Abstract
The Mosaic Workshop is an artist-led open studio space at Something Cool Studios in the heart of East Austin which endeavors to teach the process of public art from concept to completion through inclusive hands-on mosaic and mural painting projects of monumental scale. Through free, by donation, and low-cost sessions, lessons, discussions and workshops, community member participants are able to engage with their creative side in a safe space to gain more confidence in themselves and their abilities as artists and as part of a team. Working collaboratively with professional artists, volunteers, and neighbors, workshop participants democratically develop a concept and follow through to fabrication and installation of a truly grassroots public art project. Galvanized as community members and inspired as creative beings, we see this artistic process and hands-on education through team building as an integral ingredient toward the goal of forging an equal, just, empathetic, and compassionate society. Creating an environment where healing historic wounds of social inequality through the installation of representative public artworks may take place, all the while hosting a regular gathering space and creative hub for a plethora of opportunities and events can create a sense of connection and belonging where perhaps such a neighborly bond had been lost. And finally, through art and direct engagement out in the street, projects may encourage participants in the community to positively take ownership of their neighborhood through effective visual messaging in a professional way.
Presenters
Jonathan MuzaczFounder / Owner / Artist, The Mosaic Workshop / Give One Studio, Texas, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Public Art, Education, Mosaic, Mural, Community, Society, Workshop, Studio, Austin
