Here is my summer class schedule!..Into September actually.
I will be teaching in New Orleans, Berkeley (at the new IMA!), Seattle and Port au Prince, Provence, France (!) and possibly Asheville, NC.
Register through provided host links and register early.
I have got quite a few professional development classes on the West Coast this summer and I have scheduled them in pairs, so traveling students can benefit by being able to take multiple classes that tie together.
Hope to see you in class!
- Laurel True
New Orleans:
New Orleans School of Art and Craft
Mosaics for the Garden
June 1-2 , 2013
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
(2-DAY WEEKEND WORKSHOP)
Description: Beautify your garden with colorful mosaic art!
This fun class will cover the basics and beyond for exterior and garden mosaic projects.
Class will cover design considerations, appropriate materials, surfaces and adhesives for exterior applications, mosaic setting techniques, grouting and sealing.
Instructor will discuss approaching exterior projects for durability and longevity and get students comfortable with working with outdoor materials. The solid technical information presented in class can be applied to future projects.
This class is great for beginners as we will be covering tools, cutting techniques, mosaic design and tricks for setting ceramic tile mosaic. Class is also appropriate for the student who has already experimented with interior or craft mosaics and would like to expand their knowledge to include exterior, garden or permanent installations. Students will create a 12" x 12" mosaic stepping stone to take home.
Returning students may bring their own substrate to mosaic for the garden within size parameters with approval from instructor.
Level: Any Class price: $195 Materials fee: Materials provided Class size: Minimum 6, Maximum 10
Introduction to Smalti Mosaics
June 15-16, 2013
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
(2-DAY WEEKEND WORKSHOP)
Longtime professional mosaic artist Laurel True will introduce students to this wonderful, surprisingly easy to use material. As seen in the Vatican Mosaics exhibit in New Orleans, smalti is a beautiful, rich and reflective materials 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 slide presentation showing historical applications of smalti in architectural settings as well as how smalti is made in small batches by artisans today in Europe and beyond. Class will explore 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, layout and visual understanding of a smalti piece as well as both ancient and contemporary cutting techniques. Each student will learn how to work with the hammer and hardie to process smalti, as well as gain an understanding of how to use modern tools with this material with as little waste as possible. Students will set smalti directly into a mortar bed for their project and will receive information on how to approach future smalti projects.
Students will use Italian and Mexican smalti to create an 8 x 8 mosaic wall hanging to take home. Smalti starter pack and custom -made framed substrate provided.
Level: Any
Cost: $195
Materials fee: $60
Class size: Minimum 6, Maximum 10
Above: Student work from Intro to Smalti class
Beginning and Intermediate Glass Mosaics - Mixed Level Class
July: 13-14
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 1:00 or 2 pm
(2-DAY WEEKEND WORKSHOP)
In this mixed-level class beginning and continuing students will experience the magic and nuance of working with glass mosaic, with specific instruction appropriate to their level.
Beginning level students will be introduced to the beautiful medium of glass while they design and create their own glass mosaic piece.
Beginning students:
Class will focus on presentation of the qualities and types of glass tesserae used by contemporary mosaic artists today from low end recycled materials to high end specialty materials. Lecture will cover surfaces suitable for glass mosaic projects, the correct adhesives to use for different projects and how to grout and finish a glass mosaic piece. Instructor will demonstrate the proper use of glass cutting tools for mosaic, cutting and shaping techniques, different types of lay patterns and adhesives for glass and their appropriate applications. Students will have plenty of colorful glass to work with for their projects. Students will create a 12" x 12" glass mosaic to take home for interior display.
No experience necessary. Come and have fun learning and creating!
Returning/ Intermediate students:
A wonderful opportunity for continuing students to expand their knowledge and deepen their mosaic skills. In this weekend-intensive course instructor Laurel True will delve into intermediate-level glass cutting and setting techniques. Use of cutting and shaping tools for glass mosaics will be reviewed with a focus on precision cutting and new tools will be introduced.
Class will include demonstration that goes beyond the fundamental setting techniques and styles presented in beginning level classes, including more sophisticated lay patterning such as Italian setting styles, the use of andamento, shading and color combining. These lessons will allow students to add more dimension and sophistication to their work. A wide range of glass materials will be presented to introduce students to the varied ways in which materials can be combined into one piece, and how to best deal with different size and thickness of tesserae.
