You are invited to free mosaic tile workshops every Wednesday at 3-5p.m. from July 10th to August 24th. Art for Rural America (AFRA) welcomes individuals of any age or art ability to stop by the Fassett GreenSpace (55 N. Main St, Wellsville) and help make tiles for a mosaic project. AFRA, a nonprofit organization, was awarded funds by the Tri County Arts Council for a community-created 3’x5’ mosaic that will be placed at the entrance of their public garden in Wellsville. Because of the grant, children and adult community members can work together to create a long-term art installation under the guidance of local ceramic artist, Alex Minnick. Minnick is an experienced tile maker and was the project manager for the mosaic that was installed at the Wellsville Creative Arts Center in 2017.
At these work sessions, participants will prepare clay, glaze pieces, and assemble the mosaic as a team. Regular attendance is not necessary so feel free to stop by anytime from 3-5pm to say hello and make a few tiles. The design of the mosaic incorporates over 150 small vegetables and many green tiles to fit with the Fassett GreenSpace’s theme of healthy living. The design also incorporates historical materials from the Fassett Hotel, such as keys pressed into clay, old brick pieces, and other artifacts.
The Wellsville Creative Art Center will host the workshops during days with inclement weather. The art center is generously helping to propel this project forward by providing multiple glazes, storing the tiles made during these workshops, and firing them in their kilns. Many ceramic artists at Wellsville Creative Art Center will also create tiles for the work, but there are no clay skills necessary to participate. If you are interested in a fun summer activity for the family, have experience with clay, or anywhere in-between, this project is for you.