Mosaic Mural Making Workshop
Creative Placemaking in Niwot, Colorado
August 21 – 25, 2019
Boulder, CO
FULL! Waitlist only.
Workshop Hosted by Samagra Melville and David Schaldach
Wednesday – Saturday, 9am – 5 pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Cost: $895
There is power and magic in the creative process, and it’s accessible to everyone!
Creative placemaking fosters community development, neighborhood beautification and collective well-being. Now is the perfect time to build more beauty in the world.
Join mosaic mural artist Laurel True near Boulder, Colorado, for this unique five-day immersive workshop during which participants will go on a journey of co-creation, making and installing a beautiful mosaic mural in the community of Niwot.
Participants of any experience level are invited to work with Laurel and learn techniques employed in mosaic mosaic mural making through hands-on participation. Fostering a team approach, Laurel engages students in the creation and installation of a complete project while offering excellent technical instruction in mosaic making techniques
Workshop participants will come away with the knowledge and confidence to go forth and create future projects on their own.
Workshop includes step-by-step instruction in mosaic making principles using ceramic, mirror and glass, as well as lessons in precision tool use, fitting and setting techniques, construction methods for larger works, installation and grouting.
An overview of different project approaches will be presented for working solo or with groups, as well as best practices for creating murals that will look great for years to come in various climates/ conditions.
Additional topics covered:
Design and design transfer for murals
Sourcing materials
Coding and mapping techniques
Working with materials of different heights and shapes
Working on and off-site
Using the Tile Tape Method for painless off-site construction
Environmental considerations for murals
Substrates and their preparation
Tips and tricks for painless installation
Working effectively as a team
The mural we create during the workshop will be of a size and complexity that can be completed and installed during the five-day workshop, at a pace that allows participants to enjoy the process and have fun.
This workshop is excellent training for those who want to explore mosaic making, take their skills to the next level, move into creating larger work, and for community builders and teachers who would like to create murals for schools or public spaces.
Open to students of all levels, although some mosaic experience may be helpful, it is not necessary. Students will need to bring their own tools - a full list with links to purchase will be sent out before the workshop.
More details:
Niwot is about 15- 20 min outside of Boulder, CO 33 miles NW of Denver. It is a small community with galleries, shops and one hotel.
Most participants coming from out of town will probably opt to stay in Boulder but there is one boutique hotel in Niwot, Niwot Inn and Spa, which is well appointed. A participant list will be sent out ahead of the workshop for those interested in connecting with others for housing.
There will be a 45 min break for lunch each day and there are plenty of cute restaurants in Niwot to choose from. Water and snacks will be available during the workshop.
