Classical Mosaics: compositions using marble and stone

Workshop held at Glen Echo Park, MD.  All signs ups handled by Glen Echo.

Workshop: Sa, Su, July 13 & 14, 2024, 10am-5pm, both days.

This workshop is for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and magic of working in stone and marble.

The magic of stone is the riven edge. When you cut the stone you are the first person seeing the beauty of what is inside, its riven-edge. Sometimes there are fossils or crystals, it might be rough or smooth, and the relationship with the light breathes life into these hard and durable materials.

Students are introduced to the hammer and hardie, we will use on a shared basis – instructor will bring several so everyone can experience. The hammer and hardie is the traditional tool for cutting these materials. Compound nippers can also be used. Instructor provides all materials including substrate, thin set mortar adhesive, and a collection of patterns selected with workshop time frame in mind. Separate supply fee $95. Students are welcome to supplement materials. All levels.

Our weekend begins with a brief presentation showing examples of both ancient and modern stone and marble artworks. Our stone will be a combination of pre-cut rods, whole rocks and commercial marble tiles.  The majority of our first day will be spent preparing materials. Andamento and classical lay patterns will be practiced and preached extensively. We will be working in the direct method, setting directly into a mortar bed.

You will create an 10” x 10” artwork and our goal is to complete the artwork, but if you do not we will send you home with enough materials to finish on your own. Included in supply fee are all materials: a generous selection of stone, marble adhesives, substrate and patterns.

If you own a hammer and hardie you are asked to bring, it is always best to work with your own tools, they have a memory. Ditto if you own compound tile nippers, SeaBell nippers are especially helpful. Drop a note if you have concerns.

If you wish to purchase tools specifically for this workshop we strongly recommend EITHER a steel hardie and a 750 gram dual head hammer, these are available in the United States from smalti.com.  OR  SeaBell Max Pro Compound Nippers. These tools are a worthwhile investment.

If you do not wish to purchase we will loan our well worn tools.

Basic cutting skills are a plus but not required.  Several designs will be provided to choose from. Designs are selected with our time frame in mind.

The focus of this course is on the use of the material and learning technique; if a student wants to work on a specific design of his/her own, they must get approval from the instructor in advance and bring design to scale first day of workshop.

Stone works are not grouted.

A separate supplemental supply and tool list will be sent to students 10 days in advance.

For directions and parking https://glenechopark.org/directions

300 MacArthur Blvd.  Arcade Bldg., Rms 202/203
Glen Echo, MD 20812

Check out this video for lots of insights to the technique of creating stone and marble mosaics on Make it Mosaics YouTube Channel