Workshops
Whether you’re picking up mosaic tools for the first time or ready to explore contemporary portraiture in greater depth, my workshops are designed to give you more creative confidence, strengthen your skills, and help you discover your own personal vision. With small class sizes, plenty of individual guidance, and an encouraging, supportive atmosphere, you’ll leave with new techniques, fresh inspiration, and a mosaic that’s uniquely your own.
Student testimonials
Gila is an amazing teacher!
I thoroughly enjoyed her workshop and loved the end result. I had never worked with mosaics before, so it was fun trying a new art form.
~Marianne A
Gila is an excellent artist and teacher. Her studio is well set up to allow students to accomplish beautiful work under her patient and skilled guidance. Her classes are unique and she makes it possible for students, even beginners, to go home with some work to be proud of. Highly recommended!
~Carolyn K
I thoroughly enjoyed Gila Mosaics Studio. I have been to two of Gila’s workshops at her studio: Beginning Mosaics and Mosaics Portraiture. I learned so much in her workshops, and they were fun! Gila was very thorough and knowledgeable in teaching about the process, tools, and materials used to make the mosaics.
~Kathleen B
Unless otherwise noted, workshops take place in my
Perdido Key (Pensacola), Florida Studio
INTRODUCTION TO MOSAIC
Stepping Stone or Wall Hanging
March 27 & 28, 2027
or
May 1 & 2, 2027
All tools & materials are included. Participants will leave with a basic understanding of tool usage and mosaic techniques. You’ll get plenty hands on experience as you create your own individual small work, choosing between making a trivet or small wall hanging (interior methods), or a stepping stone for your garden (exterior methods).
PENDANT WORKSHOP
November 14, 2026
December 12, 2026
February 13, 2027
Various shapes, and sizes will be available.
They make great gifts!
Be prepared to have fun, walk away with your own unique wearable art
& receive many compliments every time you wear them!
Mixed Materials Portraiture
or Pick your own project
This workshop is best for intermediate and advanced students & is not intended as an introduction to mosaic.
August 27 – 31, 2026
this workshop is FULL
email to be put on waitlist
9 – 4 each day
home-made lunches included
September 17 – 20, 2026
this workshop is FULL
email to be put on waitlist
9 – 4 each day
home-made lunches included
Each workshop runs Thursday thru Sunday
March 11 – 14, 2027
April 8 – 11, 2027
September 16 – 19, 2027
October 14 – 17, 2027
Contemporary Mosaic Portraiture / Pick Your Own Project
4-Day Masterclass
Create a mosaic portrait—or another meaningful subject of your choice—in this immersive five-day workshop designed for students who are ready to explore mosaic at a deeper level.
Working in my signature style, you’ll learn how to combine picassiette (reclaimed dishes, pottery, and ceramics) with smalti, stained glass, stone, and other mosaic materials to create expressive, richly textured artwork. Throughout the workshop, I’ll share the methods, techniques, and discoveries I’ve developed through years of experience, along with insights gained from studying at the renowned Contemporary Mosaic School in Spilimbergo, Italy—all adapted into my own unique approach.
You’ll receive demonstrations on selecting and preparing reference images, understanding value and composition, cutting and shaping a variety of materials, and combining them to create texture, movement, and visual interest. Each participant receives individual guidance throughout the workshop, allowing you to develop your own project at your own pace.
Because everyone works differently, completing a portrait within five days isn’t the goal. Instead, you’ll leave with the knowledge, confidence, and a personalized plan to successfully complete your mosaic after the workshop. We’ll also discuss finishing techniques, grouting, and the final steps needed to bring your piece to completion.
Students are encouraged to bring a few meaningful pieces of china, pottery, teacups, or other ceramic treasures to incorporate into their mosaic. These personal elements often become some of the most memorable details in the finished artwork. Thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales are wonderful sources for inexpensive materials with interesting patterns and textures.
After registering, you’ll receive an email with recommendations for choosing a reference image, along with a list of optional tools and materials that may be helpful before the workshop begins.
If you have questions before the workshop, I’m always happy to help you prepare so you arrive feeling confident and ready to create.