Intensive Mosaic Workshop in Istanbul, Turkey
June 27-July 1, 2012

FULL! (Email to get on the waiing list)

For information on the one-day class in Istanbul, click here.

Join Sonia for an intensive mosaic workshop in Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia, a city rich with both Byzantine and Roman mosaics. Our studio, located in a historic 16th century building (now a cultural center), is just steps from Hagia Sophia and the Great Palace Mosaic Museum. This will be a rare opportunity to enhance your mosaic skills in an inspiring and stimulating environment, surrounded by history.

The class will explore texture, opus and reflectivity working direct into cement-based adhesive. Technically there will be extensive inquiry into cutting techniques, methods of laying and broadening your skill set. Focus will be given to style development and individual expression. Most importantly, you'll leave the workshop with an elevated sense of what mosaic is about, a new way of thinking about your work and the knowledge to enable you to push to the next level. Some prior mosaic experience is recommended.

Istanbul has a wealth of ancient mosaics and we’ll take full advantage of the opportunity to study and be inspired. We’ll see Byzantine mosaics at the Kariye Camii, Hagia Sophia and the Fethiye Camii and charming Roman mosaics at the Great Palace Mosaic Museum. Plus there’ll be optional visits to the dramatic Sunken Palace Cistern (Yerebatan Saray), the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market for a little shopping. And on the last night, we’ll celebrate while dining on Turkish specialties at a wonderful restaurant.

The course fee includes:
• The ‘get acquainted dinner’ at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Golden Horn and the Bosporus.
• Individual instruction/coaching by Sonia, structured to meet each participant’s experience level and goals.
• Group discussions on the art of mosaic, cutting techniques, ergonomics, technical issues, the business of art, critical thinking and problem-solving strategies for design/implementation and more.
• Substrate, adhesive, marble and a hammer/hardie to use. Bring your own hand tools. Participants will also need to bring additional materials to work with, such as glass, unglazed ceramic, smalti, beads, found objects, etc. More information on recommended tools and materials will be supplied.
• Visits with Sonia to Kariye Camii, Hagia Sophia, Fethiye Camii and the Great Palace Mosaic Museum.
• Closing night dinner party at a superb restaurant.

Our classroom is located in the Sultanhamet, the historic center of Istanbul, so there are lots of hotel choices in all price ranges within easy walking distance. Class members will be sent a list of possible hotels, including where Sonia is staying. The get-acquainted dinner will be the evening of June 26th. Class will be June 27 to July 1st with the closing night party on the evening of the 1st. On other evenings we’ll chose from the wide variety of good restaurants in the area.

Space is limited so early registration is recommended. Class cost is US $2,275. Eight participants are required for the class to be held. Maximum class size is twelve – no exceptions. Deposit of $500 is required on booking and the class will fill on a first-come, first-in basis. Balance of the fee is due by February 1, 2012, allowing ample time for everyone to book air tickets. Deposit fully refundable by Feb 1. All money is refundable after that date as long as the opening fills from the waitlist. (Money transfer fees may be deducted from refunds.)

Please direct inquiries and space availability questions to Sonia.

See images from the 2010 workshop in Istanbul!

Click here for a flyer in PDF format for printing

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