Piece by Piece! Introduction to Mosaics with Mike Dirado for High School Students and Adults

If you’re curious about this cutting-edge art form, this 3-week class is the perfect introduction! Mosaics are one of the oldest forms of art in history, dating back thousands of years to ancient Rome and ancient Greece. Mosaic artist, Mike DiRado will guide students through the traditions, materials and techniques of this intriguing medium. We will begin with demonstrations of approaches and mosaic materials, then students will have the opportunity to create their own small mosaic (approximately 6”x6” or 5”x7”) using Mexican glass smalti tile mounted on plywood. Students will have the opportunity to select from several designs created by the instructor or create their own drawing/design. Our project theme will be ocean and water inspired and we will be working in a limited color palette.  

Confirmed students will receive an email to discuss design options prior to the start of the workshop.  All materials are included in tuition costs. 

About the Instructor: 

Mike DiRado was born in a small, hill town in Abruzzo Italy.  Mike remembers creating art throughout his childhood, but believes it became a passion during high school. Mike received his BFA from Massachusetts College of Art & Design. While at Mass Art he studied painting with George Nick, Paul Celli, Rob Moore and Richard Yarde. They, along with other professors and the many artists he has met along the way, contributed to his development as an artist. Mike moved to New York City in 1983 where he lived and worked for 10 years. While in NYC, Mike worked as a studio assistant for the artist Al Held. He also completed graduate work in Art Education at Pratt Institute. Eventually Mike, his wife and growing family returned to Massachusetts and settled in Scituate, MA. Upon his return to Massachusetts, Mike began a 29-year long teaching career. First as a teacher in Boston and then in Abington, Mike taught art K-12, but most of his career focused on middle school grades. He eventually became the Director of Art (K-12) for the Abington Public Schools until his retirement in 2020. During both Mike's career as a teacher and as a director, he has been a passionate advocate for quality, innovative art education programs in K-12 schools.  Retirement provided Mike with the gift of time, and he will use this additional time to finally explore artistic ideas that were paused as he gave attention to his family and teaching career. Mike is also looking forward to exploring new directions in his own work and remaining active in art educational advocacy groups.