I have been going to the Mosaic School since January 2025 and have taken 3 classes. The teachers are great, the atmosphere is welcoming, and I tell all of my friends and family about this place! Nowhere else in the U.S. is there an art school that has such a focus on mosaics. I've learned so much -- they provide the materials and the expertise. I've met some really wonderful people and friends and am already signed up for their stained glass class in September! read more

Just spent the most amazing weekend at the Chicago Mosaic School. I traveled over 500 miles to get there and it was well worth my time and effort. I felt the atmosphere to be warm and accepting, accommodating those with little experience and those who spend their lives being creative. It was a perfect balance of informational, historical and hands on Glass work. All my questions were thoroughly answered and I left feeling inspired and eager to utilize what I learned. I would recommend this school to any and all. An added bonus is the eclectic neighborhood, warm and charming teacher, Lydia, inclusive atmosphere and creative vibe that persisted throughout the class. read more

Stay away from this place if you are not in line with their politics. NOT inclusive, they speak loudly and openly about their political beliefs without regard to the diversity of the people attending their workshops. I had to leave the 3 day workshop as it was NOT a safe place if you are not in agreement with them, and they refused to give a refund. Think twice about spending your time and money there if you do not share their politics, so sad there are places like this , it is the very reason our country is so divided. read more

This is a review for the Groupon course: I purchased the Groupon to attend the basic mosaic class with a friend. We arrived early to find street parking. When you enter the main doors you first walk into a gallery room with art on display (check it out! It's free). The class and the workshop area is through the door beyond the reception desk. I consider myself to have intermediate artistic skill and good hand eye coordination, but making the one mini mosaic on a white tile within 3 hours was definitely challenging. If you want to leave with something half decent, I'd recommend going with the most simple design possible! Keep it simple! Overall, it was worth it for the price (using Groupon), experience, and being able to walk away with a finished product. I took the class months ago, so this might be outdated, but... my one critique would be that I wished the introduction and instructions were more streamlined and professional. They give you a tour at the beginning, which kinda ate up the time. When we went, I guess our class was overbooked, because they said they had more students than usual. To compensate, we had 2 instructors, but they kept talking over each other and one was kinda catty and mean to the other, which was uncomfortable. They also contradicted each other when giving instructions, so we didn't know who to believe! read more

The Chicago Mosaic School - Glass cutter - Art Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I love art. I love crafts. I love mosaics. And I have lived in Chicago for over 20 years. So why is it I am just finding out about this place recently??!! Well, obviously there is something wrong with me. (maybe that could be a list on it's own, but let's get back to the review) I signed up for a class here with a friend; specifically the Mosaic Jewelry Workshop, at her suggestion. (Hi Vicky!) I had no idea what to expect, and frankly was a bit nervous. Sure, I went to Art School way back when, but I had never done anything close to glass cutting or mosaics. Like I said, a was a little intimidated. There was absolutely no need to be! Everyone was so warm and welcoming, we all felt like old friends just a few minutes into arriving for our class. Our instructor was Cody, and he was fabulous! Super encouraging and patient, he explained every tool, how it was used, and proceeded to give us each individual attention with our projects. He also had a good sense of humor, which is always a plus in my book. We had the opportunity to make two different pendents. The cost of the class was not only reasonable, but included all supplies and use of the tools. And it was fun! A great group of people, a fun encouraging environment, and a super way to spend an afternoon! Check them out for yourselves, Yelpers! read more

The Chicago Mosaic School - Look what we made! - Art Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Since it most definitely is original as one of a kind in chicago, I will give it 5 stars. I finally was able to go with a friend through Groupon and so exited indeed! The instructors went step by step to help us achieve out very own tile made from pieces of glass, broken tiles, mortar and such. I had the most relaxing time, and although of course I have never done a mosaic piece, I was quite pleased with the result I took home. They bring in artisans all the way from Italy to show their students the way to make tiles, stained glass windows and other pieces of art work. They supply every piece of equipment and you bring in a bottle of wine if you'd like. There are even snacks too! They have the most exquisite "museum" of tile display anywhere in Chicago and they allow you to touch! I was just amazed at the art in it's barest form being displayed. I am so happy I was invited because normally I am not sure if I would of gone. The BYOB really was an added feature. Located in a former factory loft, this is a Chicago "don't miss." read more

