Laurel True Resume

Laurel True is a public artist, educator and community organizer specializing in large-scale and site-specific mosaic projects. Her projects are focused in urban and developing areas and she is committed to fostering arts education and entrepreneurship both in and out of the classroom. True is co-founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art and has lectured and taught internationally. Her work has been featured in independent and mainstream media, books and publications. She has created and facilitated over a hundred projects over the last 20 years in the US, Africa and Haiti.

EXPERIENCE

True Mosaic Studio, Inc— 1991-Present
Owner, Founder Oakland, CA
Professional mosaic studio specializing in site-specific installations, public art, private commissions and community projects. Consultant in field of mosaics for large- scale, public and community projects.

Institute of Mosaic Art, LLC — 2005-2011
Co-Founder, Director, Instructor Oakland, CA/New Orleans
Co-founded and developed the largest and most comprehensive mosaic school in the United States offering instruction in mosaic techniques to students of all levels. Developed extensive curriculum. Directed program development, marketing, PR, hiring staff and community outreach. Teaches professional level courses.

Mosaic Studio Supply — 2004-2011
Owner, Founder Oakland, CA
Retail mosaic supply store located inside Institute of Mosaic Art. In charge of store management, merchandising, marketing and PR.

San Francisco Mosaic Studio — 2000-2001
Co-Founder, Instructor San Francisco
Mosaic studio specializing in site-specific mosaic murals, facades and private commissions. Taught courses in mosaic techniques from beginning to advanced levels in ceramic and glass mosaic to large student base.

Muthamia Tile and Various — 1994-1999
Ceramic Tile Layer/Assistant Various Locations
Worked in the tile setting trade with various tile contractors. Projects included large-scale commercial sites, private residences and exterior applications.

Isaiah Zagar — 1991
Apprentice Mosaicist Philadelphia, PA
Apprenticeship with prolific mosaic artist with 40 years experience. Worked on large scale, interior and exterior tile and mirror mosaic murals, facades and sculptural cement forms. Assisted public projects include the Painted Bride Art Center and public murals on South Street, Philadelphia.

SELECTED RECENT PUBLIC COMMISSIONS
(Private commissions in restaurants, retail and private residences are not listed and are numerous)

SELECTED COMMUNITY MOSAIC PROJECTS

ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

Community Built Association
Society of American Mosaic Artists
British Association of Modern Mosaics
Tile Heritage Foundation
American for the Arts
Surface Design Association
Glass Arts Society
Jingletown Arts and Business Association, Founding Member

EDUCATION

RESIDENCIES

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA COVERAGE

TEACHING POSITIONS

Institute of Mosaic Art, Oakland, CA
New Orleans School of Art and Craft
YaYa (Young Artists Young Aspirations) New Orleans, LA
San Francisco Mosaic Studio
New Orleans School of Glass
Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA
Aba House Cultural Center, Nungua, Ghana
Society of American Mosaic Artists Conference Instructor 2007, 2004
Community Built Association Workshop Facilitator 2010

LECTURES & PUBLIC SPEAKING

The Power of Art: Building Creative Capital Through Community Mosaics, Nationally Touring Lecture, 2011

California College of Art (CCA), Oakland, CA, Guest Lecturer in Community Mosaics Program, 2007

Ghana College of Art and Design, Ghana, West Africa, Guest Lecturer, 2004

Institute of Mosaic Art Lecture Series, multiple engagements, 2005-2010

Community Built Association
Panelist: International Community Built Mosaics in Ghana 2006 Conference, Monterey, CA
Presenter: Balancing Passion and Profits 2008 Conference, Monterey, CA

Society of American Mosaic Artists
Panelist: Inner-City Mosaics, 2009 Conference
Panelist: The Social, Creative and Educational Impact of Community Built Mosaics
2011 Conference Austin, TX

Precita Eyes Mural Arts, Community Arts Panelist, 2005

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

Juror's Choice Award, Mosaic Arts international, 2011
City of Oakland Percent for Art Commission for Firehouse 18, 2009
Oakland Indie Award, Neighborhood Organizer, 2007
Arts Leadership Award, Alameda County Arts Commission 2006
City of San Francisco percent for Art Commission for Ocean Avenue, 2005
Artist of the Year Nomination, Oakland Chamber of Commerce 2006

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
Developed for True Mosaics Studio Inc, Institute of Mosaic Art

Core Education in Mosaic Technique
Mosaic 101 - Intro to Ceramic Tile Mosaics
Exterior and Garden Applications for Mosaic
Ancient Meets Modern- Contemporary Contexts For Traditional Techniques
Introduction to Glass Mosaics
Intermediate Glass Mosaics
Advanced Explorations in Glass Mosaic
Three- Dimensional Mosaic Forms
Mosaic Survey Course
Mosaic Graffiti
Introduction to Italian Smalti Mosaics
Tools and Techniques for Mosaic- Intermediate
Intermediate Setting Techniques for Mosaic
Mosaic Memory Vessel and Folk Art Environments
Glass Fusing for Mosaics
Glass Mosaic Lamp, Glass on Glass Mosaics
Mosaic Bottles
Mosaic Garden Sphere
Mosaic Travel Log: Armchair Travel and Discussion of World Techniques
International Design Influences in Mosaic
Mosaics Around the World
Mosaics for Kids, Mosaics for the Family

Professional Development Workshops
The Business of Mosaics - Mosaics As a Viable Business
Teacher Training for Mosaics in the Classroom
Architectural Applications for Mosaic- Floors and Walls
Mosaic Mural Making Intensive
Precision Setting for Professional Applications
Designing and Executing Professional Projects
Facilitating Community Mosaic Projects Locally and Internationally

Program Development
Woven Stories Project, Various Locations
Featured Student Artist Program at Institute of Mosaic Art
Resident Artist Program at Institute of Mosaic Art
Community Ripples Program at Institute of Mosaic Art

CONTACT