by Colleen Anderson

Introduction:
The Sumerians created the first mosaics five thousand years ago by driving colored cones of clay into walls. Greeks created mosaics out of colored, uncut pebbles around the 3rd century B.C. Later mosaic artists have used shells, glass, ceramics, and paper to create this art form. This activity is a link to that ancient art form. It is also the opportunity to study color relationships and shapes.

Materials:

Directions:

1. Sketch out the idea for your mosaic on the bond paper. Think of colors you'd like to use in your design.



2. Arrange the colored, geometric shapes on the white paper according to your sketch. Try to use the geometric shapes just as they are without cutting them. Leave space between the shapes so it looks like you grouted the pieces down in an actual mosaic.



3. Apply glue to the back of the geometric shapes and glue them down to the white paper.



4. Look for mosaics around you. In Denver, Colorado, mosaics can be found at the Denver International Airport.

Resources:
Goodrick-Clarke, Celia and Vance, Peggy. The Mosaic Book:Ideas, Projects and Techniques. Trafalgar Square Publishing: Vermont, 1995. Associated Press

Web Sites:
Historical mosaics: Tunisia Online
Contemporary mosaics: Universe of Mosaic Art

*Once you feel you have mastered the art of mosaics, try your hand at creating masterpieces from Mosaic Mercantile's glass tiles!

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