1311 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

logo for Santa                                                Barbara school of mosaic                                                art

SANTA BARBARA SCHOOL OF MOSAIC ART



November 2013
 
SHAZAMMM…..November is half over and so much has happened and needs to be shared!
Last month SBSMA hosted Kelley Knickerbocker to a sold out workshop!  Kelley shared her incredible andamento techniques in her unique and personalized FUNdamento style.  Students were amazed by her clear and thorough teaching technique.   Everyone absorbed so much information and felt they would be able to use it in all of their future pieces.  We like to call that SUCCESS!!
Kelley will be back March 1st & 2nd for her Glass on Mirror; Color, Texture, Bling!  This workshop is half filled up, so sign up soon if you are interested.  Details on the schedule page of the website.  Don’t wait it will sell out!
Yet to come this month we still have a Mexican Smalti workshop with visiting local artist Betsy Gallery and on the same days in our outdoor studio there will be an Intro to Stained Glass workshop taught by Tami Macala.   Dates are Nov. 22/23 Friday and Saturday.  More details can be found on the schedule page of the website.
Last but not least my trip to Todos Santos, Mexico was a great success, aside from getting much needed rest and relaxation I have booked the location for the first SBSMA mosaic retreat in Mexico. Todos Santos is a very special place.  Located on the pacific side of the baja peninsula approximately an hour north of Cabo San Lucas. Todos Santos is a quaint and rustic artist colony.  With warm days and ocean views you will work on a 3D piece for 5 days while learning different techniques.  You will also enjoy a homemade breakfast and lunch everyday by our personal chef as well as have an opportunity to explore Todos Santos and it’s amazing surrounding areas.   
The dates are March 15-22.  There will be a separate email with all the details and it will be on the website by end of November.
This is the view from where the workshop will take place….not too shabby!
Check out the schedule page for many other workshops coming before the year is up and remember mosaic workshops make great holiday gift…gift certificates are available!  

 

Hope to see you here soon at SBSMA! 
 

SOME OF THE FEATURED VISITING ARTISTS COMING TO SBSMA:

 

  • Mexican Smalti with Betsy Gallery, create a flower design using color gradation and shading while learning proper cutting and lay out techniques. 
  • Indirect method on a stepping stone with Betsy Gallery, learn to work in the indirect method using marble and stone while creating on a stepping stone.  
  • “FUNdamento” with Kelley Knickerbocker, learn how to make andamento (movement and flow) work in your mosaics.  Oct. 19th & 20th.
  • Everything Color with Erin Pankratz-Smith, learn how to design with color in all parts of  your pieces.  Nov. 16th & 17th.

All these workshops and more can be found at  www.santabarbaraschoolofmosaicsart.com

   

 

 “Wide-awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true.”

~Lorentz Hart  

  

 

Schedule for upcoming workshops 


Workshop                                  Instructor               Date                               Fee

  

Mexican Smalti                                         Betsy Gallery                     Nov. 22/23          $210+$50mat.
Intro to Stained Glass mosaics       Tami Macala                      Nov. 22/23          $185 
Light Weight Concrete                          Tami Macala                     Dec. 3/4                $165
Exterior App. w/Stepping Stone     Tami Macala                      Dec.  14/15           $175
Beginner Mosaic                                      Tami Macala                      Dec.  21                 $165
Glass Fusing  for mosaics                   Tami Macala                      Jan. 14/15           $195
Garden Sphere  mosaic                        Tami Macala                      Jan. 18/19           $260
Everything Mosaics                                 Tami Macala                     Jan. 28/29          $195
3D Heart Mosaic                                       Tami Macala                     Feb. 1/2                 $225 
MORE WORKSHOPS LISTED ON THE SCHEDULE PAGE OF THE WEBSITE
 


 

Kelley Knickerbocker’s  FUNdamento workshop

 

 

 
 

SBSMA’s 
“LADIES WHO MOSAIC” 

 

7 friends came together for a fun 3 hour get together just to hang out and create mosaic art.  In that short but busy time they chose their colors and design and began nipping.  They used stained glass on 7″x7″ boards to create their fun and unique pieces.  They all went home with their own piece of mosaic art.  

  

If you would like to get a group of your friends together for a birthday party, bachelorette party or just for a fun and creative time, email Tami for details.  

  

 

  

  

  

 

  

  

  

   
 


  

  

 

TESTIMONIALS
 

Like a Zen Master, Tami floats among the students, helping where necessary and coaching us to perfect our works of art. I’m impressed she has remembered all our names! She shows us how to shape the ceramic pieces to best fit into spaces on our boards. H.H.

Hi Tami- I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the mosaic workshop last weekend.  The class was fun and the outdoor setting was perfect.  I am spreading the word around town 🙂 E.S.

  

  

  

Tami’s Latest Commissions 
 
“Gradient Sunshine”  
 
This piece was commissioned as birthday present for a lovely woman here in Santa Barbara by her family.  Constructed on Wedi board, using found objects, mirror edging and sides with tinted mortar and grout.
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
“Swirling Bench”
 
This bench was commissioned by the same family as “Ginni, the swirling sun”.  It has a lovely home under the fireplace chimney where it will have a coordinating “Ginni, the swirling sun part deux” very soon.  
The wrought iron frame was designed and fabricated by David Shelton, a local SB iron artist.   
 
  
 

 

 

 

 

“Ginni, the swirling sun”

This piece was commissioned by a lovely family here in Santa Barbara.  It was created on Hardiebacker board using high fire tile and glass fusions.  It was grouted using Spectra lock dazzle epoxy grout with gold glitter.  It was mounted using french cleats.  It measures 36″ diameter.

 

 
  

  

  

  

LAB
LAB is a great way to work on all your mosaic projects. For $20/hour you have access to the SBSMA studio, all adhesives, grout, tools and my guidance as well as not worrying about making or cleaning up your mess.
Email for more details or to reserve a time.

Private Lessons

If you would like to learn mosaic art but do not have the time or weekend availability now for $45/hour you can book a minimum of two hours with Tami privately to have the full undivided attention with access to the studio tools, adhesives and grout. 
Publicity


SBSMA Birthday Parties

Have your next child’s birthday party at SBSMA.  Any age, up to 12 kids.  Rates based on time and materials.  Call or email for more info. 

 
Gift Certificates 

Gift certificates are now available.  Any size amount towards classes, kits, tiles or other supplies.  What a great holiday or birthday gift.

 

 LAB punch card  

SBSMA LAB punch card.  For every 10 hours of LAB time you get the 11th hour free.  Students are loving their punch cards and getting their free hours. 

  

SBSMA Supply Store

 SBSMA has all your mosaic art supply needs. More new colors added to the tile collection as well as stained glass, Italian Smalti and Vitreous glass. There are new tools stocked up as well as nippers, files, adhesives and grouts.  Just added are Leponitt brand mosaic wheel nippers for $28.95. 

  

 

Sincerely,
Tami Macala
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
SAMA Like us on Facebook
Weekly LAB email blasts will now go out to inform you on days and times. 
Please email me if you would like to receive these emails
  tami@allcrackedupmosaics.com
 Feel free to tell your friends and family about us and “like” us

Posted in newsletters | Comments Off on 1311 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

1310 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

logo for Santa                                                Barbara school of mosaic                                                art

SANTA BARBARA SCHOOL OF MOSAIC ART



October 2013
 
Wow…October was off to a running start before I even had a chance to blink.  I agree with the people who say that as we get older it goes faster and faster.  Our energy everyday must be used as efficiently as possible to create the best of whatever we are doing.
Energy is what what we have going on here SBSMA.  Happy energy.  Creative energy.  Fun energy.  I love it all.  
SBSMA hosted Susan Crocenzi and her 4 day workshop with tempered  and transparent glass and Polymer clay. The workshop was a huge success and wow  the energy here was amazing.   New and returning students created some wonderful pieces and learned so much.  Check out the pictures below.
Next we host Kelley Knickerbocker.  
Kelley comes from Seattle and has a few amazing tricks up her sleeve.  Kelley will teach FUNdamento October 19-20.  No one can teach you so many great techniques about creating mosaic art and taking your art to the next level, while having you laugh all day long.   
The last visiting artist of 2013 will be Erin Pankratz-Smith.  Erin is a mosaic artist with a unique talent and a style all her own.  This workshop is a great opportunity to learn to work with color in all areas of your work.  Erin will teach Color Everything Nov. 16/17.
Other news about things happening here at SBSMA is the addition of more weekday workshops.   Many students have requested taking workshops during the week to free up their weekends.  The 2014 SBSMA schedule is now up through late winter.  Check out both the weekday and weekend workshops and see what type of mosaic you would like to learn!
Stay tuned as I am planning at least one if not two mosaic retreats to Mexico for next year.  They will be 5 day workshops and students will create detailed garden spheres while relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Mexico.  More info to come……

Hope to see you here at SBSMA soon! 
 

SOME OF THE FEATURED VISITING ARTISTS COMING TO SBSMA:

 

  • Mexican Smalti with Betsy Gallery, create a flower design using color gradation and shading while learning proper cutting and lay out techniques. 
  • Indirect method on a stepping stone with Betsy Gallery, learn to work in the indirect method using marble and stone while creating on a stepping stone.  
  • “FUNdamento” with Kelley Knickerbocker, learn how to make andamento (movement and flow) work in your mosaics.  Oct. 19th & 20th.
  • Everything Color with Erin Pankratz-Smith, learn how to design with color in all parts of  your pieces.  Nov. 16th & 17th.

All these workshops and more can be found at  www.santabarbaraschoolofmosaicsart.com

   

 

 “Wide-awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true.”

