Best Mosaic Classes in NYC
Since the third millennium BCE, mosaics have been found in architectural structures and cultures. In ancient Mesopotamia, terracotta cones embedded mosaics on wall surfaces, and later, ancient Greeks introduced cut glass to the practice. From the 4th Century to the 14th Century, mosaics became the leading form of pictorial art in Byzantium culture.
An adhesive holds the small stone, ceramic or glass pieces in place to create patterns or images. Usually, mosaics are applied to structures, but it has become a common art form covering a variety of surfaces in modern times. Most mosaics portray an image of the whole figure or pattern. It is a technique known as tesserae that allows mosaic artists to place cut pieces of material closely into a grid of cubes that make up a surface.
Why You Should Learn Mosaic in NYC
Many hobbyists and artists today create beautiful mosaics in their homes and studios using century-old techniques. With mosaics at home, you can take items from inherited China to crushed-up stone and create unique designs. Making mosaics at home allows you to create unique designs from various materials. You can take standard, common items in your home and give them your own unique twist with the help of mosaics. Even beginners can enjoy mosaic art thanks to its simplicity and easy learning.
Using unique materials can help you produce art meaningful to you while bringing you closer to a tight-knit community of artists. A Mosaic Guild or artist community exists in almost every major city across the country. You can check out the Society of American Mosaic Artists for a group near you.
In modern times, mosaics have become a common art form, but they have also been prevalent among religious groups and their practices for centuries. It is possible to use mosaics in religious practices in various ways, but you may not realize this if you come from a religious background. Other religions can also use mosaics, though they are most commonly associated with Jewish practices. Creating mosaics for specific pieces makes you more connected to your religious community.
Mosaics can even be the start of your artistic business venture. With various ways to create mosaics, you can make a sustainable practice by selling 2D renderings of mosaic designs or your unique pieces. Depending on your work's detail, size, and quality, you can sell your pieces from $50 to several thousand dollars. Hundreds of mosaic shops across the United States sell their work at varying prices. Etsy features over 120,000 listings for mosaic art.
In-Person Mosaic Classes & Schools in NYC
Attending an in-person course is the fastest way to learn to make mosaics in NYC. Learning with fellow peers can make the process faster and more fun. Throughout the course, you will have access to an experienced instructor who will be able to answer any questions you may have.
In-person courses offer the advantage of not worrying about materials, workspace, or cleanup. Most studios or workshops you attend will have the proper equipment to set you up for success. Some courses may require a material fee on the first day of class.
GHD Mosaics, located in Queens, aims to provide new artists with a comfortable, intimate, and fun environment that promotes and encourages creativity. Any new mosaic artists can feel free to explore their creativity and designs through any of the available courses. Students who are new to mosaics can take the Intro to Mosaics course. In this four-session course, students will master the basic mosaic skills in a relaxed setting. As students acquaint themselves with the various tools, they will work on creating a lazy susan. In doing so, they will learn proper cutting, nipping and gluing techniques. Each student will choose the materials and design for their piece. Students can purchase additional sessions if they don't finish the piece in time.
Students can also take the longer course at GHD Mosaic, Mosaic Basic Skills A-Z. This course includes seven sessions where students will take on a larger tabletop or wall art project. Students will still explore basic techniques that will set them up for success in future mosaic projects. All of the materials are included in the price of the course. Students who need more time to complete their pieces can pay an additional fee for extra sessions. GHD Mosaic also offers several other courses to fit any artist's needs.
You can attend Urban Glass and experimental glass workshops for students in or near Brooklyn. The space serves as primarily an art studio; however, they offer comprehensive education programs to bring glasswork to the general population. Beginner students can opt for the one-day mosaics course or a more comprehensive education; they can attend the five-session Mosaics: Imagined Histories course. In this course, students will split their time between presentations, teacher demonstrations, discussion, concept development, a field trip, practice, and critique. Students will explore different techniques and materials to create their unique mosaics throughout the course. Students will explore the historical context of mosaics and modern practices as they apply basic techniques to several unique pieces. They will produce a 2D rendering of architectural designs before turning them into mosaics as if archaeologists dug them up.
Another course in Brooklyn that students can attend is the Mosaic course at Grace Baley Mosaic Art. Grace Baley is a private artist who opened her studio to fellow artists wanting to learn mosaics. After spending her entire life in New York, she credits the mosaics and murals she found in subways as inspiration. She often works with architects, interior designers, and collectors to make site-specific work. In her mosaic course, students will learn the history of mosaics while going through step-by-step instructions to complete a project. Students will learn all the proper techniques to create a beautiful mosaic from start to finish. Space is limited for this course.
Students can attend 92nd Street Y for various courses in the Upper East Side. Students wanting to learn mosaics can attend the Mosaic Art course. Grace Baley also teaches this course; however, this course is more widely available and easier to get into than her course at her studio. You will learn the same techniques as you would in the other course.
Virtual Mosaic Classes & Schools
While learning new skills, in-person classes are a great way to connect with people with similar interests. While mosaic classes aren't available everywhere, you can opt for live virtual mosaic classes if you want to learn in class. Even though you're learning from home, you can still interact with your instructor and peers.
You may need to procure supplies if you enroll in an online class. The instructor will provide a detailed supply list, which you must purchase at a local store or online. Be sure to plan, as supplies may take time to arrive. Online mosaic classes are available on CourseHorse.
Chicago Botanical Gardens offers several virtual mosaic classes. Students can take the A Starry Night in Glass Mosaics virtual course as students will be using the classic Van Gogh painting as reference material materials will be shipped to the students. Students will learn basic techniques as they work through this mosaic.
GHD Mosaic in New York offers virtual courses as well. Students can take the Online Mosaic Trivet Making course. Students will follow along as the instructor creates a trivet or serving dish. The instructor will help each student individually. The students will practice basic techniques. Materials will be shipped to the students.
Private Group Mosaic Classes in NYC
Interested in a mosaic class as a family activity, or perhaps you need something fun to do for a bridal shower or birthday party? CourseHorse offers live online mosaic and crafts classes for private groups.
Learn the art of colorful mosaics and the virtual Mosaic Tray Workshop. The instructor will guide your group through basic mosaic techniques, including cutting and gluing. You'll learn to arrange mosaics and grout the peace when finished. You will complete the course with a unique and functional tray.
CourseHorse will ship the materials directly to you. Materials included are a wood serving tray, Mosaic tiles, grout, glue paint, and various accessories.
This course offers the option of adding a game, using specific questions or a themed game, or adding a second event with all materials included for $150. The minimum group size for this 90-minute course is ten people
CourseHorse makes booking a private course easy. It isn't an issue if you don't know your exact group size at the time. Book based on your best guess, and you can add or subtract people up to a week before the event. There are no booking fees; you'll receive confirmation within 24 hours.
Usually, CourseHorse recommends using Zoom for your classes, but they can also accommodate Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx. They can also accommodate courses held at your office or home if that suits your group's needs better.
