Mosaic Workshop

Our mosaic work is mainly made onto plywood, cut into our required shapes from design work, or applied to furniture and household items such as tables, mirror frames, plant pots etc.

We either use glass tesserae that we buy in or donated tiles and crockery. The process involves creative design, application of tiles using glue, grouting with tile cement and finishing (painting, varnishing and addition of fittings).

Artmakers are facilitated to work on all or parts of the process, depending upon level of ability, likes and dislikes. The workshop leader, assistants and volunteers work alongside Artmakers to assist with this.

Alongside the production of mosaic we also encourage the production of drawings, paintings and relief artwork. We work across workshops to produce bodies of work in different materials.

Weekly Structure: Each week, we follow a consistent yet flexible structure.

Physical movement

Fine motor skills

Coordination

Cognitive skills

Improves confidence

Reduces stress

Improves mood

Improves mental agility

Improves memory

Improves self confidence

Improves focus

The art we create, on the whole allows people to concentrate thus generating a quiet and calm atmosphere. It is a good workshop for those who seek quiet and to become engrossed in their work.

Artmakers are supportive of one another and interested in each others work. Interest is shown by each person working on individual projects. It is a person centred approach with much importance on the art originating from the individual and not being imposed upon them thus promoting self worth.

We also work on group projects to enhance communication skills and improve working in environments with others.

Artwork produced is from an Artmaker’s own design work. Artmakers are encouraged to choose, locate and prepare their own materials.

Artmakers can work on their own ideas linking into the centre themes throughout the year or choose to work on projects personal to them from their own interests.

We use a range of communication methods such as; verbal, Makaton, finger spelling and visual communication and expression through art.

The workshop helps people to relax, enjoy art and each other’s company. There is a unique feel to each session because of the particular mix of people and Artmakers learn to respect and help each other through the process of making art. Particular Artmaker produce work that helps inspire others to create. Artmakers feel a sense of achievement by finishing a work that then is exhibited or sold.

Artmakers have said it is nice to have a big inviting room to create art in and that the atmosphere inspires them to create. That it is good to work with others and not in isolation. They said it is generally calm and peaceful and that learning new techniques is fun and that they like it when their art is linked to the wider world (by having the chance to exhibit and by working together at the centre).