Mixed Media Mosaics: Window to the World

Team taught by Laurie Mika and Lynn Leahy

September 20-27th, 2008

Laurie Mika is a mixed media mosaic artist. She developed an original style of mosaics using handmade polymer clay tiles and other embellishments. Laurie has taught for years at art retreats like Artfest, Art and Soul and Art Unraveled. She has been published in numerous magazines and books and has also appeared on television on both HGTV and the DIY network. In 2007, Laurie had her own book published by North Light Books, Mixed Media Mosaics. Laurie is inspired by both Mexican folk art and Medieval/Byzantine art and her work is a blending of these influences with a contemporary twist.

Lynn Leahy is a mixed media artist whose work incorporates the ancient technique of reverse glass painting to create beautiful, contemporary layered glass pieces. Reverse glass artwork is the process of painting on one side of clear glass with the purpose of the completed glass being viewed from the opposite side. Lynn uses a variety of techniques including painting, collage, and rubber stamping to achieve a unique quality of depth to her pieces. Lynn’s work is in private collections and galleries and she has exhibited her work at many shows and exhibitions. Lynn has also been published in mixed media magazines like Somerset Studio.

Please join us for an incredible week of creating art and enjoying life in Cortona. This collaborative, in-depth workshop will be devoted to creating “expressive mixed media mosaics” utilizing polymer clay tiles and glass to personalize mosaic icons. These icons are two-dimensional wall pieces. This is a technique driven course where a myriad of mixed media techniques will be explored. Laurie and Lynn will use a hand’s on approach to guide students through a variety of overlapping techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment. Some of these techniques include making polymer clay tiles that are both hand painted and rubberstamped and embedded with a variety of elements. Students will also use text as a means to create personal tiles that have significance and meaning. Lynn will walk students through the process of reverse glass painting, creating glass tiles/windows that will become the focal point of our icons. We will cover the basics of using paint, collage, rubberstamps, mosaic, polymer clay and glass in a relaxed, fun-filled setting. We will take full advantage of being in our beautiful surroundings in Tuscany with time devoted to exploring this very special part of the world. Student’s icons will truly be a reflection of their time spent in Cortona and will indeed be a Window to the World.

As it gets closer the workshop date, students will be provided with a supply list.