Institute of Mosaic Art

The Institute of Mosaic Art is a great resource for those interested in mosaics. Their selection of classes is very broad, and the teachers quite knowledgeable, with classes at all ability levels. They also exhibit mosaic art, which is another reason to stop by, or go to one of their artist receptions. The mosaic supply store is very handy and has most of what is needed to create mosaic art, including Wediboard and MAC glue, as well as a good selection of glass. As a bonus, the staff are always very friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend IMA.

Although this was my first mosaic class ever, Mosaic 101: Exploring Mosaic As A Creative Medium, I did my research online before I signed up for this class and YouTube videos had the same info the instructor Isle gave if not more.
Isle was not listed as one of the 4 instructors for this class. Also, it says we will be given handouts to take home that include basic mosaic terminology, tips and resources for interior mosaics, however we were not given any.
The power point was just a collection of mosaic art pictures from past till date from various artists.
The information provided was just on 3 different cutting tools, glue and grout names and very very basic information.
For $ 125, this could have been much better.

I didn’t know about this place until we took our out-​of-​town friend here. I had no idea that mosaics were still a thriving art!
The retail space is small but full of many types of mosaics in various shapes and colors.
There are also a nice assortment of tools and supplies for making your own masterpiece.
There are some finished mosaic pieces that are hanging on the wall. Some of them are flat and others are 3-​D with a layered effect. I especially loved a lovely piece featuring glass waterfalls in a forest scene.
They also hold classes and workshops.
Although the space seems small from the outside, the building is long and all of it’s rooms are sunlit.
The staff is warm and welcoming.
Although I probably won’t be embarking on any mosaic project anytime soon it seems to be an EXCELLENT place for any mosaic fan!

I recently took the «Working in Smalti in a Painterly Style» class with Mireille Swinnen. The class was exceptional. Mirielle is an expert in her field and at teaching. She was able to lead the students step by step through the process to create amazing works of art. I also enjoyed the slides of mosaics that demonstrated similar techniques. The slide show gave us lots to think about and it was very inspiring. I would highly recommend this class.

I hosted a rehearsal dinner party at IMA and have to say it was the perfect venue for a casual event! The courtyard is open to the sky and there are beautiful mosaics displayed there and in the interior rooms. The outdoor space was the perfect size for 9 tables and 3 heaters and the caterers had a great interior spot for their equipment. IMA is obviously a working studio, a fact that adds to the ambiance rather than detracting from it. Ilse, one of the owners, was incredibly helpful, even making herself available for rental pickup the day after the party.

Caution you may never want to leave! Started with a Glass Mosaic class with Randi Casenza and I am hooked! Randi is a master, yet humble and unassuming. She has an effective teaching style, she is patient, and has a great sense of humor.
The class sizes are small, the venue is comfortable, the staff is super helpful, and the building is in a easy access location, with plenty of parking.
Like the other poster mentioned, the environment is so positive, inspiring, and welcoming. For not being a social person, I feel at home in the studios. The mix of students is eclectic, from beginners to seasoned pros, from various places in California and out of state.
I am so lucky to have found IMA.

IMA is a world class mosaic school in Berkeley, CA with excellent instructors, a well stocked mosaic supply shop and clean, open and airy studio worksop spaces. The owners and staff are very helpful too. I’ve taken many workshops there and am currently enrolled in a mosaic portrait class taught by Michael Kruzich. What a gem in the Bay Area’s crown! Check out their web site.

I have taken classes at the Institute of Mosaic Art, I have used their supplies, and I have also ordered over the Internet from them. They are fabulously enthusiastic people, so helpful and so informative. They carry a wide range of supplies and can give you detailed information on various applications.
The classes at Institute of Mosaic Art are worth traveling for. The facilities are clean, colorful, and comfortable. The instructors are all well prepared and teach on a variety of unique topics. The Cordoni’s are a pleasure to do business with! The Institute of Mosaic Art has me for a lifetime customer.

Took their weekend Intro to Mosaic Glass class. I had never done mosaic before and this was a great beginner’s class!
Class sizes are small which allows for sufficient individual attention. They have ample materials. They also have plenty of designs to pick from, for students who didn’t come with their own design.
I was done with my mosaic before everyone else and the teacher allowed me to make two more small mosaics and did not charge me extra for the materials.
I now know everything I need to know to do basic glass mosaic at my house.
I would recommend this class to any beginner.

Just had a wonderful experience here. The woman who helped me today was thoroughly helpful and so sweet. She even gave me a demo on how to cut tile!

A great place for both beginning and advanced mosaic artists to get supplies, to learn. and to be inspired by the artwork displayed on the walls.
We were recently in San Francisco visiting with a friend, and since we had several hours before we had to return home on a recent Sunday afternoon, I suggested to my wife, who a mosaic artist, that we check out the new location for the Institute of Mosaic Art (IMA) in Berkeley.
The IMA has a store that sells glass, smalti, tools, and supplies used by mosaic artists. They also teach classes at all levels for people to learn mosaics and to improve their skills at advanced levels. The facility is light and bright, and well set up for classes.
My wife was impressed with the level of service in the store provided by one of the owners. She was very helpful and found the materials that my wife was seeking. We bought glass, smalti, and colorant. It is much better to be able to browse the selections in person then to blindly buy online (since no matter how good the photographs of art materials are, the color is never exact). She is so glad that the new owners took over the IMA and saved it. It is a welcome part of the artistic community.

This place is great! I am so very happy that on my trip to Oakland I decided to take a 2 day course in outdoor mosaics. It was well worth my time and money. It was actually the first course given in their new location, which is AWESOME! Even though the class was advertised as a beginners class, I picked up much knowledge. The instructor Rachel was very knowledgeable and gave each student dedicated and individual attention. She was helpful and gave honest/​blunt feedback. Which being from the East Coast, I appreciated much.
I’ve taken a course at other mosaic schools and was made to feel like my work wasn’t up to par with the other more skilled mosaicists. At no time did I feel uncomfortable at the Institute of Mosaic Art in Berkeley. I actually felt motivated and inspired to do more! They are so warm and welcoming, it was just great!
I also had a chance to meet with the co-​owners of the IMA, Sophie and Ilse. I think they set the tone for how it is there. They were both very kind and available to the students when we were in a talkative mood.
I will indeed look into the courses that are available during my 2 to 3 trips out to Oakland every year. Maybe even base my trips around available short 2 day courses. See you guys soon!