Smalti Essentials – May 16-17, 2026
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 (cement-based adhesive).
You’ll complete two studio studies:
• A simple introductory exercise to understand how smalti behaves in a mortar bed, basic cutting, color, and andamento theory.
• A second study built around your own design intention, with access to stone, filati, and millefiori to enhance your creative exploration. PLEASE DO NOT OVER THINK THIS IN ADVANCE. This workshop is designed for all levels, and its goal is for you to understand the material so you can move forward in your practice with confidence.
Day One
- Presentation & discussion: What is Smalti?
• Cutting techniques
• Design strategies
• Mixing and applying thin-set mortar (cement based adhesive) - Create a small studio study - an INVALUABLE exercise!
- Begin second project as time permits.
Day Two
- Create an 8" x 8" (or thereabouts) mosaic artwork using either the provided images or one you bring yourself.
- You may work abstractly or figuratively.
- You DO NOT NEED TO PROVIDE IMAGERY - Instructor has many inspirational images to work with.
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) 8" x 8"
- 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.
