MOSAIC

WHEN |

Learning the Art of Mosaic

Tuesdays, July 7, 14 and 21 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Designing the Public Artwork

Thursdays, July 9, 16 and 23 | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Production Phase

Tuesdays: July 28, August 4, 11, 18 and 25 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Thursdays: July 30, August 6 and 20 | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Community Celebration

Friday, October 9 | 5:00 p.m.

WHERE | The Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade)

HAPPENINGS |

• Learn the art of mosaic with Alex Ganassini

• Design a permanent public artwork for The Esplanade

• Create your own mosaic triptych

• Collaborate on a community mosaic installation

• Celebrate the completed artwork with the community

For eight weeks, older adults are invited to come together through creativity, conversation, and collaboration as they help create a permanent piece of public art for The Esplanade. Mosaic workshops is a free series of mosaic sessions where participants can learn a traditional art form while leaving a lasting contribution to the neighbourhood they call home.

Working alongside Toronto mosaic artist Alex Ganassini, participants will explore every stage of the creative process, from learning mosaic techniques to designing and producing a large-scale installation for the three stone tables outside 262 The Esplanade. The completed artwork will become part of the everyday life of the neighbourhood, welcoming residents and visitors for years to come.

The program begins with Learning the Art of Mosaic, where participants will gain practical skills using ceramic and glass tiles. Through hands-on workshops, they'll experiment with colour, composition, pattern, symbolism, grout, and finishing techniques while creating their own mosaic triptych to take home. These sessions provide a welcoming introduction for anyone interested in trying mosaic art, regardless of previous experience.

Participants can also take part in Designing the Public Artwork, a collaborative series where ideas, stories, and themes from the learning workshops are transformed into a shared vision for the public installation. Working together, the group will shape a design that reflects the experiences, creativity, and voices of the community before it is refined for production.

During the Production Phase, participants help bring the design to life by cutting, arranging, grouting, polishing, assembling, and installing the mosaic pieces. Every contribution becomes part of a larger artwork created by many hands.

The series concludes with a Community Celebration on October 9, where participants, family members, neighbours, partners, and supporters will gather to celebrate the completed installation and everyone who helped make it possible.

Alex Ganassini, founder of Dolomite Mosaics, brings years of experience leading welcoming, community-centred mosaic workshops across Toronto. With a practice rooted in collaboration and public art, Alex creates spaces where people can slow down, learn new skills, and create meaningful artwork together. Artistic consulting for this project is provided by Kseniya Tsoy, with project direction by Jamii's Artistic Director, Isorine Marc.

Participants are welcome to join at any point throughout the series. Registration for Jamii's Belonging Visual Arts workshops is completed once through the Belonging program, after which participants may attend the sessions that interest them. All materials are provided, and no previous mosaic experience is needed.

Support free community arts

Jamii keeps programs and events free so everyone can take part, without financial barriers. If you're able, you can support our $15 for 15 Years campaign and help us reach $15,000 by December 15 for Jamii's future programs at The Jamii Hub. Your donation moves the goal forward and is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Donate here now.

Jamii's Belonging Programs are sponsored by the Government of Canada through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association.