Ever have one of those days where it feels like things are falling apart and you can’t keep it together? Wouldn’t it be nice to take all those broken pieces and arrange them into a lovely and meaningful work of art?
Such is the concept behind Seattle Mosaic Arts, a studio on 46th between Stone and Interlake filled with rows and rows of jars of broken glass in intriguing colors, shapes and textures. You begin by laying out the pieces on sticky contact paper, covering them with tile tape and then attaching them with cement to a base layer. Like magic the shards of glass form glorious, unique patterns.
Claire Barnett is a Wallingford resident and the studio’s owner. She feels mosaic is very accessible for beginners but also lends itself to very intricate, highly artistic projects. “Mosaic is forgiving, it always looks good. You can make practical things beautiful, and explore your creative side in a supportive environment”. She showed me gorgeous garden stones, mirrors, platters and house numbers. For the more ambitious, you can cover almost anything, such as tables or even kitchen counter tops, with mosaic designs.
Claire came to do mosaic during a period of profound bereavement and it grew into something she did regularly with friends and family in her home until she outgrew that space and opened the studio. Her “day job” is as a family physician so their hours are Friday through Monday. You can try individual projects, or become a member for $35 a month which allows you to drop in and work on anything you want using their tools, equipment and storage. They also host group events and hold classes.
Aren’t we lucky here in Wallingford to be able to take broken fragments and turn them into lasting beauty?
As a professional mosaic artist myself (www.rivenworksmosaics.com), I’m loving the idea of an accessible mosaic creation space in Wallingford. Such a wonderful way to spread the mosaic love. Claire is a lovely person and the Seattle Mosaic Arts space has a wonderful relaxed, welcoming energy. Great place to play, learn, and create.
Is it kid friendly?
Because of safety concerns over the cutting of the glass, they have an age restriction of 12 and up most of the time, but they set up a kid-friendly environment the 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month from 10-12. They also have take-home kits and birthday party options.