This workshop is part of The Artist’s Studio Series, a program designed to increase access to training and education for working artists. Learn more here.

Workshop Description: Curious about those ancient mosaics you see in Europe? Come and learn about the traditional methods and materials of mosaic, and make your own!

We will start the morning with an informative presentation about the history and traditions of mosaics, followed by a Q & A. See a demo of the tools and techniques of the ancient mosaics.

Then in the afternoon, explore and create your own small 4”x4” mosaic using Italian Smalti with traditional and modern tools.

All materials will be provided.

Workshop Information:

• Date: Saturday, October 24th from 10am-3pm (includes a break for lunch)

• Teaching artist: Debra D’Souza

• Level: All skill levels welcome.

• Ages 18+

• Participation fee: $15 per person

About the Artist: Debra was born and raised in rural Minnesota. She attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and worked as a certified professional picture framer, opening her own art and framing gallery business in Rochester, MN.

In 2000, Debra moved to Eau Claire, WI, working in the Art and Framing industry. In 2008, she received her Bachelor of Fine Art degree from University of Wisconsin- Stout with a painting concentration. She then went on to work as Assistant Director of the Furlong Gallery at UW-Stout and Coordinatior of Gallery 231, the student gallery at UW-Stout.

Debra is currently a certificate student at the Chicago Mosaic School, where her studies with modern masters of traditional mosaic techniques further her skill and practice. Learn more about her and see her work at her website here.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.