Chicago Mosaic School (CMS) was founded in 2005, as the center for Mosaic Arts education, both here and abroad. It is the first and only non-profit school of its kind. CMS offers exclusive opportunities for anyone seeking an academic, materially-oriented approach to art education.
CMS gives its students, artists, teachers, and enthusiasts a place to explore all facets of mosaics such as classical reproduction, large scale installations, and contemporary methodology.
Take a look at CMS’ course offerings to discover the possibilities of mosaic art! Here are some highlights:
Mosaic Fest
The annual Mosaic Fest takes place June 1, 2025, between 11 am – 6 p.m. This event is a perfect way to experience all The Chicago Mosaic School has to offer while connecting with your community. Try your hand at creating a variety of mosaic projects, listen to live music, meet your neighbors, while enjoying food and beverages.
Mosaic Fest is a fundraiser for The Chicago Mosaic School a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the fine art of mosaics and providing educational opportunities for comprehensive study with an academic, materially oriented approach to Mosaic Art. We aim to increase awareness and appreciation for the ancient art form, and create an open and inclusive community for learning, sharing expertise, while developing the medium within a contemporary context.
Intersections Symposium
From September 15 to 21, 2025, CMS will host the 1st International Mosaic Arts Symposium to celebrate their 20th anniversary, remaining the only art school of its kind outside of Europe. Intersections Symposium will serve as a roundtable for shaping the future of Mosaic Arts education and engaging international artists. CMS Visiting Artists, who are both leaders and renowned experts in mosaic art and education, will conduct short workshops, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions in Chicago. List of invited artists includes, but it not limited to: Verdiano Marzi, Karen Ami, Alessandro Lugari, Gary Drostle, Carolina Zanelli, Pamela Irving, Toyoharu Kii, and Dugald MacInnes.
Perspectives from Japan
In Japan and various cultures outside of Europe, the long-standing history and methodology of mosaic art have captivated artists, students, and enthusiasts alike. Following World War II, Japan predominantly recognized mosaics as ‘mural art.’ At that time, very few artists were engaged in the creation of ‘easel’ mosaic works as a medium for their own artistic expression. In 1994, an international symposium on Mosaic Arts, organized by the International Association of Contemporary Mosaicists (AIMC), was convened in Japan. This event raised awareness and underscored a significant interest in the art form. The subsequent year, The Mosaic Art Association of Japan was established to provide education, facilitate discussions, and create opportunities for a burgeoning community of artists and inquisitive creatives.
The Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics is excited to showcase a selection of original pieces from artists of The Mosaic Art Association Japan, on display in the United States for the second time outside Japan. Toyoharu Kii, a founding member of MAAJ, is internationally recognized for his white marble works and distinctive style. He has been visiting
The Chicago Mosaic School for ten years to conduct workshops, lectures, and exhibitions, playing a crucial role in organizing this remarkable showcase of Japanese mosaics.
Verdiano Marzi
Visiting Artist and community mentor Maestro Verdiano Marzi will be offering a series of classes in June and July. His Weekend Master Studio class take place June 8-June 22, Sundays from 9 am – 12:30 a.m. He’s also holding a five-day Modern Expressions Master-Class style workshop June 9 – June 13, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and a five-day Modern Expressions 3D workshop June 20- July 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mosaic Classes
A series of Mosaic Classes and Workshops are on the agenda, including workshops in smalti, mosaic, paper collage, Ravenna Method, sculptural forms, mosaic portraiture, drawing from still life, and drawing for mosaic online, from clay to mosaics, color theory, design fundamentals, stained glass, andamento drawing, large-scale mosaics, mosaic jewelry, pet portraiture, architectural mosaics with Gary Drostle, landscape mosaic, a holiday ornament workshop and so much more!
