Global Mosaic Tour: Costa Rica Project: January 2013

Global Mosaic Tour: Costa Rica Project
January 10-19, 2013

Be part of a team of Global Community Builders by participating in the creation of a community mosaic mural in Costa Rica!

Laurel True, founder of True Mosaics Studio and The Global Mosaic Project is partnering with EcoTeach Costa Rica for the first Global Mosaic Tour. A unique experience that combines Voluntourism, art education and community process.

Laurel will facilitate the creation of a public mosaic mural with tour participants and local community members for a small medical clinic in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

Tour participants will learn first hand how to facilitate and create a mosaic mural while involving community members of all ages.
Participants will get a chance to experience a group mosaic-making processes through the actual creation of a mosaic mural. Experience with mosaics is not a requirement for this project. Laurel will teach all tour participants mosaic setting techniques and how to pass those skills onto others in the context of a community project.

This will be a fun and educational project that will bring art education, neighborhood beautification and an opportunity for cross-cultural exchange to the community of La Fortuna. Participants will be working with ceramic tile mosaic. Participants may be asked to carry some tile from their home city and these materials will be combined with locally sourced materials.



Additional educational elements:
Casual evening sessions will include discussions focusing on different mosaic-making techniques that can be employed with groups with any level of training, approaching design development with community involvement and multiple approaches to project coordination.

This tour will be great for artists and non- artists alike. Anyone who wants to come make a community mosaic mural in Costa Rica will have a great time. Artists who would like to add a community component to their work, teachers, community organizers will find this education tour of particular benefit to their professional development training.

Highlights:

• Be part of a team of Community Builders and participate in the creation of a community mosaic.
• Learn how to pass mosaic setting techniques onto others participating in the community project.
• Work with Laurel True, public artist, educator and community organizer specializing in sculptural and architectural mosaic projects.
• Visit Asis Wild Animal Rescue Center
• Enjoy dinner at Don Juan’s Organic Farm
• Participate in zip lines or hanging bridges

Trip Dates: January 10-19, 2013
Program Fee 2013: $2225/person
Program Fee Includes: Bi-lingual Naturalist Guide, accommodations, private in-country transportation, meals, activity & entrance fees, post departure travel insurance and exit taxes.
Trip Details:  Please visit our Mosaic Making Tour web page with complete trip details.
Read the full True Mosaic Costa Rica itinerary (printable version!)
Contact Us:  For additional information, please contact Stephanie Hall at stephanie@ecoteach.com or 1-800-626-8992, ext. 10


INFO LINKS:

Registration and Nuts and Bolts Info:
http://www.ecoteach.com/2013/truemosaic/ 

General Information

Inspirational Photo Gallery

 Global Mosaic Project Facebook Page

 Eco Teach Facebook Page




Awesome Itinerary for trip: 

(You can also link to this from the "General Information" page above)

ATENAS & THE CENTRAL VALLEY (1 night)
Arrive in the central valley of Costa Rica, home to 80% of the country's population and surrounded by mountains. This area boasts fantastic vistas and a perfect climate. You will spend your first night in a comfortable country setting and have a chance to get acquainted with your fellow travelers. 

LA FORTUNA/ARENAL (7 nights)
Laurel True will lead participants in a group mosaic‐making process through the actual creation of a mosaic mural. Experience with mosaics is not a requirement for this project. Laurel will teach all tour participants mosaic setting techniques and how to pass those skills onto others in the context of a community project. The Mosaic workshops will be held in the town of La Fortuna at the base of the spectacular Arenal volcano. You will stay at the wonderful Don Juans’s Organic Farm for the first five nights and then two nights at Arenal Springs Hotel.
Activities outside the workshop will include a tour of the organic farm, time to explore the town of La Fortuna, and a visit to the Asis Wildlife Rescue Center which cares for rescued wild animals, from monkeys to peccarys, kinkajous, macaws and more! Before leaving the Arenal area you will have the opportunity to fly through the forest canopy on a zipline tour! 

ATENAS ; THE CENTRAL VALLEY (1 night)
End the trip right back where you started‐‐in the Central Valley. This is the night to celebrate your accomplishments and reflect on your experiences. 

BIO:
Laurel True is a public artist, educator and community organizer specializing in sculptural and architectural mosaic projects. Her projects are focused mainly in urban and developing areas and she is committed to fostering arts education and entrepreneurship both in and out of the classroom. True is co‐founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art in California and has lectured and taught internationally.
In addition to maintaining a professional studio practice, True facilitates community ‐ based mosaic projects in the US, Africa and Haiti through her organization, The Global Mosaic Project. Her work has been featured in independent and mainstream media, books and publications. She has created and facilitated hundreds projects over the last 20 years. 

She is a member of the Community Built Association, the Society of American Mosaic Artists, Americans for the Arts and the National Art Education Association.

Fall and Winter 2012 Classes with Laurel True

Happy Fall and warm greetings to Everyone!

I have several classes yet this year - in New Orleans and Port au Prince, Haiti.

Stay tuned for my Spring schedule, which will include several destination workshops in different parts of the world that combine social practice and mosaic education.

Here are just the dates/ locations and class titles.. scroll down for full description of classes!

Keep watching the True Mosaics Studio Facebook page for last minute additions. 






October 27-28, 2012
Architectural Mosaics in the Home
New Orleans School of Art and Craft, New Orleans

November 10-11, 2012
Contemporary Mosaics with Laurel True: Introduction to Mosaic Art
El Saieh Gallery, Port au Prince, Haiti

December 1-2, 2012
Introduction to Glass Smalti Mosaics
New Orleans School of Art and Craft, New Orleans

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Full class descriptions and info:

NEW ORLEANS

October 27-28, 2012

Saturday 10 - 4, Sunday 1-5

Architectural Mosaics in the Home: Mosaic Backsplashes, Floors, Walls and More

New Orleans School of Art and Craft

To register and for more information:

http://www.art-restoration.com/school/instructors/ltrue.htm

This course is perfect for students who wish to make a permanent mosaic for their home such as a kitchen backsplash, fireplace surround, mural, garden wall or any architectural application! 

This is an upbeat lecture and demonstration- format course packed with useful information. Demonstration will focus on wall and floor applications as well as other permanent installations. Using a mock up of a kitchen backsplash and an existing mosaic floor installation, students are taken through the steps required to complete a successful and durable mosaic application for a variety of locations. Students are encouraged to ask questions about potential projects. Class will include a digital presentation of architectural and permanent applications in many different settings. 

Class will cover: Choosing the proper substrate (surface) and correct preparation for mosaic, selecting the right materials, products and processes for a myriad of different applications for interior and or exterior projects.

Instructor will also address designing for architectural projects, methods of creation architectural mosaics, including use of fiberglass mesh and tile tape, mixing and using cement 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 will receive handouts with technical and resource information. This is an important and inspiring 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.

Some mosaic experience is highly suggested for this class as class does not cover introductory mosaic setting lessons such as those offered in beginning classes.

This class is an essential building block for those interested in creating large-scale projects, murals, community projects and more.

Level: Any
Class price: $205
Materials included

Instructor Laurel True has almost 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.

*****************************************************************************

December 1- 2, 2012 (Date changed from November 17-18)

Saturday 10 - 4, Sunday 10-1

Introduction to Glass Smalti Mosaics  

New Orleans School of Art and Craft

To register and for more information:

http://www.art-restoration.com/school/instructors/ltrue.htm

Mosaic artist Laurel True 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, 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 cut smalti, as well as gain an understanding of how to use modern tools with this material with as little waste as possible.

Students will learn how to set smalti directly into a tinted mortar bed using

Italian smalti to create a 6” x 6” mosaic wall hanging to take home. Smalti starter pack and custom-made framed substrate provided.

Level: Any 


Class price $195

Materials: $50 includes substrate and smalti starter pack

*****************************************************************************

PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI

November 10-11

Saturday  and Sunday 10am – 4pm

Contemporary Mosaics with Laurel True- Introduction to Mosaic Art

El Saieh Gallery, Pacot, Port au Prince, Haiti

Spend an inspiring weekend with mosaic artist Laurel True learning the art of mosaic making.

Workshop will meet in the studio classroom of El Saieh Gallery in Port au Prince, one of Haiti’s most respected contemporary art galleries.

Beginning students and experienced artists wanting to expand their repertoire will learn techniques used for the creation of functional and decorative mosaics using ceramic tile and glass. Experience why one of the oldest art forms in the world has so much appeal today.

Class will begin with a presentation of images of contemporary mosaic work from around the world. Instructor will introduce and demonstrate the various tools and techniques used in mosaic making, and discuss the use of adhesives, surfaces and materials for different applications.

Students will learn how to cut and shape tile, and how to arrange pieces to get different effects. Class will cover both the 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 have lots of great materials to choose from. El Saieh Gallery will provide a delicious vegetarian lunch on the veranda with beautiful views of Port au Prince.

For registration information please contact Sharona El Saieh El Saieh Gallery, 19 Ave du Chili, Port au Prince elsaiehgallery@yahoo.com/ Tel: 3481-4736

Level: Any 


Class price $150

Materials and lunch on Saturday included

Laurel True is based in New Orleans and Haiti and has maintained a professional studio practice in architectural, public and fine art mosaics for over 20 years through her company, True Mosaics Studio. Her vibrant mosaics can be found in hospitals, parks, hotels, restaurants and in commercial and residential settings around the world.

