CMA Workshops

Part of our Colorado Mosaic Artists mission is the artistic and technical education of both members and the general public. To that end, we have one or two day workshops taught by our own members. We also contract with internationally recognized mosaic artists for two-day workshops in the Denver metro area. These "in person" gatherings are quite friendly as we bring spare tesserae and healthy snacks to share with each other!

“Inspiration Peace by Piece” Mosaic Workshop with Kathy Thaden

October 3 - 4, 2026

Kathy Thaden’s contemporary mosaics range from abstracts to commissioned works. With over twenty-five years of mosaic experience – including teaching mosaics for 20 years – Kathy’s award-winning mosaics have been exhibited across North America. She came to modern mosaics following a 25-year career in broadcast design. As TV art director, animator, and graphic designer she won numerous honors for design, including seven Emmy Awards. Kathy is a professional member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists and founding member and Past-President of Colorado Mosaic Artists. Kathy lives and works with her husband on their 15-acre homestead in Western Colorado

Kathy hopes to use her art as her voice, expressing care for the earth and all humanity, striving to engage the viewer with themes of reconciliation and healing. Her contemporary works are primarily abstract, incorporating a vast array of materials.

Website: thadenmosaics.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThadenMosaics

Oct. 2, Friday evening virtual presentation (zoom) 6:00-7:00pm
Required for all workshop participants + Open to all CMA members

Kathy will share her various mosaics speaking to the environment, health, compassion, social justice and more. This presentation is an introduction to the workshop, so participants are required to join in online Friday evening.

Oct. 3 - 4, 2-day workshop Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm (lunch breaks on your own or bring a brown bag)

The goal of this workshop is two-fold:

First, it's an opportunity to find inspiration from events in the world around us. Social issues are complex, but we will consider how to use our mosaic medium to respond to them, hoping to engage others, sparking conversation.
Second, Kathy will show how to include various tesserae, use different adhesives, choose components, and more. Handouts will offer guidelines for possible subject matter and topics for inspiration. Mosaic artists of all skill levels are welcome.

Through a variety of prompts, participants will have the opportunity to explore diverse themes and compositions. After spending time on some rough designs, you will delve into a vast array of materials to express your concept.

REGISTRATION:

$325 (includes $35 materials fee) for CMA Members

$350 (includes $35 materials fee) for Non-CMA Members

Early Registration is open to CMA Members only until August 1.

Registration includes a 9” x 12” panel and several different adhesives in addition to miscellaneous glass, ceramic, metal, beads, wire, wood, stone, smalti and other random and found objects. Not everyone will leave with a completed mosaic depending on your design and how quickly you might work, but you may take materials home to finish on your own.

STUDENTS BRING: Sketchbook, safety glasses (your own reading glass will do), mosaic tools such as wheeled nippers, tweezers, etc that you like to use, apron or work shirt to protect clothing. There will be some tools available to share.

WHERE: Construction Industry Training Council, 9901 W. 50th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO

DATE: Friday, Oct. 2 6:00pm on Zoom and Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 3 & 4 10:00am to 4:00pm