer prevention researcher, Richard has had more time to focus on his lifelong interest in art and in making things. Contemporary mosaic art blends his varied interests in the beauty of nature, recycling, beach combing and collecting odds and ends. Richard teaches mosaics at his home studio in Jamaica Plain.
 |
Saturday, May 7th
9:00am to 5:00 pm and includes lunch – $175.00
Smalti Workshop with guest artist and instructor Pam Stratton
Treat yourself to a day of total mosaic immersion and learn the fine art of working with smalti, the most ancient, luscious, and beautiful material that all mosaic artists strive to master!! This workshop is for students with some (not a lot) of mosaic experience, if you took our Mosaic Art Design class then this is your natural next step.
Pam Stratton’s fascination with stonework and mosaics began with learning of Pompeii in ancient history class. Her transition from admiring mosaics to creating them was triggered by creating a brick patio of intersecting concentric circles in her backyard. The design was inspired by the
Thursday, April 14th
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost $25.00
Drawing Basics with ArtisTRY studio owner and Art Teacher, Karen Dillon – we are so pleased to bring you this opportunity to learn the basics of drawing to help with your mosaic art design. In this class you will learn the basic element of shape, the three planes of drawing and basic rules for creating depth, simple perspective, basic shading and color theory. You will also have a chance to practice these new skills and receive constructive feedback from our evening artist in residence!! All for the low price of $25.
Karen Koretsky Dillon is a visual artist, freelance writer, art educator and owner of ArtisTRY Studio in Arlington, MA. www.artistryforkids.com She is also a mother, Reiki practitioner, grief counselor and cancer survivor. Karen served two terms on the Arlington Cultural Council, and is an active member of The National Art Educators Association, Arlington Youth and Health Safety Coalition and the Massachusetts Art Educators Association. In 2006 and 2007 she was a grant recipient of Massachusetts Cultural Council grants to produce programs she developed for children to connect to public art. In 2006 she was a recipient of the prestigious 2006 Gold Star award by the MCC. She has served on the board of directors for The Arlington Center for the Arts and is an experienced fundraiser and grant writer. For over a decade Karen has volunteered at The Children's Room; center for grieving children and teenagers as a grief counselor. At The Children's Room, Karen helps children use art as a tool for expression and healing. In 2006, Karen was the curator of a powerful art show of the work created by children at the Children's Room; "Art from the Heart"- which was showcased at the Massachusetts State House as well as many large corporate sites. Karen believes the creative experience can be life sustaining. Karen strives to help children realize that creativity can be a powerful tool for expression and healing throughout their lives.
Friday, April 15th
Mosaic Jewelry-Making Workshop – all new shapes and styles
6:30 – 9:30 pm
Cost – $50 or $60
Mother's Day is fast approaching and that is a great opportunity for jewelry-making!! We have some great new findings for pendants and earrings and even bracelets. This is a great workshop because you can walk out wearing what you make. Cost is $50 for a pendant and earrings or $60 for a bracelet and a pendant or earrings.
Mosaic Art Design Class – our most comprehensive class
Tuscany Fields by Anne
Starting Monday, April 25th for 4 consecutive weeks
$120.00
Mosaic Art Design class starting on Monday mornings at 10 am
This is our most comprehensive class in which you make an art panel suitable for framing
Learn the ancient art of mosaics! In this four-week session you will create a beautiful mosaic art panel. This is a very structured, hands-on class in which you will design your own art panel. Instruction will cover design techniques, andamento, color, materials, history of mosaics, adhesives, mosaic bases, tools, and cutting techniques. This class is great for both beginners and more experienced students who would like a more in-depth exploration of this fine art!!
Sicilian Doorway by Ann
Friday April 29th
Gift-Making studio time
6:30 – 9:30 pm
Price depends upon what you make
Just in case you still need a Mother's Day gift, make a piece of jewelry or other gifts like a small frame, candle holder, or switch plate that can be made in one evening.
Coming up in May……..watch for details
Mosaic Art Design class starting on Wed morning May 4th
Guitar by Juliette
Pam Stratton – May 7th Smalti workshop
City-scape by Suzanne City-scape by Betsy
Richard Youngstrom – garden planters May 12, 13 and 19
Make a mosaic table during the annual Greek festival June 3, 4 and 5, 2011
Tables by Suzanne
Ornamental Accents For the Garden or Yard
Join us on Thursday, March 24th and Friday, March 25th for our first Spring mosaic event. Cost $75 includes all materials.
