Laurel True is like one her mosaic masterpieces — a blend of playful, colorful and inspirational. Born in the Midwest, Laurel’s passion for mixed-media mosaics led her as far as Ghana and Italy, but now she’s proud to call Oakland’s Jingletown neighborhood home.
Laurel’s been a mosaics artist for the past 15 years. She creates architectural mosaics, public art, murals, sculptural forms and work for the wall. She was recently awarded the Best Mural in the International category from the prestigious Precita Eyes Mural Center for her “Spirits and Folklore of Ghana� project in Nungua, Ghana. Laurel’s artwork reflects her love of travel, the decorative arts and the urban landscape.
Let Laurel’s enthusiasm and creativity inspire you in one of the many mosaic classes she offers at the Institute of Mosaic Art (IMA). Laurel founded IMA, the first pure mosaic school in the country, right here in Oakland! IMA offers classes in all types of mosaic arts that are open to anyone — no experience necessary.
Where do you get those cool pieces of tile and glass to create your masterpiece? Laurel’s got that covered, too. She recently opened Mosaic Studio Supply store, Oakland’s only retail space that offers everything a mosaics artist needs.
Laurel’s newest creations highlight her playful side — Jingletown Playhouses — the brainchild of Laurel and her partner, Joe Decker. They create special play spaces for your favorite little person. Kids just can’t stay away from these houses and they’re truly works of art, so parents love them too.
Laurel has as much passion for Oakland as she does her artwork and she’s giving back in her very own unique way. Laurel’s last Mosaic Mural Making Intensive class donated a 6′ by 6′ ceramic tile, mirror and fused glass mosaic mural to The Crucible. So get out into the sunshine and go see it! (In fact, you can go to the Crucible July 12-17 to see the annual Fire Arts Festival.)
Cool Merchandise:
- Mosaic supplies, tools & books
- Colorful studio aprons in great African fabrics
- Hand-painted signs
- Mugs, decorative tiles, studio music, shirts & Mexican oil cloth
- One-of-a-kind children’s playhouses from Jingletown Playhouses Cool Services:
- Mosaic classes for all levels: Intro to Ceramic Tile Mosaics; Exterior and Garden Applications; Architectural Applications for Mosaics; Glass Mosaics; Concrete Sculpture
Cool Services:
- Mosaic classes for all levels: Intro to Ceramic Tile Mosaics; Exterior and Garden Applications; Architectural Applications for Mosaics; Glass Mosaics; Concrete Sculpture
Community Impact:
- Mosaic murals donated to local Oakland non-profits
- Hires locally & uses local suppliers
- Participates in East Bay Open Studios
Environmental Impact:
- Reuse of glass and tile
- Beautifies our neighborhoods!
Check out True Mosaic Studios and the rest of Laurel True’s ventures online.