ALMA (Apprenticeships for Leaders in Mosaic Arts), based in Albuquerque, N.M., is preparing for two big projects and have begun its hiring process. ALMA has a full year of events to look forward to with workshops, open houses, and new ways to get involved throughout the year.
ALMA Summer Institute is Hiring
The ALMA Summer Institute is now accepting applications for the summer 2026 program. Applicants must be 16-25 years old on June 1, 2026. For consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 pm on March 8, 2026. The ALMA Summer Institute is a nine week program, running from June 1st through July 31st (with some preliminary work beginning on May 2nd). This is a paid apprenticeship and a competitive application. Clay experience is recommended, but not required. Apply here.
ALMA is going to NCECA
ALMA is thrilled to share that it will once again be presenting at NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts). We are headed to Detroit, MI in March! Our two lead artists / co-Directors Vanessa Alvarado and Margarita Paz-Pedro, and Board Member, Daisy Quezada, will be on a podcast panel. ALMA will be taking our lead apprentices and co-directors to share in this exciting experience. As a result, we are hoping to raise $2,500 to help take our apprentices up northeast. Want to donate? Click here. All donations over $50 will be given a tax deductible letter. Thank you for your support!
Upcoming Projects
ALMA+Bernalillo Community Museum
ALMA has been partnering with Bernalillo Community Museum in the town of Bernalillo. Lead Artists and Project Managers will be teaching some workshops this Spring. Check out their website for updates and to sign up for future free workshops.
ALMA has been working on tile fabrication for a mosaic at Bernalillo Community Museum project. We will be hosting a Community Tile Making Event Saturday, January 31st, 10a-2p in Bernalillo. Come for the whole time or to just make a tile or two. We would love your participation.
EPA Urban Waters Artist in Residency Update
ALMA Lead Artist Margarita Paz-Pedro has been leading Garden Olla workshops with communities along the MRG for the EPA Urban Waters Artist in Residency project, administered by Ciudad Soil & Water Conservancy District (CSWCD). Adobe season is over and brick making and sculpture building will resume in the spring. Five design gathering sessions for the mosaic component of the project were held and work is underway on compiling all the contributions into a cohesive design. Find out more here.
All of ALMA’s Garden Olla workshops at the studio in January are full. Thanks so much for the interest! If you are interested in sponsoring a garden olla workshop, please email [email protected] to discuss pricing.
Upcoming Workshops
Sweet as Candy Mosaic Workshop
This themed Fundamentals Workshop is $70/Individual & $120/couple, taking place Saturday, February 7th, 2026 from 10am-1pm at the ALMA Studio, 1224 Mountain Rd. NW, ABQ, 87102
Spend some “me” time doing something creative or bring a loved one for a collaborative creation. Participants will make a mosaic using ALMA’s handmade tile stock collection and themed tiles. Learn how to install and grout a personal mosaic that you will take home with you.
All workshops include all supplies needed. Come solo, make it a friend outing or a great date idea. No experience necessary. Ages 12+. Be ready for some messy fun! Get your tickets here.
Save the Date
ALMA is looking forward to hosting many upcoming workshops this year. Plan ahead to join for a themed Fundamentals Workshop (no experience necessary!) or expand your skills and design your own unique project at an Intensive Workshop.
- February 25th – Community Tile Making for Tijeras BioZone at Singing Arrow Community Center (4:30-7:30pm)
- March 21st – Mosaic Fest – Fundamental Mosaic Workshop (10 AM – 1 PM)
- April 25th – Fundamental Mosaic Workshop “Beauty in Bloom” (9 AM – 1:30PM)
- May 3rd – Fundamental Mosaic Workshop “Mamacitas” (10 AM – 1PM)
- Oct. 3rd– Fundamental Mosaic Workshop “Balloon Filled Skies” (11 AM – 2PM)
- Oct. 17th – Fundamental Mosaic Workshop“Too Cute to Spook!”
(10 AM – 1PM) - Nov. 7th – Fundamental Mosaic Workshop “Unbe-leaf-able” (10 AM – 1PM)
- Dec. 5th – “Holiday Casita Glaze Workshop” (1 PM – 3:30PM)
Team Building with ALMA
Are you looking for a unique and creative team-building experience for your organization? ALMA can host private workshops of its Mosaic Fundamentals experience. Workshops include a 2.5-hour creative mosaic making, snacks, drinks, and fun. When the hands are moving, the conversation does too 🙂 Contact ALMA for a tailored experience for your business, organization, or friend group.
Support ALMA
Find more information on donating to ALMA. Your contributions fund general operations needs directly related to ALMA programming, including expenses such as employment and mentorship of skilled apprentices, artists, and staff members, increasing public programs and workshops, facilities and construction expenses for large-scale public art installations, and free community workshops. ALMA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gifts are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged on the ALMA website.
ALMA now offers monthly donor opportunities through its new membership program. Members have the opportunity to receive perks, special discounts, and free tickets to workshops, ALMA merch, raffle tickets for larger mosaic works, professional photographs of ALMA mosaics, holiday tile ornament, special membership tiles, and more.