Laurel teaches and lectures internationally and facilitates community-based mosaic projects through her organization the Global Mosaic Project. She partners with organizations and businesses to create iconic, site-specific works of public art. Laurel began working in Haiti with Art Creation Foundation for Children, where she has an ongoing role as Lead Consultant for the Mosaique Jacmel Project. Laurel is the co-founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art in California and has been teaching mosaic techniques for over 18 years. For more information please visit www.TrueMosaics.com 

New Class Added in San Diego Area: Mosaic Techniques and Applications

July 20, 2012

Friday 1 – 5 pm

Mosaic Technique and Practical Applications

Lecture/ Demo/ Q & A with Laurel True

Hosted by:

Norma Yuskos Studio, Encinitas, CA

To register for this class, please contact Laurel True:

info@truemosaics.com

Level: Any 


Class price $100

How to create beautiful and lasting mosaic projects almost anywhere - both indoors and outdoors.

This is a great technical class for students who want to gain a deeper insight into best practices for different types of mosaic applications on a variety of surfaces and in a variety of environments.

Class will cover the basics of exterior and garden applications, basic architectural applications and use of non- traditional surfaces and materials for mosaic.

Students will learn how to select the proper substrate for their project and how to properly prepare these surfaces to receive mosaic, as well as presenting and explaining the uses of a variety of essential adhesives. Special focus will be given to mixing and using thin-set.

Lecture and demo will also include a presentation and discussion of different types of tile and other tesserae and their uses and limitations, methods of setting, fitting tricks and working both on and off site in direct, double direct and indirect methods including the use of fiberglass mesh and tile tape.

Instructor will demonstrate proper tool use for cutting glass, tile, stone and other materials, including specialty cuts made by hand including carving and shaping techniques.

Finally, class will cover grouting techniques for any size project. Instructor will discuss when to grout and when it’s ok not to grout and the use of tinted thin-set as a setting bad for ungrouted work.

This class is great for the beginner and is also appropriate for the student who has already experimented with mosaics and would like to expand their knowledge to include exterior, garden or permanent installations and focus on best practices for all facets of mosaic creation.

Laurel True: Spring and Summer 2012 Class Schedule

Spring and Summer 2012 Class Schedule 

Here is a current listing of the classes I am offering in New Orleans, Oakland, San Diego and Seattle. Classes are listed by date and all descriptions are linked to host website.

NEW ORLEANS

May 5, 2012

Saturday 10 - 4

Introduction to Glass Smalti Mosaics  

New Orleans School of Art and Craft

To register and for more information:

http://www.art-restoration.com/school/instructors/ltrue.htm

Mosaic artist Laurel True 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, 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 cut smalti, as well as gain an understanding of how to use modern tools with this material with as little waste as possible.

Students will learn how to set smalti directly into a tinted mortar bed using

Italian smalti to create a 6” x 6” mosaic wall hanging to take home. Smalti starter pack and custom-made framed substrate provided.

Level: Any 


Class price $135

Materials: $45

_________________________

OAKLAND

July 14-15

Saturday  and Sunday 10am – 4pm

Urban Mosaics

Institute of Mosaic Art

To register and for more information:

http://www.instituteofmosaicart.com/classes/current/class_va_true_urban.html

In this new class, instructor Laurel True will discuss and present conceptual approaches to creating mosaics in and inspired by the urban landscape including

mosaic graffiti, urban land art, renegade and spontaneous projects. 

Class will include a digital presentation showcasing urban mosaics, materials and artists using these alternative methods internationally.

Students will be introduced to and encouraged to experiment with recycled, mixed media and alternative materials and will work on a series of projects including small, portable mesh or tape- backed pieces that we will put up in the urban landscape. Class will also create a piece of urban land art using mosaic techniques and various media as a group, which will be left in the environment.

Level: Any 


Class price $220

Materials: $25

_________________________

SAN DIEGO

 

July 20, 2012

Friday 1 – 5 pm

Mosaic Technique and Practical Applications

Lecture/ Demo/ Q & A with Laurel True

Hosted by:

Norma Yuskos Studio, Encinitas, CA

To register for this class, please contact Laurel True:

info@truemosaics.com

Level: Any 


Class price $100

How to create beautiful and lasting mosaic projects almost anywhere - both indoors and outdoors.

This is a great technical class for students who want to gain a deeper insight into best practices for different types of mosaic applications on a variety of surfaces and in a variety of environments.

Class will cover the basics of exterior and garden applications, basic architectural applications and use of non- traditional surfaces and materials for mosaic.

Students will learn how to select the proper substrate for their project and how to properly prepare these surfaces to receive mosaic, as well as presenting and explaining the uses of a variety of essential adhesives. Special focus will be given to mixing and using thin-set.

Lecture and demo will also include a presentation and discussion of different types of tile and other tesserae and their uses and limitations, methods of setting, fitting tricks and working both on and off site in direct, double direct and indirect methods including the use of fiberglass mesh and tile tape.

Instructor will demonstrate proper tool use for cutting glass, tile, stone and other materials, including specialty cuts made by hand including carving and shaping techniques.

Finally, class will cover grouting techniques for any size project. Instructor will discuss when to grout and when it’s ok not to grout and the use of tinted thin-set as a setting bad for ungrouted work.

This class is great for the beginner and is also appropriate for the student who has already experimented with mosaics and would like to expand their knowledge to include exterior, garden or permanent installations and focus on best practices for all facets of mosaic creation.

 Min 8/ Max 12

July 21-22

Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5pm

Community Mosaic Mural Making – Facilitating and Creating Community-Based Projects

Hands-on workshop led by Laurel True

Studio of Norma Yuskos , Encinitas, CA

To register for this class, please contact Laurel True:

info@truemosaics.com

This weekend intensive workshop lead by community and public artist Laurel True will focus on methodology and techniques for approaching community-based mosaic projects. Students will get a chance to experience group mosaic- making processes through the actual creation of a mosaic mural.

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.

Saturday and Sunday morning will be devoted to lecture and demonstration and the afternoons to practice, which will include hands on training in the creation of a mosaic mural that will be donated to a local non-profit, school or business

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 a host communities’ needs, desires and location. 

Instructor will present several 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 class binder.

Additional topics covered will include:

·      Defining project goals and objectives

·      Project planning, funding and budget creation

·      Project and time management techniques for any scale project

·      Working in and outside of the classroom

               ·     Professional development and entrepreneurial training for participants

        This class will be of particular benefit to mosaic artists and public 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.

Level: 
 Some mosaic experience is recommended

Class fee: $395

Materials: $45

Registered students will be provided with tool list

_________________________

SEATTLE

July 27-28

Friday 6- 8:30pm and

Saturday 10 - 3

Introduction to Smalti Mosaics

Seattle Mosaic Arts

To register and for more information:

http://www.seattlemosaicarts.com/contact/

Mosaic artist Laurel True 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 Friday evening 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, 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 cut smalti, as well as gain an understanding of how to use modern tools with this material with as little waste as possible.

On Saturday, students will set smalti directly into a mortar bed for their project and will receive information on how to approach future projects. Class will finish with 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.

Level: Any 


Class fee: $265

Materials: Included

_________________________

SEATTLE

July 29th

Sunday 10-4 pm

Introduction Glass Fusing for Mosaics – One- Day Class

Seattle Mosaic Arts

To register and for more information:

http://www.seattlemosaicarts.com/contact/

Glass fusing is an exciting technique to add to ones repertoire of mosaic and glass skills and, fused pieces look wonderful in a mosaic.

In this exciting and fun one-day class. instructor Laurel True will present the basics of glass fusing to create individual tesserae and art pieces up to 3". Lecture and presentation will include information on fusing history, types of kilns used for fusing, glass characteristics and limitations and more. Students will be amazed at what glass can do!

A range of fusible glass materials will be presented, such as compatible sheet glass, frits and powders, glass rods, confetti and stringers and their effects in completed pieces shown through the presentation of lots of actual fused examples.

Students will learn both basic and trickier glass cutting techniques to get started with or further expand their cutting skills with a myriad of glass tools, including scoring tools, breakers, strip cutters, grinders and lens (circle) cutters.

Instructor will present examples of many different effects students can achieve combining different types, colors and qualities of fusible glass, inclusions such as metal, mica and gold and silver leaf and other exciting techniques. Rigging and hanging mechanisms for decorations and small plaques will be demonstrated.

Lots of great materials will be available including clear and opaque glass in tons of colors, stringers, confetti, frit, rods, mille and dichroic glass. Students wil be able to experiment with many different techniques and come away with a treasure trove of fused pieces for future mosaic projects or to use in an of themselves.

* Pick up of fused pieces within one week of class. Out-of-town students can arrange to have their pieces shipped.

Level: Any

Class fee: $150

Materials: Included

_________________________

OAKLAND

August 3, 2012

Friday, 1- 4 pm

The Business of Mosaics - Mini Seminar

Institute of Mosaic Art

To register and for more information:

http://www.instituteofmosaicart.com/classes/current/class_va_true_biz.html

Join mosaic artist and entrepreneur Laurel True for this informative seminar, which will go beyond the basics of understanding how to launch, grow and sustain a successful mosaic business.

We will focus on business aspects of commissioned work, architectural application 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.

Level: This is a professional development seminar and students should have a working knowledge of mosaic making in order to successfully contextualize the information offered.