Students will be guided through a series of short exercises that will highlight specific cutting and setting techniques. Students will then design and create a medium- sized project to take home under guidance of instructor. Substrates will be provided or students may bring their own flat surface to work on (upon approval by instructor).
This class will not include a grouting session, as students will have two class sessions to focus on skill building in cutting, setting and spacing. Some homework may be required depending on complexity of student's chosen project. Students are encouraged to bring their own glass mosaic tools if they have them. This is not required, as tools will be provided in class.
Class Times:
Beginning Level
Saturday 10 - 4, Sunday 10-1
Intermediate Level
Saturday 10- 4, Sunday 10 -2
Level: Beginning or Intermediate
Class Price:
Beginning: $195
Intermediate: $215
Materials: Included
Class size: Minimum 6, Maximum 10
Facilitating Community Mosaic Projects: Seminar and Hands-On Project
September 19 - 22 , 2013
Thursday- Saturday 9:30 - 4:30
Level: Intermediate*
Cost: $595 (This is for the 4-day combo class)
Materials: $45
Note: This professional development class encompasses the
Community Mosaic Mural Making: Hands-On Class
. Students of any level may sign up for the Mural Making Class separately. Future facilitators will have the chance to experience hands-on training through participation in this portion of the weekend.
September 19 - 22 , 2013
Thursday- Saturday 9:30 - 4:30
Level: Intermediate*
Cost: $595 (This is for the 4-day combo class)
Materials: $45
Note: This professional development class that encompasses the Community Mosaic Mural Making: Hands-On Class. Students of any level may sign up for the Mural Making Class separately. Future facilitators will have the chance to experience hands-on training through participation in this class.
Description: This four-day workshop lead by community and public artist Laure True will focus on methodology and techniques for approaching community-based mosaic projects with participants of all ages and skill levels.
Students will come away from this information-packed workshop with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead and facilitate successful, permanent projects that engage and inspire community. Workshop will begin with a presentation of successful project models and lecture will include sample pedagogy for including and training community members in the creation of public art. Instructor will cover various approaches to community outreach, design development, sourcing locations and materials and recruiting project participants.
In addition to receiving specific logistical and technical information focusing on leading/ facilitating projects, students will get a chance to experience group mosaic-making processes through the actual creation and installation of an exterior mosaic mural on days 3 and 4.
Lecture will include step-by-step instructions with complementary images describing multiple approaches to project coordination, management and creation with a focus on creating permanent artworks specific to host communities; needs, desires and location.
Class will include lecture, demonstration and instruction in group mosaic-making techniques that can be employed with groups with any level of training. Specific teacher/ facilitator training will focus on best practices for technical construction methods so that outdoor, public projects are durable, safe and long lasting. Technical resources will be included in extensive class binder.
Additional topics covered will include:
Defining project goals and objectives
Approaching stakeholders and creating project proposals
Project planning, funding and budget creation
Project and time management techniques
Working in and outside of a classroom setting
Professional development and entrepreneurial training for participants.
This class will be of particular benefit to mosaic artists who would like to add a community component to their work, teachers, community organizers and anyone interested in community development and entrepreneurial training through the arts.
This class
encompasses the
Community Mosaic Mural Making: Hands-On Class
Photo:
Global Mosaic Project and Art Creation
Foundatipn For Children Community M
o
saic Project, Jacmel, Haiti. March, 2013
Community Mosaic Mural Making: Hands-On Class
September 21-22 , 2013
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 - 4:30
Level: Any, some experience with mosaics is helpful, but not necessary.
Class Price: $260
Materials fee: $35
Join Laurel True of The Global Mosaic Project in this fun weekend class during which students will learn to work together as a team to create a community mosaic mural for a local non-profit or business.
Description: Come spend a weekend making a mosaic mural! In this hands - on, weekend workshop led by artist Laurel True, students will work as a team to create a community mosaic project. Students will experience group mosaic-making processes through the actual creation and installation of a mosaic mural. These skills can be used for facilitating future projects in their own communities.