~Lorentz Hart  

  

 

Schedule for upcoming workshops 


Workshop                                  Instructor               Date                               Fee

  

FUNdamento                                             Kelley Knickerbocker    Oct. 19/20          $350
Table top Mosaic                                      Tami Macala                    Oct. 26/27            $195+base
Everything Mosaics                                Erin Pankratz-Smith   Nov. 16/17            $275+$30mat. 
Mexican Smalti                                         Betsy Gallery                     Nov. 22/23          $210+$50mat.
Intro to Stained Glass mosaics       Tami Macala                      Nov. 22/23          $185 
Light Weight Concrete                          Tami Macala                     Dec. 3/4                $165
Exterior App. w/Stepping Stone     Tami Macala                      Dec.  10/11           $175
Beginner Mosaic                                       Tami Macala                     Dec. 14                  $165
MORE WORKSHOPS LISTED ON THE SCHEDULE PAGE OF THE WEBSITE
 

 

TESTIMONIALS
 

Like a Zen Master, Tami floats among the students, helping where necessary and coaching us to perfect our works of art. I’m impressed she has remembered all our names! She shows us how to shape the ceramic pieces to best fit into spaces on our boards. H.H.

Hi Tami- I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the mosaic workshop last weekend.  The class was fun and the outdoor setting was perfect.  I am spreading the word around town 🙂 E.S.

 

 

SUSAN CROCENZI’S WORKSHOP PIX

 

 

  

 
 
SBSMA’s LATEST 
“LADIES WHO MOSAIC”

7 friends came together for a fun 3 hour get together just to hang out and create mosaic art.  In that short but busy time they chose their colors and design and began nipping.  They used stained glass on 7″x7″ boards to create their fun and unique pieces.  They all went home with their own piece of mosaic art.  

 

If you would like to get a group of your friends together for a birthday party, bachelorette party or just for a fun and creative time, email Tami for details.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

   
 


 

 

 

 

Tami’s Latest Commissions 

 
This bench is for the same clients as “Ginni the Swirling Sun”.  The bench frame was fabricated by local well known iron artist David Shelton.  It will coordinate with the sun and is in their garden.  
 
 
 
 
  
 
The Swirling Bench
 

This piece was commissioned by a lovely family here in Santa Barbara.  It is titled “Ginni the Swirling Sun”.  It was created on Hardiebacker board using high fire tile and glass fusions.  It was grouted using Spectra lock dazzle epoxy grout with gold glitter.  It was mounted using french cleats.  It measures 36″ diameter.

 

 
  

 

  

  

LAB
LAB is a great way to work on all your mosaic projects. For $20/hour you have access to the SBSMA studio, all adhesives, grout, tools and my guidance as well as not worrying about making or cleaning up your mess.
Email for more details or to reserve a time.

Private Lessons

If you would like to learn mosaic art but do not have the time or weekend availability now for $45/hour you can book a minimum of two hours with Tami privately to have the full undivided attention with access to the studio tools, adhesives and grout. 
Publicity


SBSMA Birthday Parties

Have your next child’s birthday party at SBSMA.  Any age, up to 12 kids.  Rates based on time and materials.  Call or email for more info. 

 
Gift Certificates 

Gift certificates are now available.  Any size amount towards classes, kits, tiles or other supplies.  What a great holiday or birthday gift.

 

 LAB punch card  

SBSMA LAB punch card.  For every 10 hours of LAB time you get the 11th hour free.  Students are loving their punch cards and getting their free hours. 

  

SBSMA Supply Store

 SBSMA has all your mosaic art supply needs. More new colors added to the tile collection as well as stained glass, Italian Smalti and Vitreous glass. There are new tools stocked up as well as nippers, files, adhesives and grouts.  Just added are Leponitt brand mosaic wheel nippers for $28.95. 

  

 

Sincerely,
Tami Macala
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
SAMA Like us on Facebook
Weekly LAB email blasts will now go out to inform you on days and times. 
Please email me if you would like to receive these emails
  tami@allcrackedupmosaics.com
 Feel free to tell your friends and family about us and “like” us

Posted in newsletters | Comments Off on 1310 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

1309 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

logo for Santa                                                Barbara school of mosaic                                                art

SANTA BARBARA SCHOOL OF MOSAIC ART



September 2013
 

 
I can hardly type the word September.  It means end of summer, beginning of fall. I myself am a full bloodied summer child.  I was born on the summer solstice and could live with sunshine full time, it must be why I love living in Santa Barbara and close to the ocean.

There are few good things I can say I am looking forward to as the summer closes, 
we have three talented and unique mosaic artists coming to teach here over these next three months.  
The first one, and truly not to be missed, is Susan Crocenzi’s  Tempered and Transparent Glass mosaic Sept. 27-29.    Susan is a ray of happy beaming sunshine.  No wonder we love her.  She teaches what she knows so well and is so good at it. Susan exudes such enthusiasm and passion as she shares her talented techniques.  I just watch in awe as she assists each of her students to create beautiful and colorfully vibrant pieces.  This will be Susan’s second visit here to SBSMA and will teach a mixed workshop for both the intermediates and beginners.  
There are a few spots left so if you have wanted to work in color, tempered and transparent glass and just have a great, fun, creative weekend this is your workshop!

Susan Crocenzi’s Tempered and Transparent Glass Mosaic 

Second we will host
 
Kelley Knickerbocker.  Kelley comes from Seattle and has a few amazing tricks up her sleeve.  Kelley will teach FUNdamento October 19-20.  No one can teach you so many great techniques about creating mosaic art and taking your art to the next level, while having you laugh all day long.  
Third will be award winning mosaic artist
Erin Pankratz-Smith.  Erin is back in less than a year to teach her Color Everything Nov. 16-17 workshop.  Erin sold out this workshop last year and I have a feeling it will do the same again this year.  Erin has a great teaching technique and let’s her students really understand and absorb all she has to offer about color, gradation and techniques to create more vibrant mosaics. 
Well there you go….a few great workshops and opportunities to take advantage of from some amazing artists making there way to beautiful SUNNY Santa Barbara!

Hope to see you here at SBSMA soon! 
 

SOME OF THE FEATURED VISITING ARTISTS COMING TO SBSMA:

 

  • Mexican Smalti with Betsy Gallery, create a flower design using color gradation and shading while learning proper cutting and lay out techniques. 
  • Indirect method on a stepping stone with Betsy Gallery, learn to work in the indirect method using marble and stone while creating on a stepping stone.  Sept. 13th-15th.
  • Beginner and Intermediate Tempered and Transparent Glass with Susan Crocenzi, learn how to create mosaics with different types of transparent glass.  Sept. 27th-29th.
  • “FUNdamento” with Kelley Knickerbocker, learn how to make andamento (movement and flow) work in your mosaics.  Oct. 19th & 20th.
  • Everything Color with Erin Pankratz-Smith, learn how to design with color in all parts of  your pieces.  Nov. 16th & 17th.

All these workshops and more can be found at  www.santabarbaraschoolofmosaicsart.com

   

 

 “Wide-awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true.”

~Lorentz Hart  

  

 

Schedule for upcoming workshops 


Workshop                                  Instructor               Date                               Fee

  

 

Garden Sphere                                          Tami Macala                    Sept. 7-8               $195+$65mat.
Indirect Method                                       Betsy Gallery                    Sept. 13-15           $245+$50mat.
Tempered & Transparent Glass      Susan Crocenzi              Sept. 27-29          $280+$40mat  
Beginner Mosaic                                      Tami Macala                   Oct. 5-6                  $165
FUNdamento                                             Kelley Knickerbocker    Oct. 19/20          $350
Table top Mosaic                                      Tami Macala                    Oct. 26/27            $195+base
Everything Mosaics                                Erin Pankratz-Smith   Nov. 16/17            $275+$30mat. 
Mexican Smalti                                         Betsy Gallery                     Nov. 22/23          $210+$50mat.
Intro to Stained Glass mosaics       Tami Macala                      Nov. 22/23          $185 

 

 

 

  

 

 
 
SBSMA’s LATEST 
“LADIES WHO MOSAIC”

7 friends came together for a fun 3 hour get together just to hang out and create mosaic art.  In that short but busy time they chose their colors and design and began nipping.  They used stained glass on 7″x7″ boards to create their fun and unique pieces.  They all went home with their own piece of mosaic art.  
 
If you would like to get a group of your friends together for a birthday party, bachelorette party or just for a fun and creative time, email Tami for details.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tami’s Latest Commissions 

 
This bench is for the same clients as “Ginni the Swirling Sun”.  It will coordinate with the sun and people will be able to enjoy it in their garden.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Swirling Bench
 

This piece was commissioned by a lovely family here in Santa Barbara.  It is titled “Ginni the Swirling Sun”.  It was created on Hardiebacker board using high fire tile and glass fusions.  It was grouted using Spectra lock dazzle epoxy grout with gold glitter.  It was mounted using french cleats.  It measures 36″ diameter.

 

 
  

 

  

  

LAB
LAB is a great way to work on all your mosaic projects. For $20/hour you have access to the SBSMA studio, all adhesives, grout, tools and my guidance as well as not worrying about making or cleaning up your mess.
Email for more details or to reserve a time.

Private Lessons

If you would like to learn mosaic art but do not have the time or weekend availability now for $45/hour you can book a minimum of two hours with Tami privately to have the full undivided attention with access to the studio tools, adhesives and grout. 
Publicity


SBSMA Birthday Parties

Have your next child’s birthday party at SBSMA.  Any age, up to 12 kids.  Rates based on time and materials.  Call or email for more info. 

 
Gift Certificates 

Gift certificates are now available.  Any size amount towards classes, kits, tiles or other supplies.  What a great holiday or birthday gift.

 

 LAB punch card  

SBSMA LAB punch card.  For every 10 hours of LAB time you get the 11th hour free.  Students are loving their punch cards and getting their free hours. 

  

SBSMA Supply Store

 SBSMA has all your mosaic art supply needs. More new colors added to the tile collection as well as stained glass, Italian Smalti and Vitreous glass. There are new tools stocked up as well as nippers, files, adhesives and grouts.  Just added are Leponitt brand mosaic wheel nippers for $28.95. 

