Lessons Learned: Reflecting on the Theory and Practice of Mosaic Conservation

I have to admit when I read that the articles in this book were in English and French I thought that meant this would be like an English/French dictionary with translations into the respective languages. Not so, as some of the articles are in English and some are in French, period. If you can’t read French you are on your own which I find somewhat disappointing. Would it have been so hard to translate the French into English and vice versa? However, for someone like myself who only reads English and can just about order a cup of coffee in French, there is still enough of interest to justify ordering this informative collection of reports on the proceedings of the 2005 meeting of the International Committee for the Conservation of Mosaics.

I happen to love mosaics and am unashamedly passionate about the conservation of ancient mosaics, especially in the Hellenistic Greek and Roman Empire periods. From this book I learned a great deal about the different approaches to preservation and the problems inherent in those methods, the effects of tourism pro and con, the efforts to encourage appreciation for cultural heritage, the methods of scientific investigation—just to mention a few topics.

So if, like me, you salivate when you hear the word mosaics and want to learn more about the conservation and preservation of this wonderful art form from a professional point of view, I can highly recommend purchasing this record of the conference.
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Art in the Afternoon: Venice Art Forum

On Sunday a friend and I attended the exhibit “Studio Visions” with works by The Venice Art Forum Group at The Center for Art and Spirit in Venice, California. We were invited by our mutual friend, Barbara Golbin, who was showing four of her paintings.

 

Other artists in the exhibit included Ciya, Debra Gangale, Carole Garland, Linda Jacobson, Regine Legler, Melissa Reischman, and Jean Wolff. I know several of the artists and it is always interesting to see their new creations.

Linda, who created the group and was the host, converted the garage of her house into a well-thought-out art studio/gallery with natural light, work areas, and plenty of wall space to accommodate exhibits.

After viewing the paintings we enjoyed sitting out in the garden chatting with friends and admiring the bougainvillea.

Linda provided a nice spread of grapes, cheese, crackers, and wine. At 3:30 there was a drumming session with maracas for those of us who wanted to join in the noise-making.

This was a very pleasant, informal afternoon of art and socializing.

(photos copyright roslyn m wilkins)