Class fee: $125

Materials: $25

_________________________

OAKLAND

August 4 - 5, 2012

Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 10am – 1pm

Architectural Applications for Mosaic – Floors, Walls and More

Institute of Mosaic Art

To register and for more information:

http://www.instituteofmosaicart.com/classes/current/class_va_true_arch.html

Instructor Laurel True has almost 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 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, designing for an architectural application, transfer techniques, methods of setting, including use of fiberglass mesh and other face and back mounted off - site construction methods, mixing thin-set and concrete based fixatives, 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.

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.

Level: Intermediate, students should have taken an introductory mosaic class

Class fee: $225

Materials: Included

_________________________

Fundraising for Mosaics in the Children's Ward at Mirebalais Hospital, Haiti

Mosaic Mural Making Intensive in Seattle

Hosted by Seattle Mosaic Arts:

Last chance to get into this week-long class geared towards those wanting to create professional level, permanent projects.

In this six-day workshop students will work as a team to create and install a large-scale ceramic tile mosaic mural.

• Date: Mon Mar 26- Sun Apr 1 10 – 4 pm
  Note: Class does not meet on Friday the 30th. There is an optional Business of Mosaics seminar in the afternoon of Friday, March 30th. Separate registration is required.
• 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

Students will learn all aspects of mosaic mural making and will be part of a team that installs a large scale, permanent mural. Class covers:

• Designing for specific spaces and locations
• Materials selection and processing
• Design transfer, color selection, and specific coding/sectioning methods required for large-scale projects
• Precision cutting and setting techniques for direct method using fiberglass mesh
• Best practices for installation of permanent mosaic murals

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.

For more information or to register, please contact:

Seattle Mosaic Arts

1325 North 46th Street, Seattle WA 98103
Located in Wallingford on 46th just off of Stone Way

206-402-6642
info@SeattleMosaicArts.com

Photo:

Professionally set ceramic tile
mosaic mural at Mirebalais Hospital in Haiti

Community Mosaics Class in Brooklyn- Hands-On Workshop March 9-11

NEW CLASS IN BROOKLYN, NY!

Community Mosaics

Facilitating and Creating Community-Based Public Projects

Hands on Workshop led by Laurel True

Workshop: March 9-11, 2012

Friday Evening 6 - 8:30 and

Saturday and Sunday 9:30 – 5 pm

Cost: $495 includes binder with extensive class handouts

Location: Galazzo Glass/ Sopp Ceramic Studio at Clay Space

http://galazzoglasssoppceramic.com/news.html

For more information or to register please e-mail: gglasssceramic@gmail.com

This weekend intensive workshop lead by community and public artist Laurel True will focus on methodology and techniques for approaching community-based, public mosaic projects. Students will get a chance to experience group mosaic-making processes through the actual creation and installation of a mosaic mural. 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 Friday evening 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.

Saturday and Sunday morning will be devoted to lecture and demonstration and the afternoons to practice- hands on training in the creation of a mosaic mural that will be donated to a local non-profit, school or business

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 a host communities’ needs, desires, location and circumstances.

Instructor will present several 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 class binder.

Additional topics covered will include:

· Defining project goals and objectives

· Project planning, funding and budget creation

· Project and time management techniques for any scale project

· Working in and outside of the classroom

Professional development and entrepreneurial training for participants

This class will be of particular benefit to mosaic artists and public artists who would like to add a community component to their projects, teachers, community organizers and anyone interested in community development and entrepreneurial training through the arts.

Some knowledge of mosaic making techniques is helpful.

Workshop participants should come prepared to work both inside and outside during class. Students will be asked to sign a waiver and photo release.

PLEASE NOTE:

This class must meet it's minimum (6) by February 6th. Students are encouraged to sign up early!

Also: This class is being offered the weekend after the National Association of Art Educators Conference in New York, which runs March 1-4

For more information: http://www.arteducators.org/news/national-convention/national-convention

Photos from top:

Community Mosaic Mural, Nungua Ghana

Participants with Fisherman's Tale Mural, Nungua, Ghana

Twin Thrones Community Mosaic Bench, San Francisco

Community Mosaic Memorial Wall, Jacmel, Haiti

Home Mural, Belle Chase, Louisiana

Mosaics For Mirebalais Hospital Project - Thank You and Project Update

We did it!
The Mosaics For Mirebalais Hospital Project in Haiti has been funded
through your donations to The Mosaic Artwork Fund and Partners In Health!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to the Mosaic Artwork Fund for Mirebalais Hospital and Partners In Health. Our fundraising efforts have been a success!


Over the last year, it has been humbling and exhilarating to see our community come together in support of the Mosaics for Mirebalais Hospital Project for Partners In Health. Thanks to you, we have reached and surpassed our fundraising goal! This new hospital will include a public art component and Haitian artists and tradespeople will be trained in the creation of architectural mosaics.

130 people have donated online through the Partners In Health/ Mosaic Artwork Fund website, many have donated by sending a check directly to PIH in care of the Mosaic Artwork Fund.

Still others have contributed through personal donations, by attending fundraising events such as my Power of Art lecture, donating or purchasing artwork, blogging, promoting, sharing links, hosting events, donating materials, tile and transport and offering invaluable support and advice.

I would like to especially thank our project sponsors and major donors.
THANK YOU!!!

Project Sponsors

$10,000/ Architect Level

Anonymous donation from national foundation supporting great causes, administered by exemplary human beings

$5000/ Engineer Level

Claire Barnett and Seattle Mosaic Arts

$2500/ Builder Level

Institute of Mosaic Art

Loeks Family Fund at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Major Project Donors

Dr. Jennifer Neff

Tamara Ribas

M.H. San Francisco

J.R. Seattle

Very Special Thanks To

Charles and Denise Bavier

Jane Ford

Jacqueline Barnett

Jody Yelland

Karen Maestas and David Garcia

Mark Malamud

Amy Ratcliff and Family and the Gates Foundation

Mosaic Art Now in honor of Bill Buckingham

Thank you to everyone who made specific project donations including:

John McKenna, Linda Cundiff, Sandra Kipper, Glynnis Kaye, John Dynis, G.H., Mark Oliver, Laura Brodax, Naomi Craig, JoAnn Loctov, Kelley Knickerbocker, Rachel Rodi, Guy Fuerte, Dominick Montabano , Lori Hogan, Rita Rans, Sherri Hunter, Lillian Sizemore, Sonia King, Cynthia Cooley, Gretchen Fuller, Dirk & Chiatania Hain, Jen Hall, Michael McConnell, Steven Ungar, Elizabeth Wall & Debra Smucker, Trish Metzner-Lynch, Jane O'Donnell, Sound Play, Martha Seaver, Nancie Pipgras, Jill Stevenson-Ritter, Bronwen Parker, Nancy Forrest, Stephanie Riger, Melissa Cole, Kristen Monroe Voss, Kira Milanich

Ella Rhoades, Susan Crocenzi, Bart Seldon, Amy Neiman, Megan Cain, Teree Campbell, Randina Casenza, Carole Choucair, Michael Baron & Shari Kaufman, Marina King, Randi Kaufman, Tamara Kikel, Jo Braun, Kathleen Murphy, Jackie Phillips & Diana Thompson, Tai Uhlmann, Bronwen Parker

Joey Jerome, Don Marshall, Penny Jessop, Elizabet Petro, Sharon Plummer, Leah Rigg, Nora Mann, Darcy Potestivo, John Kalinowski, Marcia Kraus, Erich Ludwig, Tom Loeser, Robyn Miller, Kiela Smith-Upton, Karen Byars, Terri Goodwin, Deanna Wallace, Lori Gradinger, Dick Weiss, Susan Barkan, Martine Pierre-Louis, Julia Field, Megan Caddeell, Brad Scelfo & Alan Janish, Terri Goodwin, Anna Ungar, Debra Lee, Kim Word, Dionne Ible, Susan Jeffreys, John Kalinowski, Erich Ludwig, Barbara Ghoshal, Vicky Brent, Katia McGuirk, Linda Holms, Lois and Allen Keller, Jillann Demes , Mariellen Layne, Jan O'Highway

(If I forgot to include anyone, I am mortified- please let me know!)

Major Materials Donors

Heath Ceramics with special thanks to Lisa Bookstein
Thank you so much for the massive tile donation that has now made its way to Haiti. Much gratitude ;)
Laticrete International
True Mosaics Studio

In-Kind Donations

Chef Becky Selengut

Claire Barnett, Seattle Mosaic Arts and Seattle Biomed

Freight Center Shipping

Thank you to Institute of Mosaic Art for organizing and hosting a mosaic art exhibition to benefit the Mosaic Artwork Fund. Special thanks to Celeste Howell and McKenzie Coonsie.

Thank you to artists who donated artwork to the benefit exhibition:

James Connors, Ellen Blakeley, Tara Ballantine, Nadia Khastagir, Branwyn Fearn, Wesley Wong, Carol Compton, Robert Rogers, Sophia Othman, Minal Jeswani, Erin Rogers, M. Caetano, Catherine Ryan, Rachel Rodi, Madeline Behrens Brigham, Yolanda Guitierrez, Sophia Othman, Debbie Callen, Janet Aguilera

Thank you to those who hosted my Power of Art fundraising lecture:

Blake Vonder Harr- New Orleans School of Art and Craft

Pam Goode - Ceil Studio and Gallery

Isaiah and Julia Zagar and Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Claire Barnett, Seattle Mosaic Arts and Seattle Biomed

Celeste Howell and Denise Bavier at Institute of Mosaic Art

Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, Madison

Adam Carruth- Carruth Cellars Winery

Special thanks for spreading the word, PR and magical networking assistance to:

Nancie Pipgras and Mosaic Art Now, Sonia King, Community Built Association, Tile Heritage Foundation, Society of American Mosaic Artists, George Fishman and the Mosaic of Art, Eva Stimson and others who shared the story and got the news around.

Thank you to the amazing team at Partners In Health, Lillian Sizemore, Bridget Cordesman,Claire Barnett and Erin Rogers for advising me and supporting my efforts.

Thank you so much- Mesi Anpil!
- Laurel True


Project Updates

I will be posting project updates on Facebook while we are working on these projects so please check in for images and info as we move into the production phase of this project in the next few weeks!*

Special Note:

During the past year I formalized my community practice into an organization called the Global Mosaic Project. Through this organization, I will continue my work to bring community-based public art, arts education and entrepreneurial training to communities around the globe.

For more information, please visit www.globalmosaicproject.org. Please keep the Global Mosaic Project in mind for end-of the year philanthropic contributions. All donations to the Global Mosaic Project are tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor, Fractured Atlas.


Images



Concept drawings for 13' x 9' mosaic mural depicting a swirl of tropical flowers against a backdrop of the Haitian countryside for the main waiting area of the hospital.












Lisa Bookstein of Heath Ceramics and Laurel True

* Photos will be on FB from now on.. "Like" the Global Mosaic Project FB page to get Mirebalais project updates!

Some excellent quotes:

Laurel True's wonderful murals will be part of our new hospital in Mirebalais, a complex designed to be as beautiful as it is functional: to confer dignity alongside the fruits of modern medicine. We are grateful to True Mosaics and to the art community for making possible this important work in Haiti.”
- Paul Farmer, Co-Founder Partners In Health

“Art sends the message to patients that they are valuable and deserve to look at beautiful things. It also says we care about the building itself - and that you are worth that investment.”
- Carole Romm, MPA, RN

“An integral part of healing is caring and comfort. Art is a bridge between those two factors. Inspiring, emotive art helps create a space where a hospital becomes hospitable”
- Agamemnon Otero, former hospital patient

"Original art on the walls is a source of pride and sense of value for clinicians and patients. It can embody the core values of the health care practice, such as cultural diversity, collaboration, quality, integrity, compassion."
- Sally Retecki, Consultant, Art In Healing Spaces



Road to Mirebalais in central Haiti.

The Fabulous World of Contemporary Mosaics: Lecture/ Demo in Madison

Mosaic class in Madison, Wisconsin

The Fabulous World of Contemporary Mosaics 
Lecture and Demonstration with Mini Project

Saturday, October 15th 1- 4 pm

$95

Level: Any

Join longtime mosaic artist and educator Laurel True in this informative and dynamic short class, which gives students a great overview of the varied techniques and processes that mosaic artists are using today.

Laurel will begin the class with a digital presentation, which highlights some of the artists, materials and styles prevalent in contemporary mosaics in the US and beyond, discussing images of sculptural, textural, fine art and public and community- based mosaic works.

Class will include extensive demonstration of mosaic materials, tools and setting techniques employed today. Both traditional and unusual mosaic materials will be presented, with inspiring examples of their use.

Tools presented and demonstrated include tools used for glass and tile mosaics, precision nipping tools and the hammer and hardie, used for millennia to process glass and stone. Students get a first hand look at tricks of the trade and methods of using hand tools to achieve different effects in mosaic artwork, including carving, honing and shaping mosaic tesserae (pieces) with precision.

Demonstration will include a setting lesson, showing a myriad of setting and fitting techniques for different styles of mosaic. Use of correct adhesives, surfaces and their preparation will be covered. Class will conclude with a mini project through which students can explore materials, texture and the setting
directly into a tinted mortar bed.

Book recommendations, handouts and resources will be offered to students.

For more info: http://www.vineryglass.com/

To register: please call The Vinery at 608-271-2490

The Vinery Stained Glass Studio

317 West Beltline Highway

Madison, WI 53711

On the frontage road

between Verona Rd. and Seminole Hwy.

[Directions]

Community Mosaic Project and Lecture in Solana Beach, CA

I'm headed south for another exciting project!

Carruth Cellars Urban Winery will be hosting me in October to facilitate a community mosaic project in the heart of the Cedros Design District in Solana Beach, CA.

We will be creating a multi-part mosaic mural that will span 200' over several days from October 18-22nd.

Carruth Cellars is a boutique winery with terrific wine and a wonderful community spirit!


They will also be hosting my fundraising lecture:

The Power of Art: Building Creative Capital Through Community Mosaics
Community Projects Facilitated by Laurel True in the US, Africa and Haiti

Lecture will be Friday, October 21st
at Carruth Cellars Urban Winery
320 So. Cedros Ave. #400
Solana Beach, CA 92075

(858) 847-9463

Reception 5:30pm
Program 6-7:30 pm

This lecture will fill up, come early to ensure a seat!

Lecture is a fundraiser for the Mosaic Artwork Fund For Mirebalais Hospital, Haiti and Partners In Health

Additional lecture information on the Partners In Health Website:
http://act.pih.org/page/event/detail/fundraisingevent/wdg

Updates to Fall Class Schedule!

Updates to Fall Class Schedule!


I am teaching in several different locations this fall and have an exciting lineup of classes- from professional development classes to beginner friendly classes.

Please scroll down for for info on classes in:

New Orleans, Madison, San Diego, Seattle, Brooklyn and Oakland

I will post updates and new classes here and on my True Mosaics Studio Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/True-Mosaics-Studio/276758323289

Laurel True: Class Listings for Fall 2011

Madison, Wisconsin Just Added!

The Vinery Stained Glass

To register: http://www.vineryglass.com/

The Fabulous World of Contemporary Mosaics
Lecture and Demonstration with Mini Project

Saturday, October 15th 1-4 pm

$95

Join longtime mosaic artist and educator Laurel True in this informative and dynamic short class, which gives students a great overview of the varied techniques and processes that mosaic artists are using today.

Laurel will begin the class with a digital presentation, which highlights some of the artists, materials and styles prevalent in contemporary mosaics in the US and beyond, discussing images of sculptural, textural, fine art and public and community- based mosaic works.

Class will include extensive demonstration of mosaic materials, tools and setting techniques employed today. Both traditional and unusual mosaic materials will be presented, with inspiring examples of their use.

Tools presented and demonstrated include tools used for glass and tile mosaics, precision nipping tools and the hammer and hardie, used for millennia to process glass and stone. Students get a first hand look at tricks of the trade and methods of using hand tools to achieve different effects in mosaic artwork, including carving, honing and shaping mosaic tesserae (pieces) with precision.

Demonstration will include a setting lesson, showing a myriad of setting and fitting techniques for different styles of mosaic. Use of correct adhesives, surfaces and their preparation will be covered. Class will conclude with a mini project through which students can explore materials, texture and the setting
directly into a tinted mortar bed.

Book recommendations, handouts and resources will be offered to students.

Laurel True has been teaching mosaic techniques for 18 years. She works as a professional artist, focusing on studio work and community- based public art. She travels, lectures and teaches extensively in
the US and abroad.

New Orleans, LA

New Orleans School of Art and Craft

http://www.art-restoration.com/school/instructors/ltrue.htm

Introduction to Smalti Mosaics-

Contemporary Mosaics With Ancient Materials

October 1-2

Saturday 10 - 4 and Sunday 10 - 1

Cost: $175

Materials: $60

Level: Any, beginners welcome

For course description and registration information:

http://www.art-restoration.com/school/courses/mosaicsmalti.htm

For images of student work from previous classes:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150327783738290.366818.276758323289&type=1

Mosaics with Recycled Materials

October 8 – 9th

Saturday 10 - 3, Sunday 10 - 1

Cost: $165

Materials included

Level: Any, beginners welcome

Learn to use what’s around you to create imaginative, inspiring mosaic artwork.

In this two- day workshop students will create a beautiful mosaic piece using reclaimed, salvaged, found and recycled materials.

Artists are working more and more with recycled and reclaimed materials, and in this time in our world it is important to find uses for what is around us. Artists are in a wonderful position to forge ahead with creative ideas for using what is available in the surrounding environment.

Using collected materials, cast offs and what many consider to be “waste” is an earth –friendly, green way to approach art making.

Mosaic is a perfect technique through which to explore combinations of different media, and New Orleans is a perfect city for sourcing materials.

Class will begin with a neighborhood walk and visit to the Green Project to source materials. Instructor will give a brief digital presentation showing how artists around the world are creating wonderful artworks using recycled materials.

Lecture will include information about sourcing and gathering materials and how to process and combine materials to achieve interesting effects. Technical construction methods will be covered including how to correctly prepare a surface to receive mosaic, what adhesives to use for specific materials and how to grout and/ or finish a mosaic so it will last!

Each student will design and create a unique piece of mosaic artwork to take home.

(Recycled) substrates will be provided by instructor or students can bring their own.

Students are encouraged to bring additional materials to work with if they would like.

For registration information:

http://www.art-restoration.com/school/instructors/ltrue.htm

Glass Mosaic Eyes- Symbols of Vision and Protection

October 29 - 30th

Saturday 10-3 and Sunday 10-12

Cost: $150

Materials Included

Level: Beginner and continuing students welcome!

The eye has been used around the world for centuries as a symbol of vision, creativity and protection.

People around the world display this image in their homes, in artwork and as a talisman to see into the future and keep safe. The Eye is a universal symbol that is both sacred and secular.

Class will include a digital presentation showing the use of the Eye around the world i

n many different contexts.