  

 

Sincerely,
Tami Macala
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
SAMA Like us on Facebook
Weekly LAB email blasts will now go out to inform you on days and times. 
Please email me if you would like to receive these emails
  tami@allcrackedupmosaics.com
 Feel free to tell your friends and family about us and “like” us

Posted in newsletters | Comments Off on 1309 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

1308 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

logo for Santa                                                Barbara school of mosaic                                                art

SANTA BARBARA SCHOOL OF MOSAIC ART



August 2013
 

 

People ask me quite often how did I get started in mosaics.   I had a career as a costumer on movies and tv shows for almost 20 years.  On my first tv show, “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”, there was a hairdresser and he asked me one day if I wanted to come over on the weekend and make mosaics.  I had no idea what exactly he meant but I said sure and I have not looked back.
Now my first pieces are a bit frightful but they are my first.  Everyone has a first mosaic when you’re as passionate as some of us are, so my first stays in my studio as a reminder of where I began.  
I never knew that weekend making my first mosaic would lead to a whole new chapter in my life and be my passion.  I am now officially retired from costuming and love creating and teaching mosaics almost daily.
Passion is how SBSMA was born.  There was no business plan, no discussion of projections and investors it was just me walking out my back door to my large and available backyard and a few enthusiastic newbies.  
Today SBSMA is 0ver three and half years old and going strong.  There is a variety of new workshops, great visiting artists coming to teach new techniques and share their incredible talents.  There is a full supply store with tile, stained glass, tools, substrates, adhesives and grout.  There is LAB and private time and there is me and my passion.  
If you have ever wanted to see if mosaics is your passion, or if you know it is and you want to learn something new come check out SBSMA.  I am open most days by appointment as well as the workshops and LAB time.  

COME CHECK IT OUT!!
 

SOME OF THE FEATURED VISITING ARTISTS COMING TO SBSMA:

 

  • Mexican Smalti with Betsy Gallery, create a flower design using color gradation and shading while learning proper cutting and lay out techniques. 
  • Indirect method on a stepping stone with Betsy Gallery, learn to work in the indirect method using marble and stone while creating on a stepping stone.  Sept. 13th-15th.
  • Beginner and Intermediate Tempered and Transparent Glass with Susan Crocenzi, learn how to create mosaics with different types of transparent glass.  Sept. 27th-29th.
  • “FUNdamento” with Kelley Knickerbocker, learn how to make andamento (movement and flow) work in your mosaics.  Oct. 19th & 20th.
  • Everything Color with Erin Pankratz-Smith, learn how to design with color in all parts of  your pieces.  Nov. 16th & 17th.

All these workshops and more can be found at  www.santabarbaraschoolofmosaicsart.com

   

 

 “Wide-awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true.”

~Lorentz Hart  

  

 

Schedule for upcoming workshops 


Workshop                                  Instructor               Date                               Fee

  

 

Pique Assiette                                            Tami Macala                     Aug. 20/27          $195

Garden Sphere                                           Tami Macala                    Sept. 7-8               $195+$65mat.
Indirect Method                                       Betsy Gallery                     Sept. 13-15           $245+$50mat.
Tempered & Transparent Glass     Susan Crocenzi                 Sept. 27-29         $280+$40mat  
Beginner Mosaic                                     Tami Macala                       Oct. 5-6                $165
FUNdamento                                             Kelley Knickerbocker    Oct. 19/20          $350
Table top Mosaic                                     Tami Macala                       Oct. 26/27          $195+base
Everything Mosaics                               Erin Pankratz-Smith      Nov. 16/17          $275+$30mat. 

 

 

 

  

  

  

STUDENT WORKS
 
Mexican Smalti  
 
 
 
 
Beginner mosaic workshop
 
 
 
      
 
          
 
We have more and more signing up for our “Ladies who Mosaic” parties.   So much fun and so creative.  Stay tuned for more pix! 

 
 
SBSMA’s
“LADIES WHO MOSAIC”

6 friends came together for a fun 3 hour get together just to hang out and create mosaic art.  In that short but busy time they chose their colors and design and began nipping.  They used both Italian and Mexican smalti to create their fun and unique pieces.  They all went home with their own piece of mosaic art.  
 
If you would like to get a group of your friends together for a birthday party, bachelorette party or just for a fun and creative time, email Tami for details.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tami’s Latest Commission 


This piece was commissioned by a lovely family here in Santa Barbara.  It is titled “Ginni the Swirling Sun”.  It was created on Hardiebacker board using high fire tile and glass fusions.  It was grouted using Spectra lock dazzle epoxy grout with gold glitter.  It was mounted using french cleats.  It measures 36″ diameter.
 
 
  

 

  

  

LAB
LAB is a great way to work on all your mosaic projects. For $20/hour you have access to the SBSMA studio, all adhesives, grout, tools and my guidance as well as not worrying about making or cleaning up your mess.
Email for more details or to reserve a time.

Private Lessons

If you would like to learn mosaic art but do not have the time or weekend availability now for $45/hour you can book a minimum of two hours with Tami privately to have the full undivided attention with access to the studio tools, adhesives and grout. 
Publicity


SBSMA Birthday Parties

Have your next child’s birthday party at SBSMA.  Any age, up to 12 kids.  Rates based on time and materials.  Call or email for more info. 

 
Gift Certificates 

Gift certificates are now available.  Any size amount towards classes, kits, tiles or other supplies.  What a great holiday or birthday gift.

 

 LAB punch card  

SBSMA LAB punch card.  For every 10 hours of LAB time you get the 11th hour free.  Students are loving their punch cards and getting their free hours. 

  

SBSMA Supply Store

 SBSMA has all your mosaic art supply needs. More new colors added to the tile collection as well as stained glass, Italian Smalti and Vitreous glass. There are new tools stocked up as well as nippers, files, adhesives and grouts.  Just added are Leponitt brand mosaic wheel nippers for $28.95. 

  

 

Sincerely,
Tami Macala
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
SAMA Like us on Facebook
Weekly LAB email blasts will now go out to inform you on days and times. 
Please email me if you would like to receive these emails
  tami@allcrackedupmosaics.com
 Feel free to tell your friends and family about us and “like” us

Posted in newsletters | Comments Off on 1308 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

1307 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

logo for Santa                                                Barbara school of mosaic                                                art

SANTA BARBARA SCHOOL OF MOSAIC ART


July 2013  
Greetings!
 

Summer is my favorite time of year here in Santa Barbara.  I love the weather, the people are in even happier moods and there is a creative fun spirit in the air.  It may have to do with starting summer off with the annual Solstice Parade.  A  theme based parade filled with quirky, creative floats and costumes and happy people celebrating the beginning of summer.  
 
Here at SBSMA we like to carry that creative spirit all through the summer.  If you have been toying around with the idea of starting a new mosaic project or wanting to come learn a new technique, make this creative summer time your time.  
 
Some of my favorite workshops are coming up this month.  “Everything Mosaics” is a week day workshop for those of you that have asked to come learn during the week.   In this workshop we will work with all different types of tesserae to create our design.  This is a great technique workshop for the beginner to the more experienced.  
Then we have “Mexican Smalti” July 27/28 weekend.  This is a great workshop to learn with Betsy Gallery.  Betsy attended a week long workshop in Cuernavaca, MX at the Perdomo factory (the only place in the world where Mexican smalti is made), learning how to work with color gradation, shading and shaping the Mexican smalti.  
 
Even though we know summer will eventually come to an end there will be no shortage of great and inspiring workshops to bring us to the end of the year.  Three mosaic artists each with incredible talents will visit SBSMA in September, October and November.   Check out the list below and see what style you would like to learn!
 

SOME OF THE FEATURED VISITING ARTISTS COMING TO SBSMA:

 

  • Mexican Smalti with Betsy Gallery, create a flower design using color gradation and shading while learning proper cutting and lay out techniques. 
  • Indirect method on a stepping stone with Betsy Gallery, learn to work in the indirect method using marble and stone while creating on a stepping stone.  Sept. 13th-15th.
  • Beginner and Intermediate Tempered and Transparent Glass with Susan Crocenzi, learn how to create mosaics with different types of transparent glass.  Sept. 27th-29th.
  • “FUNdamento” with Kelley Knickerbocker, learn how to make andamento (movement and flow) work in your mosaics.  Oct. 19th & 20th.
  • Everything Color with Erin Pankratz-Smith, learn how to design with color in all parts of  your pieces.  Nov. 16th & 17th.

All these workshops and more can be found at  www.santabarbaraschoolofmosaicsart.com

   

 

 “Wide-awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true.”

~Lorentz Hart  

  

 

Schedule for upcoming workshops 


Workshop                                  Instructor               Date                               Fee

  

Everything Mosaics                                Tami Macala              July 18-19               $215+$20mat.
Mexican Smalti                                         Betsy Gallery              July 27-28              $210+$50mat.
Pique Assiette                                            Tami Macala             Aug. 6/13/20          $195
Table Top                                                      Tami Macala             Aug. 17/18               $185+base
Garden Sphere                                           Tami Macala             Sept. 7-8                  $195+$65mat.
Indirect Method                                       Betsy Gallery              Sept. 13-15              $245+$50mat.
Tempered & Transparent Glass     Susan Crocenzi         Sept. 27-29             $280+$40mat  
Everything Mosaics                                Tami Macala              Oct. 5-6                    $215.+$20mat. 

  

 

Testimonials from SBSMA students

  

This is from a student who posted on SBSMA Facebook page:

 

Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
“Mosaic Art Classes are ongoing throughout the year, sign up for a class now! Tami Zweig Macala, Owner/Artist/Teacher, offers an array of classes for beginners on up. The classes are fun, informative, inspiring and you get to creat your very own original piece of art.