Our instructor on Sunday was cool, funny and patient. The Groupon introductory class was a lot of fun! I should of had my boyfriend join me, he would of enjoyed it as well! Seems like 3 hours is enough time. However, after learning the process and some history of Mosaic artists... I found myself scrambling near the end. I could of spent the whole day there! A few people were finished early though. I am definitely looking into taking a 6 week course (especially when winter hits and I will have something to look forward to and avoid cabin fever!) The work area is very large and easy going with music playing in the background. read more

The Chicago Mosaic School - Art Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Two hotties dressed in leather proudly strode in here for a show opening of an international mosaic artist exhibiting in the gallery space. The show was fantastic, the art amazing. This is a real, working school for working artists. It's also for beginners or hobbyists. There are seminars and all sorts of international mosaic creative types in attendance for workshops. A full schedule of classes for absolute art beginners to super advanced - even architectural installations. There's a lot going on! I spent a good amount of time chatting with a woman, a student, who comes all the way down from Pulaski, WI to attend classes here. This joint inspires some dedication! And her work was really, really cool. The space itself is fabulous. Casual and unpretentious. In addition to the gallery, student art is on display during openings, laid out on tables. The bathrooms . . . full of mosaics! Coolest bathrooms I've seen in a long time! The kitchen - all mosaic'd out! There's a giant work room, gallery space, a cozy library and a well organized storage area. Well laid out. The crowd here was fantastic. Bunch of friendly, art loving people drinking wine and dishing. Cute kid giggling and whipping paper airplanes all over the room . . . ooppss! I've got to get off my lazy art ass and take a class or two here. Otherwise, why the hell did I get that art degree? I call myself a creative? Sheeeeeeiiiiiiit! You not nuffin'! There is that table languishing on my back porch, and summer deck season is about to start . . . sure would look cool with a mosaic top. I can learn how to do that here. read more

My friend had a Groupon so we decided this was a fun & creative way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The school is currently in their temporary location (moving a block or so over when the space is ready). For our class, we had 3 tables of 8-9 students/table and an instructor at each table. They explained a little mosaic history, showed some examples that we could make (but not limited to) and then went over the tools/process. By the end of the class, everyone had their own 4"x4" mosaic project. It was great seeing the creativity each person had in their finished work. Keep in mind that people will be scoring/cutting glass, so I would recommend wearing clothes you don't might getting dirty. If you're interested in taking more classes, they do offer them. This Groupon class was a good way to get a basic intro. read more

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I had the most wonderful time at the Chicago Mosaic School last week taking a private jewelry class with my sister, and our instructor Kasey. I'd never done mosaic before, and was appreciative of the time spent in the first part of our class to learn the history of mosaic, basics of glass cutting, and seeing sample work in the studio. I walked away with 2 necklaces, and my sister made one. A beautiful studio and creative space. Highly recommend this studio for any level of interest in mosaic, or learning something new. Thank you to Lucy for helping to set up this private class on short notice!! read more

I took the 3 hour Christmas ornament class on Sunday December 8th. Ashley was the instructor. I found the school very organized and professional. Ashley was a very accomplished instructor. There were 9 students around one table. This class for someone without any experience. It teaches you about all of the tools to cut glass and how to use them safely. There were other more advanced classes going on and they were very open to us checking out their work. It was a fun afternoon while visiting Chicago. It is also right next to the Granville Red line CTA stop. The Granville stop is handicap accessible as well as the school. read more

My boyfriend bought a paid of Groupon tickets for us for our anniversary to attend a beginners BYOB mosaic class at the Chicago Mosaic School, and as fun as it was, it was hard-work for those who've never done it before. read more