Workshop will begin with an inspiring digital presentation of community mosaic projects around the world. Lecture will cover various approaches to community outreach and design development, sourcing locations and materials and recruiting and teaching project participants. Instructor will present information on multiple approaches to project creation and best practices for technical construction methods so that projects are durable, safe and long lasting.
The bulk of this upbeat and community-focused class will include hands-on mosaic creation in a group process. Students will work together to create a permanent mosaic mural under the guidance of long-time instructor and community artist. Class will focus on the use of ceramic tile and mirror mosaic. All tools will be provided for student use.
Students will come away from this fun and informative team building workshop with the knowledge, skills and confidence to create successful permanent projects that engage and inspire community.
This class will be of particular benefit to artists who would like to explore community-based projects, teachers, community organizers and anyone interested in neighborhood beautification or community development through the arts.
I
nstructor Experience: Laurel True has been facilitating public and community mosaic projects for over 20 years and has helped to provide job training and arts education to underserved communities in urban environments and developing areas. She has created hundreds of projects over the years, working with volunteers, assistants, students, trades people and artists of ages on projects that reflect a sense of community pride and cultural significance in the locations where they are sited. Through her organization, The Global Mosaic Project, True has facilitated community mosaic projects in the Bay Area, New Orleans West and East Africa, Latin America and Haiti.
Port au Prince:
Gallery El Saieh, Port au Prince, Haiti
This Class is POSTPONED! Please email if you're interested.
Introduction to Contemporary Mosaics
May 11-12, 2013
10 - 4, 10 -1pm
Level: Any
Materials provided
$150
Join mosaic artist Laurel True for this hands-on workshop during which students
will spend an inspiring weekend creating their own unique mosaic piece.
Workshop will meet in the outdoor studio classroom of the renown El-Saieh Gallery, one of Haiti’s most respected contemporary art galleries.
Beginning students as well as artists wanting to expand their repertoire will learn techniques used for the creation of fine art, functional and decorative mosaics using ceramic tile and glass.
Class will begin with a brief presentation of images of contemporary mosaic work in and outside of Haiti. Instructor will introduce and demonstrate the various tools used in mosaic making and discuss the use of adhesives, surfaces and materials for different applications.
Learn how to cut and shape tile and how to arrange pieces to get different effects. Class will cover both technical and aesthetic aspects of mosaic making, while offering a great community experience in a creative environment.
Students will be provided with a base to mosaic and will have lots of great ceramic, glass and colors to choose from.
El-Saieh Gallery will provide a delicious vegetarian lunch on the veranda, with beautiful views of Port au Prince.
All materials and lunch included in workshop fee.
For registration information please contact:
Laurel True
laurel@truemosaics.com
or
Sharona El Saieh
El Saieh Gallery, 19 Ave du Chili, Port au Prince
elsaiehgallery@yahoo.com/ Tel: 3481-4736
Tools and Techniques for Mosaic: Intermediate Mosaic Class with Laurel True
May 18-19, 2013
10- 4 Saturday 10 - 2 Sunday
Level: Intermediate
Materials provided, lunch on Saturday included in workshop fee.
$165
In this class, students will take their mosaic training further with lessons and exercises focusing on specific mosaic setting techniques and tool use.
Students will learn how to work with a variety of materials and with different types of tools to get differing effects with their materials. Lecture and demonstration will cover specialty cutting techniques such as carving and honing, precision cutting and refinement of shapes for varied effects. Students will try their hand at specialty cutting with glass, tile and stone and gain a deeper understanding of how each tool can be used for desired effects.
Class will involve several exercises, including an introduction to Italianate setting styles (opus), use of texture & light and andamento (flow). Students will learn how to build a visual vocabulary of shape that can applied to many styles of mosaic setting.
Additional lessons presented include the use of a tinted mortar bed, ungrouted techniques and using grout as a design element.
Students will create and take home several small exercises and a medium sized final project in which students will utilize the exercises learned in class.
This class is meant for continuing students. Introduction to mosaic class or similar experience suggested. Space is limited to 10 students, early registration is highly recommended.
* Students will have use of tools during class. A list of tools that will be available for purchase before class will be sent to registered students.