Creating mosaic art is very rewarding, challenging as well as theraputic. It’s like being on vacation, your mind is in another realm, away from daily stressors. Imagine, create, and enjoy! Hassle free, all supplies are included, there’s also a supply store on location. 

Tami and her team of Mosaic Artist/Teachers are highly specialized, passionate, very inspiring and fun. They will guide you through the entire process as needed. You will be proud and gratified upon completion of your original work (which makes a fab gift, art piece in your yard or inside your home). Don’t procrastinate another year, get involve in a class now! Know someone who whould benefit from Mosaic Art Classes? Give a class as a gift to a loved one. I cannot emphesize more just how rewarding these classes are.

Click on her FB page link below for more info and photos of Mosaic Artwork completed by both students and Tami. Amazing art that is so appealing to the eyes/senses! Not a lost art, Tami’s brought it back!! Sign up now, alone or with a friend!”

 

 This is a partial piece from a student and her creative writing class assignment:

 

  

“…..on Saturday, I am the first one to the workshop and I meet Tami, the teacher. This young woman reminds me of a Yoga instructor – tall and slim with wavy locks of brown hair. With her calm demeanor, I feel like if I make a mistake, she can calmly guide me to correction without faulting my technique. I am thankful for her presence during my new artistic undertaking.

I transfer my drawing onto a substrate – a sun complete with a face. It is an illustration I have been drawing since I was in grade school. What better way to immortalize my design but in tiled glass pieces?

In a class of about 10 women, I find the workshop atmosphere to be friendly and forgiving – we are all beginners encountering various problems with our 12″ x 12″ pieces. We are taught to apply mastic onto tile pieces – like cream cheese on a bagel – then mount them to our boards. Like a Zen Master, Tami floats among the students, helping where necessary and coaching us to perfect our works of art. I’m impressed she has remembered all our names! She shows us how to shape the ceramic pieces to best fit into spaces on our boards. The trimming tool is a bulky, heavy instrument that I need both hands to work so I can cut and shape the tile. Tami uses one hand in her demonstration. I tease her that she can probably crack walnuts with her bare hands and the class erupts in laughter. The first day goes by way too fast but I am successful in laying down all my pieces, enabling me to apply grout the following day.

…….Sunday morning I am excited to see what the other students have created in the prep stages from the day before. There is a moon on a dark mirrored background, a heart-shaped design, a couple of flower arrays, a few geometric patterns and one cartoon character that a woman’s son drew when he was just a preschooler. Like a proud mother, Tami praises each one of us, but never showing favoritism for any of her children.”

 

  

INTRO TO STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP
 
 
 
GARDEN SPHERE/BOULDER WORKSHOP
 

 

SBSMA’s
“LADIES WHO MOSAIC”

6 friends came together for a fun 3 hour get together just to hang out and create mosaic art.  In that short but busy time they chose their colors and design and began nipping.  They used both Italian and Mexican smalti to create their fun and unique pieces.  They all went home with their own piece of mosaic art.  
 
If you would like to get a group of your friends together for a birthday party, bachelorette party or just for a fun and creative time, email Tami for details.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tami’s Latest Commission 


This piece was commissioned by a lovely family here in Santa Barbara.  It is titled “Ginni the Swirling Sun”.  It was created on Hardiebacker board using high fire tile and glass fusions.  It was grouted using Spectra lock dazzle epoxy grout with gold glitter.  It was mounted using french cleats.  It measures 36″ diameter.
 
 
  

 

  

  

LAB
LAB is a great way to work on all your mosaic projects. For $20/hour you have access to the SBSMA studio, all adhesives, grout, tools and my guidance as well as not worrying about making or cleaning up your mess.
Email for more details or to reserve a time.

Private Lessons

If you would like to learn mosaic art but do not have the time or weekend availability now for $45/hour you can book a minimum of two hours with Tami privately to have the full undivided attention with access to the studio tools, adhesives and grout. 
Publicity


SBSMA Birthday Parties

Have your next child’s birthday party at SBSMA.  Any age, up to 12 kids.  Rates based on time and materials.  Call or email for more info. 

 
Gift Certificates 

Gift certificates are now available.  Any size amount towards classes, kits, tiles or other supplies.  What a great holiday or birthday gift.

 

 LAB punch card  

SBSMA LAB punch card.  For every 10 hours of LAB time you get the 11th hour free.  Students are loving their punch cards and getting their free hours. 

  

SBSMA Supply Store

 SBSMA has all your mosaic art supply needs. More new colors added to the tile collection as well as stained glass, Italian Smalti and Vitreous glass. There are new tools stocked up as well as nippers, files, adhesives and grouts.  Just added are Leponitt brand mosaic wheel nippers for $28.95. 

  

 

Sincerely,
Tami Macala
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
SAMA Like us on Facebook
Weekly LAB email blasts will now go out to inform you on days and times. 
Please email me if you would like to receive these emails
  tami@allcrackedupmosaics.com
 Feel free to tell your friends and family about us and “like” us

Posted in newsletters | Comments Off on 1307 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

1306 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

logo for Santa                                                  Barbara school of mosaic                                                  art

SANTA BARBARA SCHOOL OF MOSAIC ART


June 2013  
Greetings!
 

It’s official SBSMA is in full swing in the new location.  The feedback has been wonderful.  A bright cheery coat of Tiffany blue paint, some new shelves and storage (can’t get enough of those), and a lot of natural light. There is also a fully stocked supply store as well as a wonderful outdoor studio.  SBSMA is up and running.   
 
The first workshop was just this past week with visiting artist Deb Aldo.  She taught a wonderful Pebble Mandala workshop.  The students learned so much and created wonderful pieces.  Everyone had such a great time they all decided Deb needed to come back for an in-situ full scale Pebble workshop.  It will be March 28th-30th, stay tuned for more details.  For the rest of this month we are busy with an Intro to Stained Glass workshop, a Light Weight Concrete process workshop and ending with a nearly sold out Garden Sphere/ Boulder workshop.
 
LAB has been busy as well.  With summer almost here students are getting their LAB time in and creating their own pieces while having some of my guidance.  I am busy with 3 commissions but it’s always nice to work side by side with my students. 
 
The creative energy is flowing here at SBSMA and Santa Barbara is such a wonderful place to be.  
 
There is so much to look forward to as well with visiting artists Betsy Gallery, Susan Crocenzi, Kelley Knickerbocker and Erin Pankratz- Smith yet to come before the year is up!
Check the schedule for those workshops and more!!!   

 

SOME OF THE FEATURED ARTISTS COMING TO SBSMA:

 

  • Indirect method on a stepping stone with Betsy Gallery, learn to work in the indirect method using marble and stone while creating on a stepping stone.  Sept. 13th-15th.
  • Beginner and Intermediate Tempered and Transparent Glass with Susan Crocenzi, learn how to create mosaics with different types of transparent glass.  Sept. 27th-29th.
  • “Fundamento” with Kelley Knickerbocker, learn how to make andamento (movement and flow) work in your mosaics.  Oct. 26th & 27th.
  • Everything Color with Erin Pankratz-Smith, learn how to design with color in all parts of  your pieces.  Nov. 16th & 17th.

All these workshops and more can be found at  www.santabarbaraschoolofmosaicsart.com

   

 

 “Wide-awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true.”

~Lorentz Hart  

  

 

Schedule for upcoming workshops 


Workshop                                  Instructor               Date                               Fee

 

Intro to Stained Glass                           Tami Macala             June 12/13               $175
Light weight concrete                            Tami Macala             June 18/19              $120
Garden sphere/Boulder                      Tami Macala              June 29-30            $195+$40mat.
Everything Mosaics                                Tami Macala              July 18-19               $215+$20mat.
Mexican Smalti                                         Betsy Gallery              July 27-28              $210+$50mat.
Pique Assiette                                            Tami Macala             Aug. 6/13/20          $195
Table Top                                                      Tami Macala             Aug. 17/18               $185+base
Indirect Method                                       Betsy Gallery              Sept. 13-15              $245+$50mat.
 
 
 
 Pebble Mandala workshop
 
   

 

 

             

 

  

 

 

  

 

Visiting Artists Bio’s
Betsy Gallery 

Betsy Gallery studied classical mosaic making in Ravenna and Venice, Italy, and modern mosaic techniques in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Her large mosaic murals are found throughout Santa Barbara. Her work is in collections from Madrid, Spain to Taipei, Taiwan. Betsy has published articles in The Groutline, the publication of SAMA (the Society of American Mosaic Artists), and has been the subject of interviews in the press and T.V.

Betsy has lived in West Africa, Spain and Costa Rica, picking up inspiration for her work from these cultures. Her current project is creating mosaics from children’s designs from Santa Barbara and East Cameroun, West Africa.

Betsy Gallery’s Mexican Smalti

 

Betsy Gallery’s Indirect Method stepping stone 

 

  

 

Kelley Knickerbocker

 Kelley came to mosaics in the summer of 2005, after working in many other artistic mediums (leaded glass, canvas floorcloths, calligraphy, quilting). Art had been a lifelong sideline, but she had a serious jones for an artistic expression that could translate into a creative career. A week-long introductory mosaic course at the Institute of Mosaic Art set off a veritable firework display of possibilities in her head: this medium could be horizontal, vertical, 2-D, 3-D, small-scale, mammoth-scale, opaque, translucent, transparent, functional, decorative, and created out of virtually any material! That mind-boggling versatility convinced her that there had to be a career in there somewhere.

IMA’s Business of Mosaic class cinched Kelley’s decision to make mosaics her second career, and helped narrow her focus to architectural applications. After a solid year of studying mosaic technique and installation with professionals across the U.S., in 2006 she founded her Seattle studio, Rivenworks Mosaics, from which she designs, fabricates and installs custom architectural mosaics for residential, commercial, and public art clients.