Join artist Laurel True for a fun, social weekend workshop in which students design and create their own Mosaic Eye using colored glass, mirror and other beautiful materials.

Bring on the bling!

Instructor will offer two sizes of pre- prepared Eye substrates for students to choose from (9” or 12”) and provide instruction in cutting mirror and glass and setting mosaic pieces using a specific formula.

Students will grout their Eyes on day two. Grouting demo will include the use of mirror flake in grout to achieve light catching effects.

Patterns will be provided, which students can personalize, or students can design their own Eye.

Students are encouraged to bring additional materials to work with if they would like to. (Such as things that might have special meaning to them, glass, mirror, jewelry, stones, crystals, rhinestones, beads, etc…)

For registration information:

http://www.art-restoration.com/school/instructors/ltrue.htm

Beginning Glass Fusing- Holiday Gift Making Class

November 5-6

Saturday 10 – 3, Sunday 10-1

Cost: $150

Materials and Firing Fee: $50

Level: Beginner and continuing students welcome!

Come get your bling on and make your own holiday gifts while learning something new!

Glass fusing is really fun and the technique is easy once you get the hang of it. Create your own unique glass pieces in this fun class.

Instructor will present the basics of glass fusing, which is the melting together of specific types of glass in a kiln to form a new piece.

A whole range of materials for fusing will be presented and their uses explained, including: sheet glass, frits and powders, glass rods, confetti and stringers. Completed pieces will be shown to illustrate how materials look after firing.

Students will learn basic cutting techniques to get started with or further expand their cutting skills with several different types of glass cutting tools.

Instructor will present examples of different effects students can achieve by combining different types, colors and qualities of fusible glass and by adding inclusions such as metal, mica and metal leaf and other exciting techniques. Rigging and hanging mechanisms for decorative gifts and small plaques will be demonstrated as well.

Some examples of gift items that students might make include: hanging icicles, tree ornaments, pendants, coasters, bases for magnets, cabichons, name plates and more.

Lots of great materials will be available including clear and opaque glass in tons of colors, stringers, confetti, frit, rods, and the mysterious and beautiful dichroic glass.

*Several firings will be required to fire all students' work. Completed work can be picked up within about a week.

For registration information:

http://www.art-restoration.com/school/instructors/ltrue.htm

Beginning Glass Mosaics

November 19-20

Saturday 10 - 4, Sunday 10-1

Cost: $175

Materials Included

Level: Beginner and continuing students welcome

For course description and registration information:

http://www.art-restoration.com/school/courses /mosaicintro.htm

Brooklyn, NY

Galazzo Glass/ Sopp Ceramic Studio at Clay Space

http://galazzoglasssoppceramic.com/news.html

Community - Based Public Art:

Facilitating Community Mosaic Projects

This class has been postponed until March 2012.. check back or e-mail for more info!

Level: Any*/ Professional Development

* Some knowledge of mosaic making techniques is helpful, but not necessary. Class will not be creating an actual mosaic project during class time. Instructor can give participants with no mosaic experience suggestions for other classes to take to compliment the information presented in this seminar, which will best fit their goals

For course description and registration information:

http://galazzoglasssoppceramic.com/news.html

Seattle, WA- Seattle Mosaic Arts

http://www.seattlemosaicarts.com/

Please check back for professional development classes in Seattle in spring 2012!

Mosaic Mural Making Intensive

Date TBA, Spring 2012

Monday- Thursday 10 - 4 Saturday and Sunday 10 – 4

Class does not meet on Friday

Level: Intermediate/ Professional Development

Oakland, CA

Please check back for Spring 2012 classes in Oakland at Institute of Mosaic Art!

http://www.instituteofmosaicart.com/index.html

The Power of Art Lecture in Seattle: A Very Special Event

The Power of Art lecture in Seattle is going to be a wonderful special event! Seattle Mosaics Arts will be hosting this event and has declared July "Global Health Month". SMA has arranged a 100-seat auditorium for the Power of Art lecture at Seattle BioMed, a leading public health research institute. Seattle Mosaic Arts will host a reception before the lecture, which will start at 5:30pm. This is exciting: The reception will be catered by acclaimed Seattle Chef Becky Selengut. Lecture will start at 6 pm. Tickets are $10 and about half of the seats are already reserved! RSVP/purchase tickets in advance at Seattle Mosaic Arts info@seattlemosaicarts.com or 206.402.6642 In addition to hosting this event, Seattle Mosaic Arts is exhibiting photographs of the community mosaic projects I facilitated in Haiti, and of photos of my own studio work. Proceeds from photo sales go to benefit the Mosaic Artwork Fund for the Mosaics For Mirebalais Project in Haiti. Nice! The Power of Art: Building Creative Capital Through Community Mosaics Projects in the US, Africa and Haiti Facilitated by Laurel True This presentation is a fundraiser for Partners In Health / Mosaic Artwork Fund for Mirebalais Hospital, Haiti. During this inspiring presentation, longtime community mosaic artist Laurel True will present images of numerous community mosaic projects she has facilitated nationally and internationally over the last 18 years in the US, Kenya, Ghana and Haiti. This touring presentation showcases the power of art and how community mosaics can transform lives and the environments in which they are sited. Project documentation from a variety of projects will highlight both the community process and resulting public projects. Laurel's process working with community ranges from renegade street art to organized programming through schools and community centers. True partners with non-profit and community organizations to develop unique projects that reflect the individuals who create them as well as the communities that surround them. Through community supported fundraising, Laurel has been able to teach and train hundreds of project participants including youth, adults, trades people and teachers in mosaic techniques. Her efforts have brought arts education and entrepreneurial training to underserved communities in urban and developing areas. These projects foster creative expression, teamwork, neighborhood beautification and community development through public, permanent, community based art. Laurel will talk about the short and long-term effects of projects in public spaces, parks, hospitals and schools and share her development plans for her upcoming project with Partners In Health for the new hospital being built in Mirebalais, Haiti, The "Mosaics at Mirebalais Project" will bring public art to the hospital as well as training Haitian trades people in architectural mosaic making techniques. More info: http://www.seattlemosaicarts.com/index.php/learn/laurel-true-lecture-the-power-of-art/ Make a tax- deductible donation to the Mosaic Artwork Fund For Mirebalais Hospital: http://act.pih.org/page/outreach/view/haitiearthquake/LTrueMosaics
Time:		Friday, July 22, 2011 5:30 pm - 8 pm PDT
Host:		Seattle Mosaic Arts
Location:		Seattle Biomedical Research Institute (Seattle, WA) 307 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 500 Seattle, WA 98109 See this event listing on the Partners In Health website: http://act.pih.org/page/event/detail/fundraisingevent/wdd Photo credits: PIH, Elizabeth Whelan and True Mosaics Studio I have no idea why this post looks like this- smashed to one side.. If I was handier on the computer I might be able to fix it but alas, I can't.

2011 Lecture Dates - The Power of Art: Building Creative Capital Through Commuity Mosaics

Nationally Touring Lecture:

The Power of Art:
Building Creative Capital Through Community Mosaics
Community Mosaic Projects in the US, Africa and Haiti


Presented by Laurel True

Dates and locations listed below

This lecture is a fundraiser for the Mosaic Artwork Fund for Mirebalais Hospital, Haiti. Mirebalais Hospital is being built by Partners In Health and will bring much needed healthcare to Haiti’s central region.

“Not all places and people have financial capital, but everyone has creative capital.”

During this inspiring presentation, longtime community mosaic artist Laurel True will talk abut and present images of some of the numerous community mosaic projects she has facilitated nationally and internationally over the last 18 years in the US, Kenya, Ghana and Haiti. This lecture presentation showcases the power of art and how community mosaic making can transform lives and environments.

Project documentation from a variety of projects will highlight both the community process and resulting projects. Laurel's process working with community ranges from renegade street art to organized programming through schools and community centers. She partners with organizations to develop unique projects that reflect the individuals who create them as well as the communities that surround them.

Through community supported fundraising, Laurel has been able to teach and train hundreds of project participants including youth, adults, trades people and teachers in mosaic techniques.

Her efforts have brought arts education and entrepreneurial training to under-served communities in urban and developing areas. These projects foster creative expression, teamwork, neighborhood beautification and community development through community - based art.

Laurel will talk about the short and long-term effects of projects in public spaces and share her development plans for her upcoming projects with Partners In Health which include the creation of a series of mosaic installations for a new hospital they are building in Haiti.

These projects will bring mosaic public art to the hospital and train Haitian trades people in architectural mosaic making techniques.

Upcoming Dates:

Thursday, October 13, 2011 - Madison, WI

Hosted by The Wil- Mar Neighborhood Center

Lecture at 7 pm


Free and open to the public



Photo:Laurel with youth at Steiner School in Mbagathi, Kenya

Friday, October 21, 2011 - Solana Beach, CA
Hosted by Carruth Cellars Urban Winery
Reception 5:30
Lecture: 6 pm



Photo:Laurel with students from Mosaic Mural Making intensive, Institute of Mosaic Art







Photo:Laurel with young artists from Art Creation Foundation For Children in Jacmel, Haiti



Past dates:

May 20, 2011 - New Orleans, LA

June 10, 2011 - Charlotte, NC

June 22, 2011 - Philadelphia, PA

July 22, 2011- Seattle, WA

July 29, 2011 - Oakland, CA

Photo:Laurel working with community at

Sycamore Park, Mill Valley, CA

* Laurel True is a public artist, educator and community organizer specializing in large-scale and site- specific mosaic projects. Her projects are focused mainly in urban and developing areas and she is committed to fostering arts education and entrepreneurship both in and out of the classroom. True is co-founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art in California and has lectured and taught internationally. Her work has been featured in independent and mainstream media, books and publications. She has created and facilitated over a hundred projects over the last 20 years. She is a member of the Community Built Association, the Society of American Mosaic Artists and Americans for the Arts.