For registration information please contact:
Laurel True
laurel@truemosaics.com
or
Sharona El Saieh
El Saieh Gallery, 19 Ave du Chili, Port au Prince
elsaiehgallery@yahoo.com/ Tel: 3481-4736
Provence, South of France
Esprit Mosaique Studio, Avignon
Mosaic Workshop in Provence:
Art, Beauty and Inspiration in the South of France
Week-long Summer Workshop and Tour
with
Valerie Nicoladze and Laurel True
*June 24-29, 2013*
Immerse yourself in an educational trip and tour that will leave you inspired and creatively invigorated for the rest of the year! Enjoy the lavender in bloom, farm to table food, wine tasting, exploration of local markets and exhibits, and time to create in an inspiring studio environment.
Join professional mosaic artists and educators Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze at Valerie's Esprit Mosaique Studio in Avignon, France to explore and celebrate color and creativity through mosaics. Laurel and Valerie have teamed up to offer a totally cool, specifically curated and inspiring trip that will combine hands-on studio time, incredible insider sightseeing and experiential learning.
Esprit Mosaique Studio is full of joyful color and provides a welcoming place to learn, create and spend time in community with other mosaic enthusiasts. This is a wonderful opportunity for cross-cultural exchange with French mosaic artists- participants will leave Provence feeling like family.
Each instructor will offer lessons focusing on various techniques including fresco cement as a background treatment, demonstration of the uses of stacked and layered substrates, precision cutting techniques for glass and ceramic, creation of individual mosaics elements to be installed on a public wall in the Village of Avignon and guided exploration of materials and color through the creation of a piece that participants can take home.
Students will have the opportunity to work on mesh, film and cementicious substrates.*
Students who would like to focus on only one technique or project during the week are
welcome to do this instead, at their own pace, with one-on-one guidance from instructors
In addition to enjoying time in the studio, participants will have the chance to eat delicious meals together, tour nearby Provincial markets including
St. Remy
and
Les Baux de Provence
, visit the breathtaking and indescribable exhibition at
Les Carrieres des Lumieres
, as well as enjoy educational wine tastings and a
Provincial backyard BBQ
at the home of Valerie and her family.
Cost: $1900
Includes: Mosaic workshop instruction, accommodations
(Sunday the 23 - Friday the 28th)
, breakfast and lunches, Thursday night special dinner, transportation from train station or Avignon airport and to and from workshop, and all touristic visits to markets, exhibits and wine tastings.
Cost does not include flight, dinners (except Thursday) and personal expenses.
Both instructors are bi-lingual and workshop and activities will be in English and French.
10 spots
only.. sign up early
For more info and itinerary:
Berkeley, CA:
Institute of Mosaic Art
Mosaic Mural Making Intensive with Laurel True
August 5 - 11, 2013
Monday- Thursday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday 9:30 am - 4 pm
Note: Class does not meet on Friday, August 9th
Level: Intermediate/ Advanced. Students should already have basic setting skills under their belts and have experience working with ceramic tile mosaics. This is a professional development class.
Cost: $750
Materials fee: $25
Learn how to create and install permanent ceramic tile mosaic murals from a professional with over 20 years experience in the field of public, community-based and architectural mosaics.
In this exciting, intensive, six-day course students will learn to execute and install a large-scale ceramic tile mosaic mural as part of a professional production team.
Class will cover designing for specific spaces and locations, materials selection and processing, methods of design transfer, color selection, and specific coding and sectioning methods required for large-scale projects as well as planning and project management techniques for successful, professional projects.
Instructor will offer instruction in precision cutting and setting techniques for professional applications and instruction on the correct way to work in the direct method using tile tape. Other off-site, direct creation methods will also be covered in the class, including an overview of the indirect and applique methods and the use of fiberglass mesh.
Students will work as a team to create a mural, setting individual sections and applying these pre-set sections to the wall surface during the installation. Specific instruction on best practices for installation of permanent mosaic murals will be given.
Students will learn all aspects of mosaic mural making and will be part of a team that creates an architectural mosaic mural. Graduates of this class have gone on to create their own murals and large-scale projects for public and commercial spaces, schools, community centers, hospitals and more.