Now is the time to start thinking about adding some color to your outdoor areas. In this workshop you will choose between making a 6" mosaic garden ball or an ornamental birdhouse. This will be held on two consecutive evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 pm then come back and grout at your convenience or do it at home. Focus will be on proper surface preparation and material for an outdoor mosaic project. No prior experience needed. And of course you are welcome to bring some favorite materials of your own or let us provide it for you.
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS/WORKSHOP
Back by Popular Demand – Mosaic Jewelry – Making Workshop!
Learn to make a Pendant and a Pair of Earrings for $75.00 – great gift giving idea!!
We are offering 3 opportunities to learn to make mosaic jewelry before the holidays, join us on -
Friday, October 15th from 7pm to 10pm
Saturday, November 13th from 2pm to 5pm
Friday, December 10th from 7pm to 10 pm
We are offering 3 opportunities to make mosaic jewelry before the holidays, come to one, two, or all three sessions!! We provide all the materials you just need to bring your creativity. Come on in to make holiday gifts while enjoying an evening or afternoon out for yourself. Call or email us to make reservations now!!
Pink Ribbon Night – Put Some Pink into Your Palette
Friday, October 29th 79m to 10 pm
$50 per participant
Make a Pink Ribbon and we will donate $20 per participant to the National Breast Cancer Foundation
As many of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, come in to mosaic a 10" pink ribbon plaque for someone confronted with breast cancer or to honor a loved one. We supply the plaques and all the materials. This is a great activity for mothers and daughters, sisters, a group of friends, or a way to make new friends!!
Call or email us to make your reservations now!!
OCTOBER 1ST First Fridays - please join us on the first Friday of the month for a wine and cheese reception. Drop in to view the beautiful artwork, start you holiday shopping, get inspiration for your next mosaic project, or just to relax. We will be here from 6 pm to 8 pm starting on Friday, October 1st with the wine, cheese and snacks. You just need to drop-in!!
"]
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24th- a Very Special Event at the Mosaic Oasis
An Evening with Laurel True – Mosaic Artist, Community Organizer and Educator
"Creative Capital in Haiti"- a digital slide presentation
WHEN: Friday, September 24th, 2010
TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
You are invited to a special evening with mosaic artist and educator Laurel True for an inspiring digital presentation focusing on the recent and upcoming community mosaic projects she is facilitating in Jacmel, Haiti. Presentation followed by discussion, Q & A, refreshments, and socializing with Laurel and other mosaic enthusiasts!!!
The art of mosaics is truly about the putting the pieces back together, and the creation of these murals has been a symbol for many participants of the rebuilding and growth in Haiti. Your generous door donations will help fund the continuation of this unique project.
.
Laurel True is an artist and educator specializing in mosaic and public art. She received her BA in African Art and Cultures and has studied at Studio Arte del Mosaico in Ravenna, Italy, Universite Chiek Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal, Parsons School of Design and the Art Institute of Chicago. True is the co- founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art in Oakland, CA and has fostered education in the mosaic arts through teaching and lecturing around the world. True has been facilitating public and community mosaic projects for almost 20 years and has helped to provide job training and arts education to underserved communities in urban environments and developing areas. She has created hundreds of projects over the years, working with volunteers, assistants, students, trades people and artists of all ages on projects that reflect a sense of community pride and cultural significance in the locations where they are sited. True has facilitated community mosaic projects in the Bay Area, New Orleans, West and East Africa and most recently in Haiti. True's public and commissioned work, created through True Mosaics Studio can be found in private and civic collections as well as in hospitals, parks and on commercial buildings across the United States. She has also been known to create work that spontaneously emerges graffiti- like on concrete walls and in unexpected settings, many times through spontaneous community participation. In addition to facilitating community and public projects True also pursues an active studio practice. Her work focuses both on process and product, giving viewers and project participants a chance to experience artworks from both and internal and external standpoint. Her conceptual work weaves together fine art and craft – based techniques, utilizing both natural and man- made materials to achieve varying effects and communicate disparate cultural influences. Projects often juxtapose themes of beauty and despair, bounty and loss and celebration and ritual. Using glass, ceramic, stone and found detritus such as asphalt, concrete, brick, glass and other collected rubble. True pieces her installations together with the precision of ancient roman mosaics.
For more information on Laurel True and her projects click on the links below -
http://www.truemosaics.com/ghana.html
http://thedecoratingdiva.com/art-with-a-mission-piecing-together-hearts-souls-in-haiti-via-mosaics/
SEPTEMBER 23RD AND 30TH
SEPTEMBER 25TH Arlington Town Day - Please visit us at the Mosaic Oasis booth during Town Day – a great way to discover what is happening in Arlington!!