The Power of Art: Building Creative Capital Through Comunity Mosaics. Lecture by Laurel True at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens - June 22nd

Please join us Wednesday evening June 22nd at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens 1020 South Street, for this inspiring presentation.
Quick Link: http://www.philadelphiasmagicgardens.org/pages.php?ContentID=3&SubContentID=27#530

My mentor, former teacher and great inspiration Isaiah Zagar and Philadelphia's Magic Gardens will be hosting this event. Please come out and support mosaics, art in healing spaces and the work of Partners In Health and True Mosaics Studio!





The Power of Art: Fundraiser for Partners In Health/ Mosaics at Mirebalais Hospital Project in Haiti.

The Power of Art: Building Creative Capital Through Community Mosaics Community Mosaic Projects Facilitated by Laurel True in the US, Africa, and Haiti Wednesday, June 22, 2011 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
$10

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens hosts a fundraiser for the Mosaic Artwork Fund for Mirebalais Hospital, Haiti. This hospital is being built by Partners in Health and will bring much needed healthcare to Haiti's central region.

During this inspiring presentation, longtime community mosaic artist and former apprentice to PMG founder Isaiah Zagar, Laurel True will present images of numerous community mosaic projects she has facilitated nationally and internationally over the last 18 years in the US, Kenya, Ghana, and Haiti. This inspiring lecture/ presentation showcases the power of art and how community mosaics can transform lives and the environments in which they are sited.


Project documentation from a variety of projects will highlight both the community process and resulting projects and long- term community impact. Laurel's process working with community ranges from renegade street art to organized programming through schools and community centers. She partners with non-profit and community organizations to develop unique projects that reflect the individuals who create them as well as the communities the surround them.

Through community-supported fundraising, Laurel has been able to teach and train hundreds of project participants including youth, adults, tradespeople, and teachers in mosaic techniques. Her efforts have brought arts education and entrepreneurial training to under-served communities in urban and developing areas. These projects foster creative expression, teamwork, neighborhood beautification and community development through public, permanent, community-based art.

Laurel will talk about the short and long-term effects of projects in public spaces, parks, hospitals and schools and share her development plans for her upcoming projects with Partners In Health for a new hospital in Mirebalais, Haiti, which will bring mosaic public art to the hospital as well as train Haitian tradespeople in architectural mosaic-making techniques.

To become a sponsor or make a tax-deductible donation to this project pleae go to:
http://www.truemosaics.com/pih.html

or
http://act.pih.org/page/outreach/view/haitiearthquake/LTrueMosaics

Fe Tout Byen Ou Kapab

(Do All That You Can)

Spring Mosaic Classes in New Orleans 2011

Spring Mosaic Classes in New Orleans 2011

Hello All,

I am teaching some great mosaic classes this Spring at New Orleans School of Art and Craft. Please scroll down and take a look at classes for all levels.

This is the last set of classes I will be offering in New Orleans before next fall.

Please forward to anyone you think might be interested!

Happy Spring,

Laurel

To register or for more information please go to:

http://www.art-restoration.com/school/instructors/ltrue.htm

BEGINNING GLASS MOSAICS

March 26 - 27th, 2011

Saturday 10 am - 4 pm, Sunday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

A great introduction to glass mosaics!

Glass is a beautiful medium for mosaics. In this beginner friendly class, students will design and create their own glass mosaic piece. Class will focus on designing for glass mosaics, introduction to different types of glass tesserae used by contemporary mosaic artists and surfaces suitable for glass mosaic projects.

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. Instructor will present a literal visual encyclopedia of glass mosaic materials available to mosaic artists today - from low-end recycled materials to high-end specialty materials.

Students will have plenty of colorful glass to work with for their projects. Sample designs will also be offered for student use. Students will create a 12" x 12" glass mosaic to take home for interior display. No experience necessary, beginning and returning students welcome. Discount available for students who have previously taken this class.

Level: Any

Class price: $175

Materials: All materials and tools provided

Class size: Minimum 6, Maximum 10

MOSAICS FOR THE GARDEN

April 2-3, 2011

Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Beautify your garden with colorful mosaic art the Spring!

This class will cover the basics and beyond for exterior and garden mosaics including basic mosaic design, introduction of materials, information on substrates appropriate for exterior use and their preparation as well as adhesives, setting, grouting and sealing.

Instructor will present information on ceramic clay bodies and glazes for exterior use as well as other materials appropriate for outside display. We will have lots of materials to play with during class.

This class is great for the beginner as we will be covering tools, cutting techniques, mosaic design and tricks for setting both tile mosaic... and 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 - please check with instructor. Discount available for students who have previously taken this class.

Level: Any

Class price: $175

Materials fee: All materials and tools provided

Class size: Minimum 6, Maximum 10

GLASS FUSING FOR MOSAICS

Monday Evenings

April 4,11 and 18th, 2011

Glass fusing is an exciting technique to add to ones repertoire of mosaic and glass skills and, fused pieces look wonderful in a mosaic. And it is easy to learn!

In this three- session class, instructor will present the basics of fusing individual tesserae and tiles and art pieces up to 4". Fusing materials such as compatible sheet glass, frits and powders, glass rods, confetti and stringers and even millefiore will be presented and their effects in completed pieces shown.

Students will learn both basic and trickier glass cutting techniques to get started with or further expand their cutting skills with a myriad of glass tools, including scoring tools, breakers and cutters.

Instructor will present examples of many different effects students can achieve combining different types, colors and qualities of fusible glass, inclusions such as metal, mica and gold and silver leaf and other exciting techniques. Rigging and hanging mechanisms for decorations and small plaques will be demonstrated as well.

Lecture will include information on fusing history, chemistry and glass characteristics and limitations. Students will be amazed at what glass can do.Lots of great materials will be available including clear and opaque glass in tons of colors, stringers, confetti, frit, rods, and dichroic glass.

Students take home what they learn and absorb on day one and get to experiment further in the second and third class, putting even more creative ideas in to action. There will be a firing between class one and two and at the end of class three. Resources for "warm glass" and fusing will be offered for further study. Students will get ample time to make lots of work in this weekend extravaganza class!

Level: Any

Class price: $150

Materials: $60

Class size: Minimum 6, Maximum 10

INTRO TO ITALIAN SMALTI MOSAICS — CONTEMPORARY MOSAICS WITH ANCIENT MATERIALS

April 16-17, 2011

Saturday 10 am - 4 pm, Sunday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

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

Class price: $175

Materials: $60

Class size: Minimum 6, Maximum 10

TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR MOSAIC

May 14-15, 2011

Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

This is a perfect "next step" for students with a beginning mosaic class already under their belt.

In this class 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.

Tools presented include: sidebiter and rotary nippers, micro-cutters, strip cutters, scoring and breaking tools, honing and marking tools, Starrett nippers and Platinum nippers.

Texture, flow (andamento) and use of color and shape will be addressed, as well as how to get the most out of your materials- whatever they are. Students will use clear adhesives or a tinted mortar bed for their project and will be able to decide whether to create a grouted or non-grouted piece (there will be no grouting in class). A variety of different setting techniques will be presented and students will create studies and set a series of small exercises to better understand ancient setting techniques and lay patterns as well as modern methods and techniques.

Materials presented will include marble and stone, vitreous glass, recycled and other types of thick glass, mirror, smalti and smalti- like materials and ceramic.

Students will take home several small exercises and a medium sized project.

Level: Intermediate, intro class suggested.

Class price: $195

Materials fee: All materials and tools provided

Class size: Minimum 6, Maximum 10

Nationally Touring Lecture Presentation

THE POWER OF ART:

BUILDING CREATIVE CAPITAL THROUGH COMMUNITY MOSAICS: Laurel True’s Community Mosaic Projects in the US, Africa and Haiti

Friday, May 20, 2011

6-8 pm

Sliding scale $10-40

This is a fundraiser for the Mosaic Artwork Fund for Mirebalais Hospital, Haiti. This hospital is being built by Partners in Health and will bring much needed healthcare to Haiti’s central region.

During this inspiring presentation, longtime community mosaic artist Laurel True will present images of numerous community mosaic projects she has facilitated nationally and internationally over the last 18 years in the US, Kenya, Ghana and Haiti. This first- time offered lecture presentation showcases the power of art and how community mosaics can transform lives and the environments in which they are sited.

Project documentation from a variety of projects will highlight both the community process and resulting public projects. Laurel's process working with community ranges from renegade street art to organized programming through schools and community centers. She partners with non-profit and community organizations to develop unique projects that reflect the individuals who create them as well as the communities that surround them.

Through community supported fundraising, Laurel has been able to teach and train hundreds of project participants including youth, adults, trades people and teachers in mosaic techniques.

Her efforts have brought arts education and entrepreneurial training to underserved communities in urban and developing areas. These projects foster creative expression, teamwork, neighborhood beautification and community development through public, permanent, community based art.

Laurel will talk about the short and long-term effects of projects in public spaces, parks, hospitals and schools and share her development plans for her upcoming projects in partnership with Partners In Health for a new hospital in Mirebalais, Haiti, which will bring mosaic public art to the hospital as well as training Haitian trades people in architectural mosaic making techniques.