Mural at Kefa Coffee House in Oakland, CA. Design and project facilitation by Laurel True, creation by students of Mosaic Mural Making Intensive 200
8
at Institute of Mosaic Art
The Business of Mosaics: One-Day Intensive
August 9, 2013
Friday, 10 - 5
Level: Intermediate*
Cost:$150
Materials: $25
Join mosaic artist and entrepreneur Laurel True for this informative one-day seminar, which will go beyond the basics of understanding how to launch, grow and sustain a successful mosaic business. Class will focus on business aspects of commissioned work, architectural applications and public art.
Topics covered in lecture will include: identifying business and creative goals, establishing a market identity, building an effective resume and portfolio, presenting work accurately and effectively, client relations, interfacing with other design professionals, effectively dealing with the business aspects of architectural commissioned work and public projects.
There will be a specific focus on creating project budgets, proposals and design and production contracts. Course materials will include templates for contracts, as well as worksheets for project pricing, ordering materials and calculating business expenses, overhead and profit.
This session would particularly benefit those who are considering going after or starting to receive commissioned projects and or public art.
* This is a professional development seminar and students should have a working knowledge of mosaic making in order to successfully contextualize the information offered.
Architectural Applications for Mosaic: Walls and Floors
August 17-18, 2013
Saturday 10 -4 and Sunday 10 -1
Level: Intermediate
Thinking about making a mosaic for your home or moving into creating commissioned work?
This is the perfect class for you. Instructor Laurel True has over 20 years experience in the field of mosaics and has completed hundreds of permanent installations in homes, businesses, hotels, schools, parks and more across the United States.
This is a lecture and demonstration format course that focuses on wall and floor applications as well as other permanent installations.
Class will begin with a digital presentation of instructor's architectural work including floors, walls, back splashes, fireplace surrounds, floor and pavement insets, large scale mosaic murals and other site specific work in residential and commercial spaces.
Using a mock-up of a kitchen backsplash and an example of a mosaic floor installation, students are taken through the steps required to complete a successful and durable mosaic application.
Class will cover issues involving design development and transfer methods for architectural projects, choosing the proper substrate, dealing with existing substrates, prepping surfaces, work styles and preparing the area to do a project, correct setting materials, choosing the right type of tile or other tesserae, methods of setting, including use of tile tape, fiberglass mesh and other face and back mounted off-site construction methods, mixing thin-set and concrete based adhesives, grouting, caulking and finishing a permanent application.
Special focus will be given to dealing with architectural issues such as thresholds, trims, pipes, plumbing, fixtures and appliances, baseboards, expansion joints, sub flooring and more. Students should expect to take notes and will receive handouts with technical and resource information.
Additional subjects this class touches on include, calculating surface area and ordering materials for architectural projects, general coverage for materials and other nuts and bolts issues.
This is an important technical class for those who want to experiment with more permanent mosaic applications and do them right! Students will see the process of creating a permanent mosaic installation with some hands-on opportunity. (Students do not make an individual project in this class).
*Please note: This is not a setting class. It is expected that students will be able to combine this information with basic setting and mosaic skills they already have.
Introduction to Smalti Mosaics
August 24-25, 2013
Saturday 10 - 4 and Sunday 10 -1
Level: Any
Mosaic artist Laurel True was educated in the art of mosaic in the US and Italy. In this beginner friendly and fun class, Laurel 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.
Seattle:
Seattle Mosaic Arts
Lecture/ Presentation: Art and Healing: Mosaics at Mirebalais Hospital in Haiti
Thursday, July 25, 2013
6:30- 8:00 pm
For more information please contact
The Business of Mosaics: One-Day Intensive
July 26, 2013
Join mosaic artist and entrepreneur Laurel True for this informative one-day seminar as she delves into nuts and bolts of how to launch, grow and sustain a successful mosaic business. Laurel draws from her over 20 years of experience as a highly successful mosaic artist, as well as her business experience as co-founder of the prestigious Institute of Mosaic Arts and now as founder and executive director of the inspiring nonprofit, The Global Mosaic Project.
Laurel's direct and clear teaching style, paired with her hard earned business savvy, make this class invaluable to anyone interested in doing commissioned mosaic projects and/or public art. Course materials will include templates for contracts, as well as worksheets for project pricing, ordering materials and calculating business expenses, overhead and profit.
