Mosaic Mirrors Workshop
We’ve had a smashing time this week, making mosaic mirrors with a small group of students. First they chose tile colours, then carefully broke the tiles and fitted each piece on the mirror frame. Once everything was glued and grouted, a quick polish really made the colours pop.
Each mirror is one of a kind. We got hands-on, learned new skills and had plenty of laughs along the way. Thanks to everyone who joined in and brought these pieces to life.
Mosaic art goes back over 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia and was later adopted by the Romans in their villas. By the Byzantine era it had moved onto church walls and domes, including the famous mosaics in Hagia Sophia that still shine today. Making a mosaic mirror teaches you to plan a pattern, measure and cut tiles precisely, handle grout without smudges and work with patience and a steady hand.
Turning Sustainability into Art
Students explored the meaning of sustainability and used recycled materials to create unique covers for their art journals.
Coral Reef Ceramics and Animal Studies
Sketches moved into paint this week, with collage backgrounds taking shape. Coral reef bowls were glazed and finished with glass for the ocean. More pieces are firing.
Week 3 Crown of Thorns study
(From Week 3, shared now) We studied the Crown of Thorns starfish and reef loss, then designed and began clay bowls with coral and sea creatures.
Art Inspired by Coral Reef Conservation
After learning about the Crown of Thorns starfish and its impact on coral reefs, students began creating clay bowls featuring coral and sea life.
Bottle Top Art Turning Waste into Creativity (Part 1)
Students transform reclaimed bottle tops into unique art pieces while learning about recycling, upcycling, and environmental responsibility.
Mini Worlds in Progress
Students are constructing miniature worlds that reflect personal connections to land and sea, while building their confidence in composition, construction, and creative expression.
Collage, Imagination and Dreamwork
Collage with guest artist Naomi Azoulay, then mixed media. Students built papier-mâché mask pieces to paint their inner world.
Inspiration, Contour & Wirework
Students made visual responses to inspiring quotes, then used contour sketches to build beaded wire insect sculptures.
Exploring Identity and Place Through Art – Term 1 Highlights
Through clay sculpture, watercolour, and kowhaiwhai design, students explored themes of identity and place linked to our school houses. These creative exercises encouraged personal expression and connection to local landscape and culture, while building confidence with new materials and techniques.