FACILITATING COMMUNITY MOSAIC PROJECTS LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY

Seminar/Workshop with Laurel True

May 21 - 22, 2011

Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 4pm

This two-day seminar lead by community and public mosaic artist Laure True will focus on methodology and techniques for approaching community mosaic projects.

Students will come away from the workshop armed with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead and facilitate successful community mosaic projects.

Class will cover different approaches to community outreach, sourcing locations, materials and volunteers locally and abroad and group mosaic making techniques that can be employed with groups with any level of training.

Participants will be taken through multiple scenarios for designing and facilitating community mosaic projects using actual case studies from various communities and environments. Presentation will include step-by-step instructions with complementary images and detailed instruction to describe multiple approaches to project coordination, management and creation.

This course is heavy on the nuts and bolts issues. Class will be introduced to a host of variables and project approaches, therefore expanding the possibilities for community mosaic project creation specific to a particular communities’ needs, unique location and circumstances. Class will include several breakout sessions and some group work.

Topics and issues covered in class will include:

· Defining project goals and objectives

· Project planning, development, funding and budget creation

· Agreements and contracts with host organizations

· Design development appropriate to host community and location

· Project and time management techniques for small to large-scale projects

· Working in and outside of the classroom

· Environmental and climate issues and their effects on project planning and management

Class will address working in urban and rural environments, working with both youth and adults, other artists and trades people and how community mosaic training interfaces with entrepreneurial development. Special considerations for international projects in developing countries will be discussed.

This class will be of particular benefit to mosaic artists, teachers, community organizers and anyone interested in community development and entrepreneurial training through the arts.

Note: Some knowledge of mosaic making techniques is helpful, but not necessary. Class will not be creating an actual mosaic project during class time. Instructor can give participants with no mosaic experience suggestions for other classes to take to compliment the information presented in this seminar, which will best fit their goals.

Level: Any, some mosaic experience helpful

Class price: $325

Materials fee: NA

Class size: Minimum 6, Maximum 10

Instructor Bio:

Laurel True is a public artist, educator and community organizer specializing in large-scale and site- specific mosaic projects. Her projects are focused mainly in urban and developing areas and she is committed to fostering arts education and entrepreneurship both in and out of the classroom. True is co-founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art in California and has lectured and taught internationally. Her work has been featured in independent and mainstream media, books and publications. She has created and facilitated over a hundred projects over the last 20 years. She is a member of the Community Built Association, the Society of American Mosaic Artists and Americans for the Arts.

The Power of Art: Building Creative Capitol Through Community Mosaics

Community Mosaic Projects in the US, Africa and Haiti


Presented by Laurel True

Dates and locations listed below.

This lecture is a fundraiser for the Mosaic Artwork Fund for Mirebalais Hospital, Haiti. Mirebalais Hospital is being built by Partners In Health and will bring much needed healthcare to Haiti’s central region.

“Not all places and people have financial capital, but everyone has creative capital.”

During this inspiring presentation, longtime community mosaic artist Laurel True will talk abut and present images of some of the numerous community mosaic projects she has facilitated nationally and internationally over the last 18 years in the US, Kenya, Ghana and Haiti. This lecture presentation showcases the power of art and how community mosaic making can transform lives and environments.

Project documentation from a variety of projects will highlight both the community process and resulting projects. Laurel's process working with community ranges from renegade street art to organized programming through schools and community centers. She partners with organizations to develop unique projects that reflect the individuals who create them as well as the communities that surround them.

Through community supported fundraising, Laurel has been able to teach and train hundreds of project participants including youth, adults, trades people and teachers in mosaic techniques.

Her efforts have brought arts education and entrepreneurial training to under-served communities in urban and developing areas. These projects foster creative expression, teamwork, neighborhood beautification and community development through community - based art.

Laurel will talk about the short and long-term effects of projects in public spaces and share her development plans for her upcoming projects with Partners In Health which include the creation of a series of mosaic installations for a new hospital they are building in Haiti.

These projects will bring mosaic public art to the hospital and train Haitian trades people in architectural mosaic making techniques.

Upcoming Dates:

Friday, July 22, 2011 - Seattle

Hosted by Seattle Mosaic Arts at Seattle Biomed

Reception 5:30
Lecture 6 pm
To pre-register and more info:
http://www.seattlemosaicarts.com/index.php/learn/laurel-true-lecture-the-power-of-art/

This will be a wonderful event, catered by local chef Becky Selengut.
* Workshop/ seminar Facilitating Community Projects Locally and Internationally will be offered at Seattle Mosaic Arts this weekend

Friday, July 29, 2011 - Oakland, CA

6-8 pm

Institute of Mosaic Art

To pre-register and more info: http://www.instituteofmosaicart.com/lecture.html

* Workshop/ seminar Facilitating Community Projects- Hands on Workshop will be offered at Institute of Mosaic Art the following weekend, August 6-7

Friday, September 16, 2011 - Brooklyn, NY

6-8 pm

Galazzo Glass and Sopp Ceramics are hosting
this event at Clay Space 1205 Ceramic Studios in Brooklyn

To pre-register and more info: gglasssceramic@gmail.com

* Workshop/ seminar Community- Based Public Art: Facilitating Community Mosaic Projects will be offered at Clay Space this weekend

Friday, October 14, 2011- St. Paul, MN
Mosaic On A Stick To pre-register and form more info: info@mosaiconastick.com

Watch for upcoming dates in Tucson and LA Past dates:

May 20, 2011 - New Orleans, LA

June 10, 2011 - Charlotte, NC

June 22, 2011 - Philadelphia, PA

Laurel True is a public artist, educator and community organizer specializing in large-scale and site- specific mosaic projects. Her projects are focused mainly in urban and developing areas and she is committed to fostering arts education and entrepreneurship both in and out of the classroom. True is co-founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art in California and has lectured and taught internationally. Her work has been featured in independent and mainstream media, books and publications. She has created and facilitated over a hundred projects over the last 20 years. She is a member of the Community Built Association, the Society of American Mosaic Artists and Americans for the Arts.

Thank You for Supporting the Mosaic Artwork Fund for Mirebalais Hospital, Haiti

Mosaic Artwork Fund for

Mosaic Public Art at Mirebalais Hospital, Haiti

Laurel True/ True Mosaics Studio are Partnering with Partners in Health to bring public mosaic artwork for all to enjoy to PIH's newest hospital in Haiti. Please consider supporting this fund with a tax- deductible donation of any amount through Partners in Health. Donate now: https://donate.pih.org/page/outreach/view/haitiearthquake/LTrueMosaics For more information: http://www.truemosaics.com/pih.html For information on sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please see below:

Mosaic Artwork at Mirebalais Hospital, Haiti

Hello from Laurel True and thank you for your interest in my public and community mosaic projects.

I hope you will consider supporting my upcoming project in Haiti by becoming a sponsor at the Architect, Engineer or Builder Donor Levels. There are unique benefits for each sponsorship level.

I have been creating public art and community mosaic projects for twenty years and have worked in the United States, Africa and Haiti.

This year I am launching into an exciting artistic partnership with Partners in Health to develop a series of large -scale architectural and sculptural mosaic projects in a new hospital being built by PIH while training Haitian trades people in these techniques.

Your donations make these projects happen!

Art and healing environments go hand in hand and I am excited to work with PIH and their sister organization in Haiti, Zanmi Lasante to create mosaic artwork that will inspire, sooth and provide joy to hospital patients, visitors and staff.

*********************************************************

To become a sponsor and make a tax-deductible donation to this project please contact me at Laurel@TrueMosaics.com or visit www.TrueMosaics.com and click on International Projects.

Thank you for supporting mosaic public art and healing

- Laurel True

Mosaic Artwork at Mirebalais Hospital, Haiti

“Laurel True's wonderful murals will be part of our new hospital in Mirebalais, a complex designed to be as beautiful as it is functional: to confer dignity alongside the fruits of modern medicine. The people who will seek and offer care at Mirebalais will share a built environment created to transform the community it serves. We are grateful to True Mosaics and to the art community for making possible this important work in Haiti.”

-Dr. Paul Farmer, Co-Founder Partners in Health

Partners in Health (PIH) is a non-profit public health organization dedicated to providing free and ongoing health care to patients living in poverty. They have been working in Haiti for almost 25 years and now work in 11 other countries.

Partners in Health is currently in the process of responding to the current healthcare crisis in Haiti by building a state -of- the- art teaching hospital in Mirebalais, located about 35 miles north of Port au Prince.

Mirebalais Hospital will be the largest hospital in Haiti, serving hundreds of patients a day in one of Haiti's poorest regions, with it’s opening planned for 2012.

For more information on PIH, please visit the Partners in Health Website: www.pih.org

https://donate.pih.org/page/outreach/view/personal/TrueMosaics

Fe Tout Byen Ou Kapab (Do All That You Can)

Nick News Profiles Our Mosaic Project in Jacmel

This is just a wonderful piece put together by Lucky Duck Productions for Nick News on Nickelodeon. It aired on January 9th, 2011 and focuses on the effects of the earthquake from the perspective of Haitian kids.

It is 22 minutes long and well worth it. The piece ends with a profile on the Memorial Mosaic Wall Project I facilitated on in Jacmel in partnership with Art Creation Foundation for Children (ACFFC) and several of the kids are interviewed.