Kelley creates mosaics in many mediums for architectural clients, but in her personal work she returns again and again to glass for exploration and play. The visual (and literal) depth and light-handling properties of glass, as well as its seemingly limitless palette of colors, offer up endless possibilities for dimensional shenanigans. Out of those explorations Kelley has developed three signature glass mosaic techniques: Texture Field, which utilizes multiple textures of clear architectural glass to create a field of texture; Flat Stacking, in which multiple layers of translucent glass is stacked over itself on a mirrored or clear glass substrate, and Edge Stacking, in which glass strips of varying heights are set on edge.

Kelley’s fine art panels in stacked and textured glass have been accepted to national and international juried exhibitions, and many reside in private collections. She is an active member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists, and regularly teaches sessions on stacked and textured glass mosaic techniques.

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

  

  

Erin Pankratz-Smith

 

As a multi-disciplined artist, Erin Pankratz-Smith has spent nearly a decade developing her skills and creating a supportive community of colleagues. With a background in dance, following training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Erin went on to study at the Alberta College of Art and Design. Carving a new path in the visual arts, she established her own mosaic tile business supplying both education and materials to artists across North America.

 

Born in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Parnkratz-Smith has spent most of her life residing in northwestern Canada. Now married, with three children, Erin admits she has always been a highly visual individual, and sees mosaic as her current medium of expression. She considers art a practice that intersects every aspect of our existence, as a way of articulating the subjective human voice. Therefore, she expects that her art will continuously evolve, in both composition and subject.

 

Her most recent work “Everything Flows, Nothing Stands Still” celebrates the effect of color and the seasons, in particular the ever-present landscape of the North Saskatchewan River, which both bisects and connects the city of Edmonton. The juxtapositions of urban and rural, texture and atmosphere; all contribute to a dynamic interpretation of cultural and geographic diversity.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

   

 

SBSMA’s
“LADIES WHO MOSAIC”

6 friends came together for a fun 3 hour get together just to hang out and create mosaic art.  In that short but busy time they chose their colors and design and began nipping.  They used both Italian and Mexican smalti to create their fun and unique pieces.  They all went home with their own piece of mosaic art.  
 
If you would like to get a group of your friends together for a birthday party, bachelorette party or just for a fun and creative time, email Tami for details.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tami’s Latest Commission 


This piece was commissioned by a lovely family here in Santa Barbara.  It is titled “Ginni the Swirling Sun”.  It was created on Hardiebacker board using high fire tile and glass fusions.  It was grouted using Spectra lock dazzle epoxy grout with gold glitter.  It was mounted using french cleats.  It measures 36″ diameter.
 
 
  

 

  

  

LAB
LAB is a great way to work on all your mosaic projects. For $20/hour you have access to the SBSMA studio, all adhesives, grout, tools and my guidance as well as not worrying about making or cleaning up your mess.
Email for more details or to reserve a time.

Private Lessons

If you would like to learn mosaic art but do not have the time or weekend availability now for $45/hour you can book a minimum of two hours with Tami privately to have the full undivided attention with access to the studio tools, adhesives and grout. 
Publicity


SBSMA Birthday Parties

Have your next child’s birthday party at SBSMA.  Any age, up to 12 kids.  Rates based on time and materials.  Call or email for more info. 

 
Gift Certificates 

Gift certificates are now available.  Any size amount towards classes, kits, tiles or other supplies.  What a great holiday or birthday gift.

 

 LAB punch card  

SBSMA LAB punch card.  For every 10 hours of LAB time you get the 11th hour free.  Students are loving their punch cards and getting their free hours. 

  

SBSMA Supply Store

 SBSMA has all your mosaic art supply needs. More new colors added to the tile collection as well as stained glass, Italian Smalti and Vitreous glass. There are new tools stocked up as well as nippers, files, adhesives and grouts.  Just added are Leponitt brand mosaic wheel nippers for $28.95. 

  

 

Sincerely,
Tami Macala
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
SAMA Like us on Facebook
Weekly LAB email blasts will now go out to inform you on days and times. 
Please email me if you would like to receive these emails
  tami@allcrackedupmosaics.com
 Feel free to tell your friends and family about us and “like” us

Posted in newsletters | Comments Off on 1306 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

1305 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

logo for Santa                                                Barbara school of mosaic                                                art

SANTA BARBARA SCHOOL OF MOSAIC ART


May 2013  
Greetings!

Wow where to start…so much has happened in the last month.  
First the SAMA conference in Tacoma, WA was a huge success.  I had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people, taking informative workshops and seeing the amazing mosaic art at both the Salon Exhibition and the MAI (Mosaic Arts International) Exhibit.  I left feeling very inspired and excited to get back into the studio.  Which leads to the next exciting announcement.  
SBSMA will be re-opening in it’s new location June 1st with a Beginner workshop.  The new location will be my home studio with a dedicated indoor and outdoor space.  Being less than 2 miles from the beach we will have wonderful ocean breezes as well being surrounded by lush greens.   As the workshop participants have been growing in numbers we are also finding larger facilities to hold these specific workshops.   This is all very exciting and I am so happy to share this new space with you all!!
Even more exciting news are the visiting artists.  If you have ever admired and wanted to know how to make a pebble mosaic now is your chance.  In Deb Aldo’s Mandala Pebble Mosaic workshop, you will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best on working with river rocks and other pebble tesserae.   There is still space for this workshop June 6th & 7th.  
Listed below are more visiting artists scheduled for the rest of 2013.  
Stay tuned for more info as the new location for SBSMA get’s it’s final coats of paint and ready to be opened!!

 

SOME OF THE FEATURED ARTISTS COMING TO SBSMA:

 

  • Mandala Pebble Mosaic with Deb Aldo, learn how to work with different size river rocks in creating a mandala.  June 6th & 7th.
  • Beginner and Intermediate Tempered and Transparent Glass with Susan Crocenzi, learn how to create mosaics with different types of transparent glass.  Sept. 27th-29th.
  • “Fundamento” with Kelley Knickerbocker, learn how to make andamento (movement and flow) work in your mosaics.  Oct. 19th & 20th.
  • Everything Color with Erin Pankratz-Smith, learn how to design with color in all parts of  your pieces.  Nov. 16th & 17th.

All these workshops and more can be found at  www.santabarbaraschoolofmosaicsart.com

   

 

 “Wide-awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true.”

~Lorentz Hart  

  

 

Schedule for upcoming workshops 


Workshop                                  Instructor               Date                               Fee

Mandala Pebble Mosaic                       Deb Aldo                      June 6-7                   $300+$30mat.
Intro to Stained Glass                           Tami Macala             June 12/13               $175
Light weight concrete                            Tami Macala             June 18/19              $120
Garden sphere/Boulder                      Tami Macala              June 29-30            $195+$40mat.
Everything Mosaics                                Tami Macala              July 18-19               $215+$20mat.
Mexican Smalti                                         Betsy Gallery              July 27-28              $210+$50mat.
Pique Assiette                                            Tami Macala             Aug. 6/13/20          $195
Table Top                                                      Tami Macala             Aug. 17/18               $185+base

  

 

 

 

 Visiting Artists Bio’s

Deb Aldo

Deb Aldo began making mosaics 1997. Her education and background in art and landscape architecture led her to work on large scale outdoor pebble and stone mosaic terraces, fountains and wall hangings. She has completed both interior and exterior works for residential and commercial clients such as hospitals, boutique hotels and restaurants. She has received numerous awards for her art and her work is currently on exhibit at SAMA Mosaic Arts International exhibiting at The Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA.

  

She learned her craft from Maggy Howarth, Sherri Warner Hunter, and countless other classes. She has spent time in Europe studying mosaics and taking immersive workshops but most of all spending time in the studio finding her own voice and path using stone and glass to create dimensional works. She has been teaching art for the last 22 years and travels across the North America teaching mosaics.

She is thrilled to be a visiting artist at Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art in June of 2013. She will be teaching a Mosaic Mandala class in her signature style that includes pebbles, stone, ceramic and glass. This class is suitable for all levels of ability. She will work with each participant directly to help you hone your cutting, fitting, material selections. Students participating in this two day workshop will leave with a mandala.

 

 

 

 

Betsy Gallery 

Betsy Gallery studied classical mosaic making in Ravenna and Venice, Italy, and modern mosaic techniques in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Her large mosaic murals are found throughout Santa Barbara. Her work is in collections from Madrid, Spain to Taipei, Taiwan. Betsy has published articles in The Groutline, the publication of SAMA (the Society of American Mosaic Artists), and has been the subject of interviews in the press and T.V.

Betsy has lived in West Africa, Spain and Costa Rica, picking up inspiration for her work from these cultures. Her current project is creating mosaics from children’s designs from Santa Barbara and East Cameroun, West Africa.

Betsy Gallery’s Mexican Smalti

  

 

Kelley Knickerbocker

 Kelley came to mosaics in the summer of 2005, after working in many other artistic mediums (leaded glass, canvas floorcloths, calligraphy, quilting). Art had been a lifelong sideline, but she had a serious jones for an artistic expression that could translate into a creative career. A week-long introductory mosaic course at the Institute of Mosaic Art set off a veritable firework display of possibilities in her head: this medium could be horizontal, vertical, 2-D, 3-D, small-scale, mammoth-scale, opaque, translucent, transparent, functional, decorative, and created out of virtually any material! That mind-boggling versatility convinced her that there had to be a career in there somewhere.

IMA’s Business of Mosaic class cinched Kelley’s decision to make mosaics her second career, and helped narrow her focus to architectural applications. After a solid year of studying mosaic technique and installation with professionals across the U.S., in 2006 she founded her Seattle studio, Rivenworks Mosaics, from which she designs, fabricates and installs custom architectural mosaics for residential, commercial, and public art clients.

