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CLASSES AT RICK SHELLEY'S STUDIO
(September classes to be arranged)

Mosaic class for beginners at the AMERICAN VISIONARY ART MUSEUM
Sat. Sept, 21 from 10:00 am-4:00 pm---for details: contact 410-244-1900--or--www.avam.org

Rick Shelley's Mosaic Map at the Walters Art Museum

       PICKLE ART

          I needed a job for the summer, any job. I had just graduated from high school and enrolled in college to study art. I would begin courses in the fall and required money for books and supplies. Burger King hired me.
          I’d soon learn to master fries and milkshakes but during my first hour, lines formed for the lunch-time rush, and no one could spare a minute to train me. I would begin with the important work of pickle placement. The manager centered me in front of a hooded grill with a chute leading to a conveyor belt. “Drop four pickle slices on each burger as it comes out,” he said.
          “Okay,” I said. “I can handle that.”
          For the entire hour, I dropped four pickle slices on sizzling burgers as they shot out of the grill. To alleviate boredom, I spread the slices like fans, played with symmetrical designs, experimented with T patterns, and overlapped the four slices like fish-scales. When the manager looked over my shoulder, I spaced the pickle slices perfectly on a burger and turned for his approval. “Why so fussy?” he grumbled.
           Years later, after graduating with an art degree, I began creating mosaics. I’ve had one man shows and commissions for residences and museums. I’ve taught countless students the art of making mosaics.
          During one class, a student asked, “How did you get started?”
          “Burger King,” I answered.

Mosaics Ceramics Wire and Glass