The Chicago Mosaic School - Me (right) and my boyfriend's (left) mosaic tiles. - Art Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Why it is that when I think about this place, I can't shake off that song from my mind: "Pieces of me"? Maybe because I felt right at home in this wonderful artist studio space. I mean, they have so many neatly organized tiny pieces of colored material scattered all over the place that I felt I could relate (with the scattering, of course, not the well-organized part). The Chicago Mosaic school really is an amazing place! First, as you go up the stairs and enter through their gallery section, you get to see a selection of some surprising, artsy, abstract, kitsch creations. If you're coming for a workshop, it's a good starting point for inspiration. I went there to do a one-day mosaic basics class (a brilliant gift from a friend) and I would recommend this to anyone! So now you move to the actual studio and you go grab a hot cup of Joe's in their mosaic-covered kitchenette. The design were created by students of the school. (Oh, and if you need to go 'sit on the throne', you can definitely feast your eyes there too!) The instructor, Staci, was very knowledgeable in introducing us to the lingo of the craft: the tools, the glues, the grub, etc. She took us through the first steps and then set us loose in the shop to gather our pieces to glue on a selection of supports (photo frame, Christmas ornament, glass votive holder...). The fun part with mosaic is that it brings out your inner child spirit. What is more fun than cutting, clipping, gluing and getting your hands covered with gunk. Yeah, it can get a little messy if you have two left hands! Three hour go by really fast when you're having fun. Staci didn't push us out or anything. In fact, she was incredibly easy-going, but unfortunately, I had to leave right at noon. She let me take some glue, a ziploc bag full of little pieces and another one with grub (+ instructions) so I could finish my photo frame at home. I just thought that was very nice and it sums up pretty well the atmosphere of the place: they just want to spread the love of mosaic making. The cool thing for those who are interested in exploring this craft is that there is a supply shop right next door (http://www.tinypiecesmosaics.com/), and taking a class gives you a coupon toward your first purchase. read more

The Chicago Mosaic School - The finished product at the end of a one-day workshop - Art Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I LOVE this place! My friend and I got a LivingSocial deal for Chi Mosaic School online and immediately signed up for the intro class. We got a great impression even before we went to the class, as they were all filling up so quickly, which was a great sign! I really love the location of this school and there is TONS of free street parking there as well as 2 free parking lots, one in front and one in back. You go inside and walk upstairs which is where the studio/classes take place as well as a small gallery area and 2 stores to buy tiles and different items for making mosaics. We got a tour of the gallery before starting the class and an explanation about the history of the school as well has a short background on mosaic making and it's history. The Chi Mosaic is the first and only mosaic school in North America, which was an amazing and very interesting fact I had no idea about! The instructors working here are very kind, patient, and encouraging. I learned so much from this class! I already had a deep respect for artists working in this medium and knew it was very difficult, but I had no idea just how detailed it was. We got to make two small tile-sized pieces using the mosaic pieces. We learned how to score, cut, puncture and arrange the glass. I got a wealth of information from just this intro class, and I can't imagine how much more I could learn from the other classes. Very excited to take another class here soon! Definitely check out Chi Mosaic School, you won't regret it! read more

Used the group on experience and it was awesome! We got Becca as our instructor, she was very patient and knowledgeable. I would definitely encourage you to get Becca! When we went they were in their "temporary" place, it was hot ( I mean temperature hot not dope hot); so if you go to the temporary spot make sure you dress accordingly. Other than that, it was a brilliant experience and one that I would recommend to my family and friends. read more

The Chicago Mosaic School - We made these during our session! - Art Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'd give it ten stars if I could! The Chicago Mosaic School is a true hidden gem. I took the Stained Glass classes for 2 sessions because I loved it so much. The instructor, Casey, is a wonderful teacher/person. She is super knowledgeable, encouraging, and supportive every step of the way. I was really pleased with how my pieces turned out and I'm planning to try mosaics next. read more

The Chicago Mosaic School - Stained glass class - Art Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A few friends and I took advantage of a Groupon deal for a mosaic class. I went expecting mostly to have fun with my friends and not expecting much from the class . . . but the class turned out to be pretty great! There was enough information to get us started, but we actually picked out our own materials, cut our own tiles, and designed our own pieces. Our instructor, Ahmed, was very friendly and helpful--and his work is gorgeous. I didn't think I was interested in mosaic, but after this class, I'd definitely consider taking a longer session. read more

I bought the mosaic class on Groupon. The space, people and art were amazing. The class was 3 hours. I had a really good time, learned tons and made a cool piece. I would defiantly recommend it for date night, alone or with friends/family. read more

The Chicago Mosaic School - Groupon class. - Art Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Karen, I understand as a business owner you have an obligation to respond to any negative feedback about your school, therefore I would like to clarify my review. I approached your school for help with a project. I followed the precise instructions that your instructor suggested. The expectation and scope of my project never changed. Saying that it had is a blatant lie. You pulled out at the last minute. We could play he said she said, but what is indisputable is the proposal you sent me which I have posted. Nowhere on your own proposal does it indicate that my team would be helping with the grout. That said, I still did offer to help with the grouting and offered to pay your school more money if the project was going to take more time than expected. You refused my offer without any real explanation. Yes your school did refund my money. However this dispute was never about the money, in fact I was willing to pay more. I was seeking your help, which I did not receive despite doing everything I was instructed. I held up my end of the deal, you did not. For lack of a better word, you screwed me, refund or not..... read more

The Chicago Mosaic School - Art Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My mom attends this school and i have been to a couple classes with her. They recently moved to a much bigger location. The place is clean and the people are great. The woman who runs it is an amazing artist with great ideas who i know personally has taught my mom many new things about mosaics. The students are friendly and always helping each other out. There is a nice gallery there where different works are shown off. If you want to learn how to mosaic this is the place for you. read more

We took the six week summer session of Intro 1 with Ahmed, and it was amazing. By the end of the first class, I felt like I sort of knew what I was doing. By the end of the fifth class, I was setting up my work station, grabbing my hammer, and getting to work! I really hope we can fit Intro 2 into our schedule for fall. When you sit at a desk all day, it's really a relief and a treat to do something manual and tactile as well as creative, and mosaic (at least at our level) is very forgiving. Ahmed wants us to think of ourselves as artists, not just students of the craft. He also gives a lot of the history of the materials and the methods, which my little geek heart just loves. To me, the cost seems reasonable since all materials are included. It's also in a great neighborhood. Not only is there parking and Red Line access (as well as Broadway and Sheridan busses), but there are good places to eat or get a drink before or after. read more

I bought a YouSwoop for their introduction class and attended today. The space is very clean and spacious with even a gallery and supply store. It's very easy to get to via public transportation: the Irving Park or Damen bus. Parking is a bit problematic, though. The class had about 20 students and while that seems like a lot, our instructor Ahmed was able to give us personalized instruction and the studio assistant also helped. The other students were also friendly and helpful. I learned a lot today and may even be back sometime. Thanks for a great and fun class! read more

The only Mosaic School in North America! It is a great place. I was there just visiting and I was put to work on a huge sculpture of the Chicago Skyline. I learned how to smash tile with Thor's Hammer!! I like to smash things. The staff are wonderful and the founder is amazingly talented. read more

My sister and I went to their 3 hour intro mosaic workshop that we purchased youswoops for. The space is fantastic and the organization of the materials was impressive. The instructors were patient, very supportive and gave us the necessary amount of individual time and assistance. I would definitely consider going back! read more

My teen-aged daughter and I just enjoyed an intro class with Ahmed. We really learned alot in three fast hours....including huge respect for mosaic artists! And, we were able to get into the art form enough to complete a piece that was uniquely ours! Great hands-on class! Lots of learning. Fun creativity. A little time pressure, but something cool to show for our adventure in mosaics! We'll be back! read more

Awesome place!!! I never would have found this without buying a groupon. It is a bit off the beaten path. We bought a jewelry class and loved loved loved it! The work they do is amazing. The work areas are clean and very well organized. It is a pleasurable space. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. I will be signing up for some glasses. The glass on glass window is my favorite. It looked better than stained glass. read more

I love the new location, i cannot say enough about the classes and knowledge of the teachers, see you soon.

I love this place! I took the intro class and the teacher was great, and they have a huuge workspace with a variety of tesserae to choose from. We are very lucky to have a school like this in Chicago, it is very unique! read more

This place isn't even professional enough to respond to voice mails. I left 3 voice mails over a span of one week -- they never even bothered to call back. Then, at a later date, they acted like it was no big deal. I don't care if they're "creative types"...if you're operating a business then act professional. They clearly only care about moving volumes of people through. read more