Instructor: Laurel True
Saturday 10 am - 4 pm, Sunday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
June 15 – 16, 2013 (2-DAY WEEKEND WORKSHOP)

Mosaic artist Laurel True will introduce students to this wonderful material dating back to the Byzantine Era. Beginners and continuing mosaic students will enjoy learning about this beautiful glass material that is surprisingly accessible . Smalti is a beautiful, rich and reflective material made from poured glass. This exciting course will introduce students to the history of this exquisite glass material that has been used since the Byzantine Era and its uses in today's mosaic world.

Class will begin with a digital presentation showing how smalti is made in small batches by artisans today in Europe and beyond. Instructor will go on to introduce students to the unique light catching and reflecting qualities of smalti and how this material can be combined with other mosaic materials for exciting and rich effects.

Class will cover basic design and layout, as well as both ancient and contemporary cutting techniques. Each student will learn how to work with the hammer and hardie to cut smalti, and gain an understanding of how to use modern tools with as little waste as possible.

Students will learn how to set smalti directly into a mortar bed and will receive information on how to use a variety of materials to best effect with smalti. Class will include a digital presentation of contemporary smalti projects, both as fine art pieces and as integrated into architectural settings.

Students will use Italian smalti to create an 8 x 8 mosaic wall hanging to take home. Smalti starter pack and custom-made framed substrate provided.

Level: Any
Class Price:
Register before June 1: $175, register June 1 - 14: $205
Materials: $65
Class size: Minimum 6, Maximum 10