Based in Cape Town's creative hub, these specialist art forms are taught by experts in the field. Irene Rizzin, a former Masters graduate from the renowned Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli in Italy, heads up the mosaic studio while Karen Kotze, a ceramic artist whose work is included in collections across South Africa, runs the ceramic studio. Additionally, both courses include tuition in drawing, art history, applied theory and business skills.
Because training is employment-based, apprentices gain invaluable industry experience working against production deadlines, collaborating with high calibre artists and learning professional art practices by association. Apprentices are also exposed to the local art and culture scene, via excursions to art studios, galleries, museums and the art library. The ultimate excursion takes the form of a cultural tour of Europe - awarded to third year apprentices who perform consistently well.
Under the direction of Yellowwoods Art, the Academy has produced architectural-scale mosaic artworks to critical acclaim, to date winning two BASA Awards and the BAMM Award in the UK. The Spier Arts Academy is also an official project of World Design Capital Cape Town 2014.
Application forms are available at spierartsacademy.co.za/mosaic-course/enrolment and must be in before 1 September 2015, or for more information on the academy and courses, go to spierartsacademy.co.za.