Kelley creates mosaics in many mediums for architectural clients, but in her personal work she returns again and again to glass for exploration and play. The visual (and literal) depth and light-handling properties of glass, as well as its seemingly limitless palette of colors, offer up endless possibilities for dimensional shenanigans. Out of those explorations Kelley has developed three signature glass mosaic techniques: Texture Field, which utilizes multiple textures of clear architectural glass to create a field of texture; Flat Stacking, in which multiple layers of translucent glass is stacked over itself on a mirrored or clear glass substrate, and Edge Stacking, in which glass strips of varying heights are set on edge.

Kelley’s fine art panels in stacked and textured glass have been accepted to national and international juried exhibitions, and many reside in private collections. She is an active member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists, and regularly teaches sessions on stacked and textured glass mosaic techniques.

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

  

  

Erin Pankratz-Smith

 

As a multi-disciplined artist, Erin Pankratz-Smith has spent nearly a decade developing her skills and creating a supportive community of colleagues. With a background in dance, following training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Erin went on to study at the Alberta College of Art and Design. Carving a new path in the visual arts, she established her own mosaic tile business supplying both education and materials to artists across North America.

 

Born in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Parnkratz-Smith has spent most of her life residing in northwestern Canada. Now married, with three children, Erin admits she has always been a highly visual individual, and sees mosaic as her current medium of expression. She considers art a practice that intersects every aspect of our existence, as a way of articulating the subjective human voice. Therefore, she expects that her art will continuously evolve, in both composition and subject.

 

Her most recent work “Everything Flows, Nothing Stands Still” celebrates the effect of color and the seasons, in particular the ever-present landscape of the North Saskatchewan River, which both bisects and connects the city of Edmonton. The juxtapositions of urban and rural, texture and atmosphere; all contribute to a dynamic interpretation of cultural and geographic diversity.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

   

 

SBSMA’s First  
“LADIES WHO MOSAIC”

6 friends came together for a fun 3 hour get together just to hang out and create mosaic art.  In that short but busy time they chose their colors and design and began nipping.  They used both Italian and Mexican smalti to create their fun and unique pieces.  They all went home with their own piece of mosaic art.  
 
If you would like to get a group of your friends together for a birthday party, bachelorette party or just for a fun and creative time, email Tami for details.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tami’s Latest Commission 


This piece was commissioned by a lovely family here in Santa Barbara.  It is titled “Swirling Sun”.  It was created on Hardiebacker board using high fire tile and glass fusions.  It was grouted using Spectra lock dazzle epoxy grout with gold glitter.  It will be mounted on a fire place chimney in the backyard using french cleats.  It measures 36″ diameter.
 

 

  

  

LAB
LAB is a great way to work on all your mosaic projects. For $20/hour you have access to the SBSMA studio, all adhesives, grout, tools and my guidance as well as not worrying about making or cleaning up your mess.
Email for more details or to reserve a time.

Private Lessons

If you would like to learn mosaic art but do not have the time or weekend availability now for $45/hour you can book a minimum of two hours with Tami privately to have the full undivided attention with access to the studio tools, adhesives and grout. 
Publicity


SBSMA Birthday Parties

Have your next child’s birthday party at SBSMA.  Any age, up to 12 kids.  Rates based on time and materials.  Call or email for more info. 

 
Gift Certificates 

Gift certificates are now available.  Any size amount towards classes, kits, tiles or other supplies.  What a great holiday or birthday gift.

 

 LAB punch card  

SBSMA LAB punch card.  For every 10 hours of LAB time you get the 11th hour free.  Students are loving their punch cards and getting their free hours. 

  

SBSMA Supply Store

 SBSMA has all your mosaic art supply needs. More new colors added to the tile collection as well as stained glass, Italian Smalti and Vitreous glass. There are new tools stocked up as well as nippers, files, adhesives and grouts.  Just added are Leponitt brand mosaic wheel nippers for $28.95. 

  

 

Sincerely,
Tami Macala
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
SAMA Like us on Facebook
Weekly LAB email blasts will now go out to inform you on days and times. 
Please email me if you would like to receive these emails
  tami@allcrackedupmosaics.com
 Feel free to tell your friends and family about us and “like” us

Posted in newsletters | Comments Off on 1305 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

1304 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

logo for Santa                                                Barbara school of mosaic                                                art

SANTA BARBARA SCHOOL OF MOSAIC ART


April 2013  
Greetings!

     Location, location, location.  That is the element that veteran business owners tell you is the key to a successful business.  As some of you may know and others of you will learn SBSMA will be changing locations as of June 1st.  

     Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art has always existed in an outdoor covered space in a wonderful backyard.  During all types of weather people have enjoyed this experience that they have called “intimate and relaxed”.  That same vibe will continue at the new SBSMA. There will now be a permanent indoor space as well.  The new location will be announced in the May newsletter so stay tuned.

 

     Meanwhile the schedule just keeps getting better and better.   SBSMA is very focused on having the best visiting artists come and teach their techniques and share their talents with students from all over.

     Just these last few weeks we have been fortunate enough to have Erin Pankratz-Smith teach “Everything Color”, then Laurie Mika’s “Mixed Media” and just this past weekend Carol Shelkin taught “Stained Glass portrait/image mosaics”.  If you missed them this time around they all plan to come back so stay tuned! 

      Check out the schedule below to see what interests you and where you would like to take your mosaic adventure!!

 

P.S.  Still have a few spots left for the Table Top workshop April 27th&28th…..that is a great workshop not to be missed!!

 

 

SOME OF THE FEATURED ARTISTS COMING TO SBSMA:

 

  • Mandala Pebble Mosaic with Deb Aldo, learn how to work with different size river rocks in creating a mandala.
  • “Fundamento” with Kelley Knickerbocker, learn how to make andamento (movement and flow) work in your mosaics.
  • Indirect mosaic with Betsy Gallery, learn how to make a traditional mosaic using marble and stone in the indirect(upside down) method. 
  • Beginner & Intermediate Tempered Glass with Susan Crocenzi, learn how to create a beautiful mosaic using crash glass, paints and colored grouts.

All these workshops and more can be found at  www.santabarbaraschoolofmosaicsart.com

   

 

 “Wide-awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true.”

~Lorentz Hart  

  

 

Schedule for upcoming workshops 


Workshop                                  Instructor               Date                               Fee

Table Top                                                      Tami Macala             Apr.27-28               $185+base
Stained Glass mosaics w/ mirror   Tami Macala             May 8-9                    $195
Pebble rock mosaics                               Deb Aldo                      June 6-7                   $300+$30mat.
Garden sphere/Boulder                      Tami Macala              June 29-30             $195+$40mat.
Everything Mosaics                                Tami Macala              July 18-19               $215+$20mat.
Mexican Smalti                                         Betsy Gallery              July 27-28              $210+$50mat.
Beginner Mosaic                                      Tami Macala              Aug. 3-4                   $165

  

 
 
 
 Visiting Artists Bio’s

Deb Aldo

Deb Aldo began making mosaics 1997. Her education and background in art and landscape architecture led her to work on large scale outdoor pebble and stone mosaic terraces, fountains and wall hangings. She has completed both interior and exterior works for residential and commercial clients such as hospitals, boutique hotels and restaurants. She has received numerous awards for her art and her work is currently on exhibit at SAMA Mosaic Arts International exhibiting at The Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA.

  

She learned her craft from Maggy Howarth, Sherri Warner Hunter, and countless other classes. She has spent time in Europe studying mosaics and taking immersive workshops but most of all spending time in the studio finding her own voice and path using stone and glass to create dimensional works. She has been teaching art for the last 22 years and travels across the North America teaching mosaics.

She is thrilled to be a visiting artist at Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art in June of 2013. She will be teaching a Mosaic Mandala class in her signature style that includes pebbles, stone, ceramic and glass. This class is suitable for all levels of ability. She will work with each participant directly to help you hone your cutting, fitting, material selections. Students participating in this two day workshop will leave with a mandala.

 

 

 

 

Betsy Gallery 

Betsy Gallery studied classical mosaic making in Ravenna and Venice, Italy, and modern mosaic techniques in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Her large mosaic murals are found throughout Santa Barbara. Her work is in collections from Madrid, Spain to Taipei, Taiwan. Betsy has published articles in The Groutline, the publication of SAMA (the Society of American Mosaic Artists), and has been the subject of interviews in the press and T.V.

Betsy has lived in West Africa, Spain and Costa Rica, picking up inspiration for her work from these cultures. Her current project is creating mosaics from children’s designs from Santa Barbara and East Cameroun, West Africa.

Betsy Gallery’s Mexican Smalti

  

  

Laurie Mika

Laurie Mika is a mixed-media artist with a passion for combining and overlapping a variety of mediums creating an original style of mixed-media mosaics using handmade polymer clay tile. Laurie’s background in painting is evident in her mixed-media works influenced by medieval and Renaissance art. The gilded devotional panels of the past become secular icons imbued with personal narratives. Art and folk traditions referenced in her work derive from her travels and experiences of living abroad, (East Africa). The highly embellished surfaces, including segments of text, form sumptuous tapestries of traditional and modern materials. Like a modern-day alchemist tinkering with the ancient art of mosaics, Laurie finds magic in combining disparate elements. Laurie shares her distinct style teaching at national and internationally recognized art retreats like

ArtFest, Art Unraveled, Art and Soul and Raevn’s Nest.

 She recently taught a workshop in Reims, France. Laurie is often on the move also teaching at venues across the States. Closer to home, Laurie participates in juried shows, teaches workshops and has her work in local galleries.

    

Laurie Mika’s Mixed Media

   

 

 

Carol Shelkin  

Carol Shelkin is a mosaic artist who creates fine art pieces for galleries,

homes, architectural and public settings internationally. It was made clear at a young age that Carol’s life would be centered upon her passion for creating and teaching art. Carol continued her studies at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Fleisher Art Memorial, and Philadelphia College of Art. She eventually opened an arts-nursery school/child care where she works today. Along with her school, Carol has been teaching a variety of art mediums to adults worldwide. Gathering community and making art is a special passion and she has worked with up to 600 students at one time to complete a public mosaic.

