I am in love with mosaics. From the time I majored in Ceramics in college, I have been inspired by all of those tiny little bits of material that can be arranged to create a finished piece, full of movement and texture, that seemingly takes on a life of its own.
Ariel Finelt Shoemaker corporate mosaic piece
Recently I was virtually introduced to mosaic artist Ariel Finelt Shoemaker, by Mia from Pragmatic Mom. Mia had the opportunity to visit Ariel’s studio and have a chat with her, and I found out that she had taught a 10-day class to kids on mosaics, with phenomenal results.
I wanted to learn a bit more about this, because I feel like kids aren’t usually given the opportunity to focus on 1 project for an extended period of time, and it’s a great exercise in FOCUS. Kids are so used to whipping out art projects in a few hurried school periods that they don’t really follow through on taking ownership of a big project from planning to hours of work, to a large finished product.
From Ariel:
In those 10 days, I taught a curriculum that I wrote called Mosaics Through the Lens of Chuck Close. The children ultimately completed a 9 sq foot self portrait using mosaic glass that I provided and taught the kids how to use. Amazing results. The kids used the “art works” as table tops, wall hangings, back drops in the pool area at their homes, etc. Very cool project.
Ariel is a MA-based mosaic artist, and she focuses on custom home and corporate pieces now. Please visit her site and take a look through her portfolio page to get an idea of her other pieces – she can ship her gorgeous work worldwide.
Mia did a great write-up on Ariel on her local Newton, MA blog, I Love Newton. Click on over to see more mosaic pieces and learn a little more about Ariel.
*****
My daughter loved playing with this magnetic mosaic toy when she was younger. Ages 4-8
This Melissa and Doug mosaic-by-number kit would be great for kids a little older. Ages 6-14
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Wow I love the way those mosiacs turned out! I’m sure they filled the kids with a great sense of accomplishment when they finished. I do agree witb you that a longer project is a good idea for children to take part in and this worksbop sounds great.
Lydia recently posted…Early Morning Marble Run
Aren’t they wonderful? I’m completely impressed by this project!
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…Sharpie Shoes
Those mosaics of the kids are so cool!
Yeah! I love ‘em. What an amazing project.
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…Color Wheels Are Not For Driving
Ariel is amazing and those mosaic self portraits by kids are mind blowing! I wish my kids had an opportunity to do this!
PragmaticMom recently posted…Gift Guide: Best Active Toys
Oh, me too. This is one of those experiences those kids will never forget.
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…Impromptu Leaf Creations
Such lovely pieces! What a creative outlet for the kids!
Winnie recently posted…So Thankful For You, Babci
It’s a pretty great opportunity for them- aren’t they just beautiful?
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…Sharpie Shoes
Those are awesome! Popped in from SITS!
Blond Duck recently posted…Iris 5
Hi! Thanks for visiting.
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…Spooky Charcoal Drawing Project
This is a great idea! You most definitely have some wonderful ideas for when my children are a bit older. I am going to start following you so that I can bookmark some of your ideas for a later date!