This interdisciplinary class will explore the art and art history of mosaics . An ancient art that combines practicality with beauty, the mosaic medium is currently having a renaissance as contemporary artists explore its emergence as a sustainable medium that often uses recycled materials.  It is also a functional art form that is often used in architectural design and in outdoor sites. In studying the history of mosaics, we will concentrate on three eras when mosaic art flourished: the classical, Byzantine and medieval periods; the Arts and Crafts Movement and the Art Nouveau style that grew out of it; and contemporary mosaics.

Students will be guided in a process for making both two-dimensional and three-dimensional mosaic artworks and will also have writing projects, research assignments, and workshops to help them to more critically write about and talk about art. Projects ideas will grow out of studying the history of mosaics. Critique/analysis sessions will emphasize using design principles to make more compelling artworks.  

Guiding questions: Why does writing about and reflecting on your art production enhance the learning process? Why is it valuable to integrate the practice of studio art with the study of art history?