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| Handmade clay creatures at the Fassett GreenSpace |
Wellsville: You are invited to free mosaic tile workshops
every Wednesday at 3-5p.m. from July 10th to August 24th. Art for Rural America
(AFRA) welcomes individuals of any age or art ability to stop by the Fassett
GreenSpace (55 N. Main St, Wellsville) and help make tiles for a mosaic
project. AFRA, a nonprofit organization, was awarded funds by the Tri County
Arts Council for a community-created 3’x5’ mosaic that will be placed at the
entrance of their public garden in Wellsville. Because of the grant, children
and adult community members can work together to create a long-term art
installation under the guidance of local ceramic artist, Alex Minnick. Minnick
is an experienced tile maker and was the project manager for the mosaic that
was installed at the Wellsville Creative Arts Center in 2017.
At these work sessions, participants will prepare clay,
glaze pieces, and assemble the mosaic as a team. Regular attendance is not
necessary so feel free to stop by anytime from 3-5pm to say hello and make a
few tiles. The design of the mosaic incorporates over 150 small vegetables and
many green tiles to fit with the Fassett GreenSpace’s theme of healthy living.
The design also incorporates historical materials from the Fassett Hotel, such
as keys pressed into clay, old brick pieces, and other artifacts.
The Wellsville Creative Art Center will host the workshops
during days with inclement weather. The art center is generously helping to
propel this project forward by providing multiple glazes, storing the tiles
made during these workshops, and firing them in their kilns. Many ceramic
artists at Wellsville Creative Art Center will also create tiles for the work,
but there are no clay skills necessary to participate. If you are interested in
a fun summer activity for the family, have experience with clay, or anywhere
in-between, this project is for you.
Art for Rural America is a Wellsville-based nonprofit
organization that enriches the quality of life for all citizens living in rural
communities through artistic, cultural, and sustainable educational
programming. They have sponsored such works as the Fassett GreenSpace and other
small projects, and are always looking for new exciting ways to integrate art
into the community. To get involved, contact Cassandra Bull at 518-937-3234 or
email ArtforRuralAmerica@gmail.com.