This seminar focuses on the business aspects of commissioned work, architectural applications and public art. Laurel is also teaching 2-day weekend workshop on the technical aspects of permanent, architectural installations. The two workshops complement each other extremely well, so if you can, consider taking both. You won't be sorry!
Class covers:
Identifying business and creative goals
Building an effective resume and portfolio and establishing a market identity
Presenting work accurately and effectively
Client relations and interfacing with other design professionals
Commissions and applying for public projects
Creating project budgets and proposals as well as calculating business expenses, overhead and profit
Creating effective design and production contracts.
Date: Fri July 26 10-5
Level: Intermediate/Advanced. This is a professional development seminar and students should have a working knowledge of mosaic making in order to successfully contextualize the information offered.
Cost: $175 - all Materials included
To see more about Laurel True and her examples of her beautiful, inspiring work please check out her website, True Mosaics.
Architectural Applications for Mosaic
July 27-28 , 2013
Saturday 10 - 4, Sunday 10-1
$265
Mosaic backsplash by True Mosaics Studio for Gregngelo Velocity Circus Museum
Thinking about making a mosaic for your home or moving into creating commissioned work?
This is the perfect class for you. Instructor Laurel True has over 20 years experience in the field of mosaics and has completed hundreds of permanent installations in homes, businesses, hotels, schools, parks and more across the United States.
This is a lecture and demonstration format course that focuses on wall and floor applications as well as other permanent installations.
Class will begin with a digital presentation of instructor's architectural work including floors, walls, back splashes, fireplace surrounds, floor and pavement insets, large scale mosaic murals and other site specific work in residential and commercial spaces.
Using a mock-up of a kitchen backsplash and an example of a mosaic floor installation, students are taken through the steps required to complete a successful and durable mosaic application.
Class will cover issues involving design development and transfer methods for architectural projects, choosing the proper substrate, dealing with existing substrates, prepping surfaces, work styles and preparing the area to do a project, correct setting materials, choosing the right type of tile or other tesserae, methods of setting, including use of tile tape, fiberglass mesh and other face and back mounted off-site construction methods, mixing thin-set and concrete based adhesives, grouting, caulking and finishing a permanent application.
Special focus will be given to dealing with architectural issues such as thresholds, trims, pipes, plumbing, fixtures and appliances, baseboards, expansion joints, sub flooring and more. Students should expect to take notes and will receive handouts with technical and resource information.
Additional subjects this class touches on include, calculating surface area and ordering materials for architectural projects, general coverage for materials and other nuts and bolts issues.
This is an important technical class for those who want to experiment with more permanent mosaic applications and do them right! Students will see the process of creating a permanent mosaic installation with some hands-on opportunity. (Students do not make an individual project in this class).
*Please note: This is not a setting class. It is expected that students will be able to combine this information with basic setting and mosaic skills they already have.
Laurel True is an artist and educator specializing in mixed media, glass and ceramic mosaic and public art. She received her BA in African Art and Cultures and has studied at Studio Arte del Mosaico in Ravenna, Italy, Universite Chiek Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal, Parsons School of Design and the Art Institute of Chicago. True is the co- founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art in Oakland, CA and has fostered education in the mosaic arts through teaching and lecturing around the world. She founded The Global Mosaic Project, a nonprofit whose mission is to foster positive community engagement through the creation of site-specific works of public mosaic art, leaving a legacy of neighborhood beautification, community cultural development and arts training for all ages.
True's public and commissioned work can be found in private and civic collections as well as in hospitals, in parks and on commercial buildings across the United States and internationally. She has also been known to create work that spontaneously emerges graffiti- like on concrete walls and in unexpected settings and with unexpected materials, many times through spontaneous community participation.
True's work weaves together fine art and craft based techniques, utilizing both natural and man made materials. Projects often juxtapose themes of beauty and despair, bounty and loss, as well as celebration and ritual. Using found detritus such as asphalt, concrete, brick, glass and other collected rubble, True pieces her installations together with the precision of ancient roman mosaics.
Since
much of my public art practice has largely taken on a community-based
approach, I decided to continue this work under the auspices of The
Global Mosaic Project. The Global Mosaic Project partners with other
organizations and businesses for various projects which bring art
education, entrepreneurial training and neighborhood beautification to
communities around the globe.
