Mosaic class: A time for family bonding

What could be more fun than creating a mosaic with your mother while you drink tea and nibble on refreshments?

Award-winning mosaic artist, Jennifer Iams-McGuire, is teaching an afternoon workshop at her studio on Mother's Day that can prove to be a bonding experience with you and mom or you and your child. Project wise, the choice is wide: stepping stones, flower pots, framed mirrors, house numbers, wall hangings, trivets - to name a few. Participants are invited to bring any of their own supplies to work with, such as a favorite dish that broke, something from a yard sale or used tiles they want to recycle. Indeed, Iams-McGuire says, "We use lots of different materials, often recycling and reusing items that would otherwise be landfill."

The artist, like her daughter in the picture, has a good sense of humor. In her series of 3D-mosaic sculptures that have food as a theme, she has created a giant teabag, 250 times life-size and a giant toaster made of mirror glass and ceramic tile. The latter was a prize winner in last year's seventh annual juried mosaic show put on by the Society of American Mosaic Artists' (SAMA) in Florida.

"Quite a few mothers and daughters take my workshops," the artist says. "Sons and dads are welcome too. It's a fun activity to do together. There will be delicious Scottish shortbread cookies - the old family recipe - to nibble and tea to sip as we nip tiles."

- The Union staff

KNOW & GO

WHAT: Mother's Day Mosaic Workshop: Tea, Cookies and Mosaics

WHEN: Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

WHERE: Mosaic Garden, 13222 Hidden Valley Rd. Grass Valley
ADMISSION: $69 with all materials and tools provided. Adults may bring their mothers for free. Children (5-18) with mom get in half price. Reservations area required.

INFORMATION:

(530) 271-7038 or jen@mosaicgarden.org; www.mosaicgarden.org