Explore Creativity with Glass. Mosaic Technique Workshop with Solly - Sat 1st & Sun 2nd Aug 2026

Workshop Description 

Join mosaic artist John Sollinger (Solly) for a hands-on, rule-breaking workshop where participants will create an ungrouted glass-on-glass mosaic wall-hanging. Explore Solly’s signature direct methods and learn about his creative approach to mosaic.

*The first image is a stunning example of Solly's work. All other beautiful images are students work from Solly's workshop at Olive Stack Gallery in 2025

Date: Sat 1st & Sun 2nd August

Time: 10am - 5pm (with break for lunch)

Tutor: John Sollinger (Solly)

Level: All levels welcome

Materials: Materials included

Participants: Maximum 12

Venue: Venue in Listowel TBD

Join renowned mosaic artist John “Solly” Sollinger for a hands‑on, two‑day workshop that’ll change how you think about working with glass and paint. This isn’t your typical mosaic class; rather, it’s a chance to dive into a lively mix of material and unusual technique, and come away with a finished piece that you’ll be proud of.

Over the course of two days, we’ll be working with clear sheet glass as the base, painting the reverse side first and then layering glass tesserae to achieve beautiful depth and surface interest. The result is richly textured work that’s expressive but doesn’t require every inch to be covered in glass that frees up your artistic approach.

This workshop is suitable for all levels, whether you’ve never picked up a glass cutter before or you’re an experienced maker looking for fresh inspiration. Solly’s guidance is encouraging and practical, with plenty of room for you to follow your own artistic intuition.

What to Expect

• Learn Solly’s signature ways of working, including his double reverse technique and thoughts on colour, form and composition.
• Practical instruction in glass cutting, laying and creative decision-making so your project comes together.
• Analyse and interpret imagery for mosaic design that truly sings.
• Finish an indoor wall haning using provided substrate and materials.
• Take home a comprehensive workshop PDF with step-by-step procedures and tips to help you continue exploring these techniques.

Materials Provided

• Poster/Reference image
• Glass Substrate
• Stained Glass
• PVA adhesive
• Safety Glasses

Participants Should Bring

• Double-wheeled glass nippers & Tweezers (If you don't have nippers and tweezers please get in touch so we can arrange for you to borrow them)
• Camera or smartphone
• Glass scorer and pliers (optional)
• Glass scraps (optional)
• Personal reference photo and suitable glass (optional)
• Bubble wrap and box for transport (optional)
• Enthusiasm and an open mind!

You'll spend two creative days learning, experimenting, and making, all in a friendly supportive environment. The perfect excuse to immerse yourself in making and meet a few like-minded people along the way.

Registration Policy

Please note: Your payment secures your place in the workshop and is therefore non-refundable. A minimum number of participants is required for workshops to go ahead. If this number is not met, the workshop will be cancelled and a full refund will be issued.

https://www.johnsollinger.com

Biography 

I was born and raised near Detroit, Michigan, studied forestry and genetics in college, worked for the BLM and Forest Service as a technician, and then taught biology at Southern Oregon University until my retirement several years ago. Recently, I retired from teaching mosaic workshops as well, expecting to make room for making more mosaics, travel and my family.

Paintings by Van Gogh, Renoir and Monet have and continue to inform and inspire me to create art with natural themes that carried over from my teaching. My works have received world-wide acclaim among mosaic circles and won awards in competitions for mosaics (e.g., Best in Show at MAI 2010) and all media (The Artist Magazine). I attribute my success to mosaicking according to my intuition and resources -- rather than following and then deviating from the styles and rules that were practiced centuries ago. I have had the honor to be invited to juror for CMA online and privilege to juror and judge at a BAMM exhibition at the London School of Mosaics.