Many moons ago I lived in New Jersey and commuted into the Big Apple to work. During my lunch hour, I would burst out of my office to hoof around and see the sights in the Lower East and West Sides. These funkier/bohemian sections of the city were home to many razzle-dazzle mosaic installations—broken bits of colored glass and mirror designs embedded in the sidewalks and walls. I was taken by their whimsicality, brightening up expanses of concrete that otherwise would have been just more dingy urban landscape. I was certain I had to try my hand at this art medium. Although it took several years and a move to Columbia to make it happen, I did finally get around to it with the help of a short course at the Columbia Area Career Center and inspiration from a super selection of books available at the library.
This decorative medium lends itself well to both outdoor and indoor projects, from stepping stones for a garden to a frame for a mirror or a backsplash for a kitchen or bathroom, just to name a few. If you are interested in taking a class in mosaic-making, Village Glass Works will be offering a class in August. Besides adding beauty to your surroundings, you’ll have the satisfaction of designing and making something with your own hands. Enjoy!
