Smalti Essentials – in person workshop

In person! Rockville, MD.

Smalti Essentials: Exploring Traditional Materials in Contemporary Ways\weekend intensive

Experience the beauty and versatility of smalti in this hands-on workshop designed for all levels.
Smalti is a traditional mosaic material with deep historical roots, and this class offers a chance to explore its many forms and origins while working with it in a fresh, contemporary way. You’ll be introduced to the different types of smalti available in the U.S. and gain confidence using both classic and modern cutting tools.

While we’ll have a hammer and hardie on hand for those who want to try the traditional method, most cutting will be done with wheeled nippers. If you own a hammer and hardie, feel free to bring it along. Our adhesive throughout the workshop will be thin-set mortar.

You’ll complete two studio studies:
• A simple introductory exercise to understand how smalti behaves in a mortar bed
• A second study built around your own design intention, with access to stone, filati, and millefiori to enhance your creative exploration

Day One

• Presentation & discussion: What is Smalti?
  • Cutting techniques
  • Design strategies
  • Mixing and applying thin-set mortar

Day Two

• Create a 6″ x 6″ mosaic artwork using either the provided images or one you bring yourself

All Levels Welcome

$100 Supply Fee Includes:

• A generous selection of Mexican and Italian smalti
• Smalti pizzas and tortilla chips
• Materials described above, plus stone, filati, and millefiori
• Two lightweight, tile-ready substrates: (1) 4″ x 4″ and (1) 6″ x 6″
• Thin-set mortar and concrete colorants

Students Provide:

• Glass wheeled nippers (Seabell or LePonnit preferred; loaners available)
• Small spatulas
• Tweezers
• Safety glasses
• Apron

Location

Progress Club
1610 E Jefferson St, Rockville, MD 20852
This spacious, convenient venue offers ample parking, nearby lunch options, and complimentary beverages as part of the workshop fee.

A detailed reminder email—including what to bring and parking notes—will be sent to all registered students about a week before the workshop.

Closest airports are Washington (DCA), Dulles International (IAD), and Baltimore (BWI).

Featured Image created by Bonnie Fitzgerald in a workshop with Gulio Menossi. Gallery images feature student work from previous smalti classes.