Spring was a season of creativity, learning, and artistic growth at Piece by Piece as participants explored new materials, techniques, and artistic concepts through our mosaic and fused glass classes.
We were grateful to welcome an outstanding team of instructors this quarter, including longtime Piece by Piece teaching artists Luz Mack Durini, Dawn Mendelson, Julie Williams, Ellen Dinerman, Betty Rosen, and Bea Jones. Their expertise, encouragement, and commitment to our artists helped create an engaging and supportive learning environment where participants could develop both technical skills and creative confidence.
We were also fortunate to have Carmen Flores leading our Friday fused glass classes and Wendy Viscarra teaching workshops for veterans at the West Los Angeles VA. Together, these talented artists shared a wealth of knowledge and introduced participants to new materials, processes, and ways of thinking about their work.
Throughout the quarter, artists created a wide variety of projects including birdbaths, mosaic murals, animals, geometric designs, and personal works inspired by nature and community. Participants worked with both glass and tile while experimenting with new techniques and artistic approaches under the guidance of our exceptional instructors.
A special thank you goes to Dawn Mendelson, who continues to play a key role in shaping Piece by Piece's educational offerings. Dawn developed this year's curriculum and class schedule, ensuring participants have opportunities to build skills progressively while exploring new artistic challenges and creative possibilities.
Our Directed Studies workshops are designed to focus on specific mosaic skills and artistic concepts. Classes explore topics such as cutting techniques, andamento, color theory, design principles, and material selection. Through presentations, demonstrations, and slide shows, participants are introduced to new artists, ideas, and techniques that inspire creativity and encourage artistic exploration.
Each artist works on individual projects while receiving guidance tailored to their goals and skill level. Whether creating a personal mosaic, developing a portfolio piece, or working toward completion of Piece by Piece's Certificate Program, participants are encouraged to strengthen both their technical abilities and artistic voice.
For many artists, the journey begins in our Beginning Mosaics class held Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. These thoughtfully structured workshops provide a welcoming introduction to mosaic art, teaching foundational skills while fostering creativity, confidence, and wellness. Participants learn everything from basic cutting techniques and adhesive application to design development and artistic expression, all within a supportive community of peers and instructors.
At Piece by Piece, our classes are about more than learning how to create mosaics. They provide opportunities for connection, personal growth, artistic exploration, and healing through creativity. As we reflect on a successful spring quarter, we are grateful for the instructors, visiting artists, and participants who make our studio such a vibrant and inspiring place to learn.
We look forward to seeing what our artists create next. If you or someone you know is interested in joining Piece by Piece's free mosaic arts classes, you can learn more on our website.