Mosaic is one of the most enduring artistic traditions of the ancient world, developed by the Greeks and refined through the Byzantine and Romanesque periods as a medium for both sacred and decorative art. Used to adorn architectural surfaces and furnishings, mosaics were composed of marble, ceramic tile, semi-precious stone, and smalti—materials valued for their luminosity, durability, and expressive range. Resistant to water, light, and temperature, mosaic remains a lasting medium for visual storytelling across cultures.

In this weeklong course, participants will receive guided instruction in every stage of the mosaic-making process. From initial cartoon drawing through cutting, setting, and final installation, students will create their own 12" x 12" mosaic panel using time-honored methods and historically grounded techniques. Core materials will be provided; students are asked to bring their own basic tools.

Vladimir Aituganov is an internationally recognized master of mosaic and painting. Born and classically trained in Russia, he immigrated to the United States in 1991, where he later established his studio and became an American citizen.

His mosaic murals (commissioned for Orthodox churches) have received the rare distinction of being declared Russian Icons.

His work is represented in both private and public collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Paterson Museum in New Jersey, and the Russian Mission to the United Nations.

Aituganov has exhibited extensively across the United States and Europe and continues to be a leading figure in the preservation and advancement of ecclesiastical mosaic tradition.

SUPPLY LIST:

• Tile nippers
• Tweezers
• Needle Point Awl
• Latex gloves4-5 plastic cups (12 oz ea.)
• Diamond shape palette knife
• #10Putty knife
• 9”x12” drawing pad
• Regular pencils
• Apron