It is a true testimony of the healing power of art and the metaphors inherent in community mosaic making.


http://www.nick.com/videos/clip/nick-news-haiti-rising-full.html

Nick News
Tags: Nick News Episodes,Nick News,Nick News Games

Jacmel Memorial Mosaic Wall- Haiti through January 2011

Some of the ACFFC kids, George Metellus (Director) and myself.


Although I have not been keeping up well with the blog, there has been a lot going on with the Jacmel Mosaic Project. Since my last post I spent time again in Jacmel in October 2010 to work with the kids of Art Creation Foundation for Children (ACFFC) and returned again in January 2011 for the anniversary of the earthquake.

ACFFC hosted a beautiful dedication ceremony and we worked on a huge chunk of the 200+ foot wall we started in October. (We did two other murals in June and August, see post below).

I have posted photos from the June, August, October and January chunks of the project on my True Mosaics Studio Facebook page and will list links below.

Jacmel Memorial Mosaic Wall Project June 2010: Tree of Life
http://www.facebook.com/pages/True-Mosaics-Studio/276758323289?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=185811&id=276758323289

Jacmel Memorial Mosaic Wall Project August 2010: Sea Spirits:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/True-Mosaics-Studio/276758323289?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=207013&id=276758323289

Jacmel Memorial Mosaic Wall Project October 2010: Flora and Fauna of Haiti:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/True-Mosaics-Studio/276758323289?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=250731&id=276758323289

Jacmel Memorial Mosaic Wall Project January t 2011: Jacmel Karnival:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/album.php?aid=281211&id=276758323289


Plenty of images with descriptions on FB ;)


In Jacmel this January, our goal was to finish the 1750 sq ft project by January 12th (the anniversary of the earthquake) but we ran out of colored tile as four large boxes that I sent were lost/ delayed (now found!).

So the kids will finish the last chunk of the wall as soon as the colors arrive. I have a whole host of people to thank for tile, materials and for their generous donations which have made it possible for me to facilitate these projects in Haiti.

Will do so in next post.

What's next for the Mosaic Program at ACFFC in Jacmel?

I will be working with the kids (either virtually or physically, depending on funding) to train them further in professional setting techniques and guide them into the world of mosaics as a business. We are hoping to have the kids do several starter/ practice projects in Jacmel first.

ACFFC board member and fellow artist, and I organized a "Pro Team" of about 12-13 of the older teens/ young adults to move forwards into this next phase.

We are still accepting colored tile donations (ceramic tile) and if you are interested in sending colored tile to the ACFFC Miami office in a flat rate box, please do so to this address:

http://www.artforhaitianchildren.org/contact.html

Haiti Mosaic Project Update

Jacmel Mosaic Mural Project Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Future


Tree of Life Memorial Mural and proud artists.

I recently returned from my second trip to Haiti, where I have been working on a large community mosaic project with Haitian youth in the city of Jacmel. I am working in partnership with Art Creation Foundation for Children (ACFFC) in Jacmel.

Jacmel is a historic town about 30 miles south of Port au Prince, known for its architecture and vibrant artistic culture. Jacmel was damaged badly by the tragic earthquake in January- lives were lost as well as many homes and businesses. Tent cities abound and many people are lacking basic resources, jobs and the means to support their families.

Jacmel streets.


ACFFC has been working in Jacmel for almost ten years to provide youth with arts education, a food program, health care, family support and entrepreneurial training in the arts.


ACFFC gate and paper mache artworks by ACFFC youth.

In June of this year, I traveled to Haiti to work with ACFFC youth to design and create a large- scale mosaic mural project on a public wall which was donated for the project by the Mayor of Jacmel. I was accompanied and assisted by Erin Rogers a friend and fellow mosaic artist. ACFFC board member Nancy Josephson co- conceptualized the project.

In 8 days we worked with over 50 youth and adults to create a beautiful 17' x 8' mosaic mural depicting an ancestral tree with birds, musical instruments and a sun/ moon which wraps around the corner to the adjacent wall.




Tree of Life Mural in progress. Shells being laid into a crack caused by the earthquake. Photos: Erin Rogers and L True.

The mural is meant to serve as a memorial for the lives lost as a result of the earthquake as well as an affirmation for growth and future rebuilding in Haiti. There are a dozen little shelves for candles embedded in in the mosaic, which were lit up on the evening we completed the mural.

The mural was created from mostly gathered and locally sourced materials including broken tile donated from Mosaic Gardere in Port au Prince, shells, stones, mirror, sea glass and salvaged materials.

Detail of mosaic eye- Photo Erin Rogers. Me setting mosaic with ACFFC artist.

The project focused on skill- building and mosaic training for youth and young adults so that they may use these skills for future entrepreneurial development and will serve as the beginning of a sustainable mosaic art program at ACFFC- as well as potential job training for teachers and trades people. In addition to the above, it was a really fun project and literally hundreds of people came to watch the mural come to life over the course of the week. It was very special and the kids on the project, already artists themselves, were so cool and took right to the mosaic medium. They were so proud of what they had created for their town.

Crowd forming around mural. This pic shows the long, 200+ wall mentioned below very well!

The Jacmel Mayor Edwin Zenny is in support of the continuing project to help affirm Jacmel as the artistic center and tourist destination it has historically been. He showed this support by offering two large walls on which to continue the mosaic mural project. One of the walls turns the corner along the beach, where fisherman are stationed, kids play soccer and merchants sell food and drinks. The other wall extends 212' feet down the road towards the center of town.

Mayor Edwin Zenny setting mosaic piece and with me and ACFFC director Georges Metellus.

By mid- summer there were murmurings in town of having the project participants do other projects around town, at the houses of other people, hotels, etc.. Very exciting.

In August, I returned to Jacmel to do another portion of the mosaic wall and the kids were ready!

They already knew what they were doing so they got right to it. The kids created designs for a second mural- facing the beach- that was over twice the size of the first mural and we completed it in less time! The Sea Spirits mural is 42' x 9' and depicts sea life and an image of Lasiren, a spirit of the sea. We created upwards of 30 mosaic fish on mesh, which we applied "applique style" to the wall. The rest was set directly onto the concrete.

Sea Spirits mural center detail.

The mural includes broken tile, beautiful blues donated by Mosaique Gardere as well as aqua and other accent colors donated by Heath Ceramics in California (and carried in our luggage to Haiti!), mirror (or course) and glass. Several American ceramic artists also donated fish tiles after I put out a last-minute call for donations and these fish tiles really looked great in the "sea". (A special thank you to Carol Belevaqua, Niki Glen, Helen Hewig ad Robin Indar and also to Tricia Huffman for her donation of half glass marbles, which we have used in both murals and will keep using!)

Detail of mosaic and handmade tiles. LT and Erin working with kids and in progress shots.

It was a huge project and by that time we were already looking towards tackling the next phase of the project (the 200+ foot wall).

Completed mural and proud artists.

My role this time was not only to lead and facilitate the creation of the mural project (with Erin assisting once again) and arrange the design elements, but also to work specifically with a core group of team leaders and train them so that eventually they will take over more and more project leadership, management and implementation. This is key in entrepreneurial training for larger projects.

I am showing the team leaders how to lead a grouting session and also how to deal with the scale designs for Phase Three of project.

The kids are up for the challenge and I was so impressed at how they stepped forwards and took different roles. I was/ am super proud of them.

The Sea Spirits mural set the groundwork for forging ahead to the third phase of the project, the long wall, (212 ' long and roughly 1300 sq ft) which will be executed in multiple parts through the end of the year, depicting scenes of historic Jacmel, a karnival procession (which Jacmel is famous for) and stylized flora and fauna of the region. It will be a true celebration of Jacmel and Haiti in the form of a wonderful piece of public art, viewable to everyone.

When I departed at the end of last month, the kids had created design resource material for a section of the wall that will depict flora and fauna of Haiti. We had specific meetings and lessons about design transfer, scale and composition and the kids assignment was to transfer the scale design onto the next chunk of wall, which they are currently working on.

Wall for the Karnival mural (Phase Three) and ACFFC artists working on preliminary designs for first section of this wall.

I will return to Jacmel in October to continue to guide ACFFC youth through the next phases of this challenging and amazing project. They are excited and up for it. Their goal is to finish the mosaic wall project before the anniversary of the earthquake in January 2011, when. The mural will be gifted to the city of Jacmel.

Scroll down to the bottom of this post for more photo links!

How you can help:

Back this project by making a pledge on Kickstarter!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/LaurelTrue/mosaic-mural-project-with-youth-in-haiti-rememberi

Donate materials:

One of the main things we are trying to collect is brightly colored tile. We carry close to 100# in our luggage and I have been sending boxes of tile from my studio to Miami to be carried as luggage one by one as friends and colleagues of ACFFC travel to Haiti.

We are also putting out a call to handmade tile makers who would like to donate colorful flower tiles for the mural.

(Low relief, 1/4" max thickness, low or high fire glazes).

If you or anyone you know is interested in making a donation of the above materials, please contact me through my website at www.Truemosaics.com.

To view more photos and read a wonderful online article chronicling my first trip to Haiti for the Tree of Life Mural, follow the links below:

Photos of Tree of Life Mural: 
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/album.php?aid=185811&id=276758323289&ref=mf 



Photos of Sea Spirits Mural:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/album.php?aid=207013&id=276758323289&ref=mf

Article that Nancie Ppgrass wrote:
http://thedecoratingdiva.com/art-with-a-mission-piecing-together-hearts-souls-in-haiti-via-mosaics/



Mesi Anpil!