Carol, having a successful career in painting and pottery, has been accepting commissions with mosaic work as well as being invited to show her work worldwide. She has won many honors and awards including works at Ciel Gallery, N.C. with Maestro Giulio Menossi, Italy, honoring her mosaic. Her mosaic portrait, In A Village has been displayed at The Museum of Man, San Diego during Mosaic Arts International 2009 after one year of mosaic experience. She was invited to display another portrait Fabulous Hair during Mosaic Arts International 2010 at Smith Museum of Stained Glass, Chicago, Ill., and was honored again to have another portrait on exhibition at Mosaic Arts International 2011 in Austin, Texas.

The dominant influence on Carol’s work would be the simple joy of living. She is a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists, British Association of Mosaic Artists, Philadelphia Magic Gardens, Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia Art Museum and a Juried member of The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

 

   

Tami’s Latest Commission 


This piece was commissioned by a man wanting to have a scene representing the hills of Jerusalem that looked up to the “old temple”.  The river that runs through the hills represents the water which ends at a faucet that is used to wash hands while saying a prayer when entering the home.  
The materials used for this piece are Italian smalti, stone, marble and gold smalti.  It’s substrates are 1/4″ hardie backer screwed to 3/4″ marine board and mounted with french cleats.   It measures 5’x3′.

 

temple mosaic  

 

 

Student works from the Laurie Mika

Mixed Media workshop
 
  
Student works from the Carol Shelkin Stained glass portrait/image mosaic workshop
 
 
 
 
                                          

  

LAB
LAB is a great way to work on all your mosaic projects. For $20/hour you have access to the SBSMA studio, all adhesives, grout, tools and my guidance as well as not worrying about making or cleaning up your mess.
Email for more details or to reserve a time.

Private Lessons

If you would like to learn mosaic art but do not have the time or weekend availability now for $45/hour you can book a minimum of two hours with Tami privately to have the full undivided attention with access to the studio tools, adhesives and grout. 
Publicity


SBSMA Birthday Parties

Have your next child’s birthday party at SBSMA.  Any age, up to 12 kids.  Rates based on time and materials.  Call or email for more info. 

 
Gift Certificates 

Gift certificates are now available.  Any size amount towards classes, kits, tiles or other supplies.  What a great holiday or birthday gift.

 

 LAB punch card  

SBSMA LAB punch card.  For every 10 hours of LAB time you get the 11th hour free.  Students are loving their punch cards and getting their free hours. 

  

SBSMA Supply Store

 SBSMA has all your mosaic art supply needs. More new colors added to the tile collection as well as stained glass, Italian Smalti and Vitreous glass. There are new tools stocked up as well as nippers, files, adhesives and grouts.  Just added are Leponitt brand mosaic wheel nippers for $28.95. 

  

 

Sincerely,
Tami Macala
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
SAMA Like us on                                                          Facebook
Weekly LAB email blasts will now go out to inform you on days and times. 
Please email me if you would like to receive these emails
  tami@allcrackedupmosaics.com
 Feel free to tell your friends and family about us and “like” us

Posted in newsletters | Comments Off on 1304 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

1303 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

logo for Santa                                                Barbara school of mosaic                                                art

SANTA BARBARA SCHOOL OF MOSAIC ART


March 2013  
Greetings!

March is here and so much is happening here at SBSMA. 

 Erin Pankratz-Smith just finished a successful “Everything Color” workshop teaching students how to use color as an element of design.  She really gave students an opportunity to broaden their horizons and open up their creative sides to a new way of looking at mosaic art.  Check out the pictures below.

 Scientists say when we are creating art we use our right brain.  The side that visualizes the whole piece, while simultaneously putting all the parts together, i.e. the design, the colors, the shading and movement.  

Coming to SBSMA is a great way to exercise your right brain and let the left side, better known as the the analytical one, relax.  

There are great new workshops to explore here and allow your artistic side to open up and expand your horizons.  

Check out the list below as well as the visiting artists still to come…. 

 

 

 

THE FEATURED ARTISTS COMING TO SBSMA:

 

  • Mixed Media with Laurie Mika, learn to work with Polymer
    clay while creating a colorful and unique triptych piece
  • Realistic Mosaic Art in Stained Glass with Professional Artistic Techniques with Carol Shelkin, learn to use stained glass in a portrait or image using shading and tones. 
  • Pebble Mosaics with Deb Aldo, learn how to work with different size river rocks in creating a spiral or mandala.

All these workshops and more can be found at  www.santabarbaraschoolofmosaicsart.com

   

 

 “Wide-awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true.”

~Lorentz Hart  

  

 

Schedule for upcoming workshops 


Workshop                                  Instructor               Date                               Fee

Mixed Media                                             Laurie Mika                Mar. 23-24              $295+$20 mat.
Glass Mosaic Portraits or Images
                                                                           Carol Shelkin             Apr. 6-7                    $395 inc. mat.
Table Top                                                      Tami Macala             Apr.27-28               $185+base
Stained Glass mosaics in”A” day   Tami Macala              May 11                       $175
Pebble rock mosaics                               Deb Aldo                      June 6-7                   $300+$30mat.
Garden sphere/Boulder                      Tami Macala              June 29-30             $195+$40mat.
Everything Mosaics                                Tami Macala              July 20-21               $215+$20mat.
Mexican Smalti                                         Betsy Gallery              July 27-28              $210+$50mat.


VISITING ARTISTS BIO’S 

 

 

Betsy Gallery 

Betsy Gallery studied classical mosaic making in Ravenna and Venice, Italy, and modern mosaic techniques in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Her large mosaic murals are found throughout Santa Barbara. Her work is in collections from Madrid, Spain to Taipei, Taiwan. Betsy has published articles in The Groutline, the publication of SAMA (the Society of American Mosaic Artists), and has been the subject of interviews in the press and T.V.

Betsy has lived in West Africa, Spain and Costa Rica, picking up inspiration for her work from these cultures. Her current project is creating mosaics from children’s designs from Santa Barbara and East Cameroun, West Africa.

Betsy Gallery’s Mexican Smalti

 

 

Laurie Mika

Laurie Mika is a mixed-media artist with a passion for combining and overlapping a variety of mediums creating an original style of mixed-media mosaics using handmade polymer clay tile. Laurie’s background in painting is evident in her mixed-media works influenced by medieval and Renaissance art. The gilded devotional panels of the past become secular icons imbued with personal narratives. Art and folk traditions referenced in her work derive from her travels and experiences of living abroad, (East Africa). The highly embellished surfaces, including segments of text, form sumptuous tapestries of traditional and modern materials. Like a modern-day alchemist tinkering with the ancient art of mosaics, Laurie finds magic in combining disparate elements. Laurie shares her distinct style teaching at national and internationally recognized art retreats like

ArtFest, Art Unraveled, Art and Soul and Raevn’s Nest.

 She recently taught a workshop in Reims, France. Laurie is often on the move also teaching at venues across the States. Closer to home, Laurie participates in juried shows, teaches workshops and has her work in local galleries.

    

Laurie Mika’s Mixed Media

   

 

 

Carol Shelkin  

Carol Shelkin is a mosaic artist who creates fine art pieces for galleries,

homes, architectural and public settings internationally. It was made clear at a young age that Carol’s life would be centered upon her passion for creating and teaching art. Carol continued her studies at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Fleisher Art Memorial, and Philadelphia College of Art. She eventually opened an arts-nursery school/child care where she works today. Along with her school, Carol has been teaching a variety of art mediums to adults worldwide. Gathering community and making art is a special passion and she has worked with up to 600 students at one time to complete a public mosaic.

Carol, having a successful career in painting and pottery, has been accepting commissions with mosaic work as well as being invited to show her work worldwide. She has won many honors and awards including works at Ciel Gallery, N.C. with Maestro Giulio Menossi, Italy, honoring her mosaic. Her mosaic portrait, In A Village has been displayed at The Museum of Man, San Diego during Mosaic Arts International 2009 after one year of mosaic experience. She was invited to display another portrait Fabulous Hair during Mosaic Arts International 2010 at Smith Museum of Stained Glass, Chicago, Ill., and was honored again to have another portrait on exhibition at Mosaic Arts International 2011 in Austin, Texas.

The dominant influence on Carol’s work would be the simple joy of living. She is a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists, British Association of Mosaic Artists, Philadelphia Magic Gardens, Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia Art Museum and a Juried member of The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

 

   

Tami’s Latest Commission 


This piece was commissioned by a man wanting to have a scene representing the hills of Jerusalem that looked up to the “old temple”.  The river that runs through the hills represents the water which ends at a faucet that is used to wash hands while saying a prayer when entering the home.  
The materials used for this piece are Italian smalti, stone, marble and gold smalti.  It’s substrates are 1/4″ hardie backer screwed to 3/4″ marine board and mounted with french cleats.   It measures 5’x3′.

 

temple mosaic  

 

Student Works from the 

Everything Color workshop
 
 
 
Here are just a few examples of what was created with the tesserae from the choices above.
 

Erin Pankratz-Smith teaching her first Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art 
Everything Colour workshop!
 
                                          

  

LAB
LAB is a great way to work on all your mosaic projects. For $20/hour you have access to the SBSMA studio, all adhesives, grout, tools and my guidance as well as not worrying about making or cleaning up your mess.
Email for more details or to reserve a time.

Private Lessons

If you would like to learn mosaic art but do not have the time or weekend availability now for $45/hour you can book a minimum of two hours with Tami privately to have the full undivided attention with access to the studio tools, adhesives and grout. 
Publicity


SBSMA Birthday Parties

Have your next child’s birthday party at SBSMA.  Any age, up to 12 kids.  Rates based on time and materials.  Call or email for more info. 

