For thousands of years, people have enjoyed the art of mosaic by creating both realistic and abstract designs on floors and walls, on three-dimensional objects and even at the bottom of swimming pools. Thanks to its permanence, intriguing examples of centuries’ old mosaics are still greatly admired today.

In this workshop, students will explore the history of mosaics as a means of inspiring their own creation of a wall piece or stepping stone. Tools and techniques for mosaic work are simple to master and dramatic results can be achieved through the use of readily available or recycled materials including shells, stones, glass and ceramic pieces. Based on a chosen theme, students will sketch individual ideas and then, the overall design will be enlarged and interpreted through the laying of chosen mosaic pieces or tesserae. Skills acquired in this course will afford students the opportunity to continue working independently on any number of mosaic projects when they return home.

Bonnie Thomson’s mosaic creations include fireplace hearths, garden settees and garden gates as well as decorative hangings and stepping stones. The director of Seven Mile Island Centre for Art and Performance, she teaches there as well as at her Seagrave, Ontario studio and through several “artist in education” school programs. She is a three-time grant recipient from the Ontario Arts Council. Her work has been exhibited at galleries, art celebrations, and festivals at venues in Ontario.

More of Bonnie's work can be seen at www.glassartisan.ca