Venetian Mirror Frame                                                March 23,25,30; 6-9PM; $85
Learn to create dynamic patterns from millefiori and textured glass as practiced by Italian artists and the inimitable Laurel Skye, whose work is shown above. This class will follow Laurel's style as shown in her new book, Mosaic Renaissance, and will be applicable for frames, trivets, or mosaic tapestry work. All materials provided, and one studio evening (March 30) is included in the cost.

Beginning Mosaic                                                     Saturday, March 27, 10-4, $70
Learn the basics of vocabulary, technique, proper usage of tools and adhesives, preparation of surfaces, color selection, cutting, and grouting. All materials provided for one 10” mirror frame or similar project. Grouting will take place on a second date decided by students.     

Mosaic Swirls: Color Blending!                              Saturday, April 10, 10-4, $80
We'll use handmade substrates (provided) in a swirl design suitable for garden (exterior) or home display. This class will focus on color combinations and blending from one color to the next for pleasing and whimsical impact. Finished pieces can be hung on a garden wall or used as sundials. We'll grout during an additional session using multi-colored grouts. All materials will be provided.

Celebrate Spring! Millefiori Pendants        Tuesday, April 13, 6-8:30PM, $30
Wear your art! This fun and relaxing class is as much about camaraderie and playing with bits of color as it is about learning something new. Pick up a sandwich across the street, grab a bottle of something cool, and come play. This class will use millefiori (thousand flowers), a patterned glass handmade in Venice. Suitable for all levels, including children. Cost includes all materials for two pendants.

Garden Mosaics: Peas in a Pod & Carrot Queens     Saturday, May 1&8, $95
Go whimsical or looks-real-enough-to-eat as we create our own substrates and then mosaic almost-edible fantastical fruits and veggies for living room bowls or garden delights. The first class (10:00-1:00) will focus on forming our substrates, and the second (10:00-Until) on fanciful mosaic work. We'll use both glass and a variety of fun goodies for color and texture. This class is suitable for all levels. Materials provided.

Listen to the Rocks with Sophie Drouin                                     May 21-23, $335
This workshop will familiarize students with the use and cleaving properties of marble as well as varied minerals and stones (including a sample of the State stones of North Carolina) offered by www.MosaicRocks.com using hammer and hardie. We'll explore designs in abstract form, using the properties of selected stones as inspiration and influence. We'll also explore the use of classical andamento along with lesser known variations applicable to modern expressions in new designs and forms. Above all this class is meant to encourage freedom of artistic expression using non-traditional mosaic material. Sophie is a second generation mosaic artist from Ontario, Canada trained in the Modern Italian style. Her work can be seen in galleries and private residences in Canada, the US, Europe and Australia. She enjoys the diversity of mosaic possibilities when both teaching and creating, and particularly likes to innovate using both traditional and unique materials and textures, from marble to raw minerals, metallic elements and dimensional accents. This class will include an introductory evening session on Friday, and continue all day Saturday and Sunday. To see more of Sophie's work, visit her website at www.sophiemosaics.com. This is a rare opportunity to train with Sophie in the Southeast! Due to the cost of materials and airfare, 1/2 payment is required with registration, and is non-refundable after April 15. All registrations received before March 31 receive a $15 discount.

Mosaic Portrait Intensive w/Carol Shelkin   Jan. 15-17, 2011, All Day; $295
This class, suitable for all levels, will use traditional and non-traditional mosaic techniques to study facial structure, cross-contouring, highlights, shading, gradation and cast shadows. You'll learn how to "see" a face, how to mix glass values and hues to define planes, and to use color most effectively, with ample one-on-one instruction. Students will work from photographs to create a realistic 11" x 14" mosaic using the luscious color combinations for which Carol is known. We'll also discuss glues, substrates, tesserae and flow of glass with natural facial planes. All supplies will be provided for this class; however, feel free to bring favorite tools or tesserae. A lifelong artist, Carol Shelkin's recent move to mosaics has already won recognition, most recently as a juried participant in Mosaic Arts International 2009 at the Museum of Man, San Diego and 2010 at Smith Museum of Stained Glass, Chicago. Carol's work can be seen here.         

Texture in Mosaic                                                                                         TBA; $85
Inspired by Ciel's Winter Whites exhibition, this workshop will feature work in monotone, allowing texture to create interest rather than color. We'll work with whites and silvers using personal or supplied designs. I'll provide varied tesserae for experimentation with multiple materials, but students will receive a list of suggestions for personalizing your pieces with materials brought from home. Fee includes one studio session if needed.

Precision Cutting                                                                                          TBA; $70
This class will focus on curves and special shapes, and concentrates on laying and flow as much as cutting. Students will complete a 6” square mosaic with supplied curvilicious design. All materials included. Leponitt nippers will be on sale for $25 if you’d like a pair of your own. Instruction will be given in the Saturday class, with time in the second class for completion and grouting, if ready. Second class is optional.

Studio Evenings                                                         Tuesday, 3/30; 6-9PM; $10
Tired of working alone? Bring your unfinished pieces and we’ll provide support, ideas, and good music. Bring your own materials and libations, and we’ll have tools and adhesives on hand. Pre-registration Required; email pam@cielcharlotte.com.

Please pre-register for any course by emailing pam@cielcharlotte.com. Payment in full will be due one week before class begins, and workshops with visiting artists require a non-refundable deposit as specified. Checks can be mailed to Ciel Gallery, 1519 Camden Road, Charlotte, NC  28203.