G3 Makerspace mosaic workshop promotes ‘trash into art’

Andrea Murer helps attendees of the Glass Mosaic Workshop held at the Guam Green Growth Makerspace & Innovation Hub

Mark Murer helps an attendee at the Glass Mosaic Workshop by outlining portions to cut.

Addison Ferguson, attendee of the Glass Mosaics Workshop makes final touches to her art piece

An attendee of the Glass Mosaic Workshop at the G3 Makerspace & Innovation Hub glues pieces of recycled glass to a frame made of upcycled wooden pallet.

A full-class of attendees pose with their finished art pieces with instructors from Murer Mosaics

With the idea of promoting sustainability and art, the Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace & Innovation Hub held a glass mosaic workshop during which participants transformed recycled glass and pallets into one-of-a-kind pieces. The workshop was held on Thursday, February 29, at the Chamorro Village.

At least a dozen participants worked under the tutelage of local artists Mark and Andrea Murer, a father-daughter duo working together as business owners for Mark Murer Mosaics.

Although most attendees had little to no experience in working with mosaic art, under the guidance of the Murers , everyone was able to complete their pieces before the end of the night.

G3 Circular Economy Coordinator, Abby Crain was excited to welcome the Murers to the G3 Makerspace.

Crain said, “I think what made it really successful was that it was the first time [a class taught by Murer] was being offered! A lot of people have always loved and admired his work, and this was a chance for them to finally get to participate in that.”

Eventgoers were given step-by-step instructions from the Murers, who did well to encourage and empower the participants.

Morgan Leon Guerrero one of the workshop participants, described her experience.

“The workshop was a lot of fun! I had never done something like it before, so I was a little nervous, but Mark and Andrea guided us every step of the way. It was a great way to spend time with my friends doing something creative! I am excited to participate in more workshops like this one.”

As March unfolds, Crain said the island community can look forward to more workshops curated by the G3 Makerspace. She urged the community not to miss out on opportunities.

“[The Glass Mosaic Workshop] sold out in a matter of hours, so don’t sleep on it. t. We usually post our workshop schedule at the beginning of each month. We really go out of our way to curate the classes and make sure that they have some kind of sustainability and artistic element.”

As for upcoming events, Crain said the community can look forward to workshops this month to celebrate Mes CHamoru or CHamoru Month, with the next workshop showcasing a coconut fiber artist who specializes in basket weaving.

When asked how the G3 Makerspace will engage the community in the coming year, Crain said, “We are here to inspire ways to use what we have on island and to also teach the community new skills so that they can take their artistry, their business, and their interests a little bit further.”

Follow the G3 Makerspace & Innovation Hub on social media accounts @GuamGreenGrowth and @GuamGreenGrowthMakerspace.