 
Gift Certificates 

Gift certificates are now available.  Any size amount towards classes, kits, tiles or other supplies.  What a great holiday or birthday gift.

 

 LAB punch card  

SBSMA LAB punch card.  For every 10 hours of LAB time you get the 11th hour free.  Students are loving their punch cards and getting their free hours. 

  

SBSMA Supply Store

 SBSMA has all your mosaic art supply needs. More new colors added to the tile collection as well as stained glass, Italian Smalti and Vitreous glass. There are new tools stocked up as well as nippers, files, adhesives and grouts.  Just added are Leponitt brand mosaic wheel nippers for $28.95. 

  

 

Sincerely,
Tami Macala
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
SAMA Like us on                                                          Facebook
Weekly LAB email blasts will now go out to inform you on days and times. 
Please email me if you would like to receive these emails
  tami@allcrackedupmosaics.com
 Feel free to tell your friends and family about us and “like” us

Posted in newsletters | Comments Off on 1303 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

1302 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

logo for Santa                                                Barbara school of mosaic                                                art

SANTA BARBARA SCHOOL OF MOSAIC ART


February 2013  
Greetings!

Wow the new year has gone off with a bang!  New workshops, new students as well as returning ones, this year is going to be great.  

     As more and more people are coming to SBSMA and creating mosaic art, we are seeing how the students’ eye for art grows.  It is good to see that a student wants to learn the elements of art, such as balance, composition, contrasts in color, shading, gradation and more. 

     In a Beginner workshop students learn about the tools, tesserae (tile), fittings, adhesives and grout, then they have the confidence to move on to more advanced skills like listed above.

     The Table top and Garden sphere/Boulder workshop are great ways to advance those skills and create beautiful and functional art.

    The visiting artists here at SBSMA are great resources for learning these and even more advanced skills.  Having them here on the west coast is also a great advantage since most travel from at least 1000 miles or more to be here.

     If you have thought about advancing your mosaic skills and want to learn from some of the best teachers around the world this is your chance.  Check out the bios of the artists listed below or click here for

SBSMA schedule page

 

THE FEATURED ARTISTS COMING TO SBSMA:

 

  • Everything Color with Erin Pankratz-Smith, learn how to use color in shading, blocking and gradation
  • Mixed Media with Laurie Mika, learn to work with Polymer
    clay while creating a colorful and unique triptych piece
  • Realistic Mosaic Art in Stained Glass with Professional Artistic Techniques with Carol Shelkin, learn to use stained glass in a portrait or image using shading and tones. 
  • Pebble Mosaics with Deb Aldo, learn how to work with different size river rocks in creating a spiral or mandala.

All these workshops and more can be found at  www.santabarbaraschoolofmosaicsart.com

   

 

 “Wide-awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true.”

~Lorentz Hart  

  

 

Schedule for upcoming workshops 


Workshop                                  Instructor               Date                               Fee

Table Top                                                     Tami Macala                Feb. 16                      $185+base
Mexican Smalti                                        Betsy Gallery                Feb. 23-24              $210+$50 mat.
Everything Color                                     Erin Pankratz-Smith Mar. 9-10             $250+$30 mat.
Mixed Media                                             Laurie Mika                Mar. 23-24              $295+$20 mat.
Glass Mosaic Portraits or Images
                                                                           Carol Shelkin             Apr. 6-7                    $395 inc. mat.
Table Top                                                      Tami Macala             Apr.27-28               $185+base
Stained Glass mosaics in”A” day   Tami Macala              May 11                       $175
Pebble rock mosaics                               Deb Aldo                      June 6-7                   $300+$30mat.
Garden sphere/Boulder                      Tami Macala              June 29-30             $195+$40mat.


VISITING ARTISTS BIO’S 

 

 

Betsy Gallery 

Betsy Gallery studied classical mosaic making in Ravenna and Venice, Italy, and modern mosaic techniques in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Her large mosaic murals are found throughout Santa Barbara. Her work is in collections from Madrid, Spain to Taipei, Taiwan. Betsy has published articles in The Groutline, the publication of SAMA (the Society of American Mosaic Artists), and has been the subject of interviews in the press and T.V.

Betsy has lived in West Africa, Spain and Costa Rica, picking up inspiration for her work from these cultures. Her current project is creating mosaics from children’s designs from Santa Barbara and East Cameroun, West Africa.

Betsy Gallery’s Mexican Smalti

 

 

Laurie Mika

Laurie Mika is a mixed-media artist with a passion for combining and overlapping a variety of mediums creating an original style of mixed-media mosaics using handmade polymer clay tile. Laurie’s background in painting is evident in her mixed-media works influenced by medieval and Renaissance art. The gilded devotional panels of the past become secular icons imbued with personal narratives. Art and folk traditions referenced in her work derive from her travels and experiences of living abroad, (East Africa). The highly embellished surfaces, including segments of text, form sumptuous tapestries of traditional and modern materials. Like a modern-day alchemist tinkering with the ancient art of mosaics, Laurie finds magic in combining disparate elements. Laurie shares her distinct style teaching at national and internationally recognized art retreats like

ArtFest, Art Unraveled, Art and Soul and Raevn’s Nest.

 She recently taught a workshop in Reims, France. Laurie is often on the move also teaching at venues across the States. Closer to home, Laurie participates in juried shows, teaches workshops and has her work in local galleries.

    

Laurie Mika’s Mixed Media

 

Erin Pankratz-Smith

 

As a multi-disciplined artist, Erin Pankratz-Smith has spent nearly a decade developing her skills and creating a supportive community of colleagues. With a background in dance, following training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Erin went on to study at the Alberta College of Art and Design. Carving a new path in the visual arts, she established her own mosaic tile business supplying both education and materials to artists across North America.
 

Born in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Parnkratz-Smith has spent most of her life residing in northwestern Canada. Now married, with three children, Erin admits she has always been a highly visual individual, and sees mosaic as her current medium of expression. She considers art a practice that intersects every aspect of our existence, as a way of articulating the subjective human voice. Therefore, she expects that her art will continuously evolve, in both composition and subject.

 

Her most recent work “Everything Flows, Nothing Stands Still” celebrates the effect of color and the seasons, in particular the ever-present landscape of the North Saskatchewan River, which both bisects and connects the city of Edmonton. The juxtapositions of urban and rural, texture and atmosphere; all contribute to a dynamic interpretation of cultural and geographic diversity.

  

   

Erin Pankratz-Smith’s Everything Color     

 

 

Carol Shelkin  

Carol Shelkin is a mosaic artist who creates fine art pieces for galleries,

homes, architectural and public settings internationally. It was made clear at a young age that Carol’s life would be centered upon her passion for creating and teaching art. Carol continued her studies at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Fleisher Art Memorial, and Philadelphia College of Art. She eventually opened an arts-nursery school/child care where she works today. Along with her school, Carol has been teaching a variety of art mediums to adults worldwide. Gathering community and making art is a special passion and she has worked with up to 600 students at one time to complete a public mosaic.

Carol, having a successful career in painting and pottery, has been accepting commissions with mosaic work as well as being invited to show her work worldwide. She has won many honors and awards including works at Ciel Gallery, N.C. with Maestro Giulio Menossi, Italy, honoring her mosaic. Her mosaic portrait, In A Village has been displayed at The Museum of Man, San Diego during Mosaic Arts International 2009 after one year of mosaic experience. She was invited to display another portrait Fabulous Hair during Mosaic Arts International 2010 at Smith Museum of Stained Glass, Chicago, Ill., and was honored again to have another portrait on exhibition at Mosaic Arts International 2011 in Austin, Texas.

The dominant influence on Carol’s work would be the simple joy of living. She is a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists, British Association of Mosaic Artists, Philadelphia Magic Gardens, Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia Art Museum and a Juried member of The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

 

   

Tami’s Latest Commission 


This piece was commissioned by a man wanting to have a scene representing the hills of Jerusalem that looked up to the “old temple”.  The river that runs through the hills represents the water which ends at a faucet that is used to wash hands while saying a prayer when entering the home.  
The materials used for this piece are Italian smalti, stone, marble and gold smalti.  It’s substrates are 1/4″ hardie backer screwed to 3/4″ marine board and mounted with french cleats.   It measures 5’x3′.

 

temple mosaic  

 

Student Works

Koi fish boulder in process
 
                                               Garden Sphere in process
Tile lizard on boulder

  

LAB
LAB is a great way to work on all your mosaic projects. For $20/hour you have access to the SBSMA studio, all adhesives, grout, tools and my guidance as well as not worrying about making or cleaning up your mess.
Email for more details or to reserve a time.

Private Lessons

If you would like to learn mosaic art but do not have the time or weekend availability now for $45/hour you can book a minimum of two hours with Tami privately to have the full undivided attention with access to the studio tools, adhesives and grout. 
Publicity


SBSMA Birthday Parties

Have your next child’s birthday party at SBSMA.  Any age, up to 12 kids.  Rates based on time and materials.  Call or email for more info. 

 
Gift Certificates 

Gift certificates are now available.  Any size amount towards classes, kits, tiles or other supplies.  What a great holiday or birthday gift.

 

 LAB punch card  

SBSMA LAB punch card.  For every 10 hours of LAB time you get the 11th hour free.  Students are loving their punch cards and getting their free hours. 

  

SBSMA Supply Store

 SBSMA has all your mosaic art supply needs. More new colors added to the tile collection as well as stained glass, Italian Smalti and Vitreous glass. There are new tools stocked up as well as nippers, files, adhesives and grouts.  Just added are Leponitt brand mosaic wheel nippers for $28.95. 

  

 

Sincerely,
Tami Macala
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
SAMA Like us on                                                          Facebook
Weekly LAB email blasts will now go out to inform you on days and times. 
Please email me if you would like to receive these emails
  tami@allcrackedupmosaics.com
 Feel free to tell your friends and family about us and “like” us

Posted in newsletters | Comments Off on 1302 News from Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art