Class act

Dave and Yvonne (from D&D Tile) were teaching a class out at Desert Botanical Gardens, which is a fabulous setting for art/craft classes. Early in the morning, while it's still relatively cool, you see and hear creatures scurrying under the mesquite and cacti, and everything looks so crisp and clear. And then when you are into the class and starting the physical work, it's blissfully air conditioned while you look out the window at the exotic plant life. And the cafe there has great food - and if you're there at the right time of day you have hummingbirds buzzing around you while you eat.

So I volunteered to help with the class, and didn't realize the volunteer got to make a piece too. It is really amazing to see what first-timers can come up with - to see people working out their designs and color with no previous experience, and just diving in - it's incredibly fun. It's even a little intimidating to see all the talent and feel all the energy in the room.

But holy cow- it's physical labor! I had no idea... To load multiple concrete tabletops, the tile, the tools, in the heat. And then Dave individually grouts and starts the clean-up on each piece. So for 16 people that is a TON of labor. Dave and Yvonne never stop working because there is always something to be done. And they are also super friendly and spirited - it's just a really good experience all around. I want to volunteer once a month because it is just such a different thing to do from the every day, and it is just so positive.

Check out their website - you have to sign up very early for classes because they sell out quickly.
http://www.mosaicguys.com

Here's the setting:


Here's my piece: