Great Basin Community College
Syllabus
Art 299-Advanced Mosaics
Instructor: Kim Rust
Fall Semester: 2007
Course Location: Room 13, Winnemucca Junior High
Tuesday-7:00-9:45 p.m.
Phone: 623-8120 (Work- Leave message) 623-1130 (Home-please call before
9:00 p.m.)
Email: krust@humboldt.k12.nv.us
Course Purpose and Goals
A.
Course Description
Students will develop an appreciation of Mosaic Art through the introduction
of the historical development of mosaics throughout the world. Students will
also learn vocabulary and various techniques used in mosaics through the
application of studio projects.
B.
Course Objectives: (List specific statements that summarize what a
student should achieve to complete the course successfully.)
The student will be able to:
A.
Explain the organizing principles of art.
B.
Analyze a mosaic work.
C.
Identify the major mosaic styles.
D.
Discuss various techniques and applications used for different
environmental conditions.
E.
Utilize art terminology for the evaluation of mosaics.
F.
Identify major art periods in the history of mosaics.
G.
Compare and contrast the working methods of major artists.
C.
Student Outcomes:
Have a working knowledge of mosaics and the history of mosaics that will be
demonstrated through critical thinking and discussion.
Be conversant and demonstrate basic artistic vocabulary and visual literacy
through exploration of mosaics.
The student will also learn themes and purposes of art and how to formally
analyze a work art through the elements of composition.
Understand and apply the principles and elements of design through the
completion of mosaic projects.
Demonstrate understanding of the history of mosaics through mosaic
projects.
D.
Measurement of Student outcomes:
Student presentation of mosaic projects with a demonstration and
explanation of chosen mosaic style.
Student led critiques of completed projects.
Student will complete assignments based on the principles and elements of
design while exploring various mosaic styles.
Grading Policy
50%-Attendance-It is important to be present for the various media
demonstrations
50%-Final Project
The final project is due the last day of the semester. You will choose mosaic
technique discussed in class and create a mosaic design. You will be required
to describe the chosen technique and how it is used in your project.
Supplies:
1-2 bottles of Weldbond Glue (Brown’s hardware and Reliable carry this glue.)
Protective eyewear
Latex gloves for grouting
Glass wine or similar type of bottle and votive that will fit inside bottle base-I will
cut bottles in class
Seed Beads-These are very small beads that we will use in place of a traditional
grout application. You can find these at Walmart, they are used for beading-they
are very small beads.
Picture frame with flat border at least 1” wide.
Substrate for final project. Please discuss with instructor the best adhesive if
your final project is an outdoor piece.
Projects:
Painted glass picture frame
Cut glass bottle votive holder
Trivet using tile base and reverse method
River rock paper holder-small mosaic using cement
Free project using two of the laying styles learned in class (Opus regulatum
etc.)
Mosaics 299
Class
Activity
8/28
Introduction, projects, homework
assignment-paper mosaic laying
styles. Painted glass picture frame.
Painted glass due, cut into strips,
paper chip homework due
9/4
9/11
Picture Frame
9/18
Glass Bottle votive holder
Cut bottle top off, begin to glue
glass and beads to decorate
9/25
Glass bottle votive holder
10/2
10/9
Reverse method trivet
We will use 6” tile, cement, contact
paper, and glass
Trivet-glue with cement onto tile
10/16
Trivet-grout
10/23
River rock
10/30
River rock
11/6
11/13
Free Project using two laying
styles.
Studio Work
11/20
Studio Work
11/27
Studio Work
12/4
12/11
Final project due-take to
community college for show
Supplies Needed
Weldbond Glue, eye
protection, fancy beads or
doodads for frame, Picture
frame
Wine or similar bottle
Special trinkets or beads for
decorative purposes if
desired.
Final project due on 5/11
Advanced Mosaics final project
Recquirements:
1. Must incorporate two laying styles such as Opus Vermiculative etc.
2. Must be at least 12” x 12” or larger.
3. Ideas-coloring book drawings are great places to start. Simple shapes
work best, we will be concentrating on following the “rules” for laying
the tesserae.
4. Keep in mind that color blending is possible through placing reds and
yellows to make orange when seen from a distance.

Terra Cotta
o Remove any algae or mildew with a bleach wash.
o Remove all dirt and dust.
o Can be sealed first with a 50-50 mix of WeldBond and water
(paint on with an old paintbrush and it will suck it right up).
Grout sealer or Saltillo Tile Sealer can also be used.

Liquid Nails for Small Projects
o My favorite for outdoors when I do not want to mix thin-set.
o Stick to almost anything, including metal, terra cotta pots,
concrete, etc.
o Very short "bowl time" (elapsed time before product sets up
and can no longer be used)
o Always use gloves - serious chemicals.
o Cleans up with solvent.
http://www.mosaic-witsend.com/adhe_surfaces.htm