About Us
From a very young age -- younger than I can recall, I have always been creative. Growing up I would challenge babysitters to coloring contests, draw pictures and set up shop in front of my parents' house, and make needlepoint projects for my mom to sell at work. I happily explored every craft under the sun – from tie-dying and decoupage to cross-stitching and crochet. My passion for the creative started early!
It was in 1998 that I discovered my true passion. When I took my first mosaic class, I realized I had found an art form I simply had to have in my life. At the time, I was working in magazine publishing which meant rushing home from long days in the office to delve into my latest project, or finish one from the night before. I was burning my candle at both ends, but my hard work reaped tremendous rewards. I quietly showed friends my creations -- which immediately led to sales. Thus, Mosaic Madness was born.
However, my interest in mosaics began long before I enrolled in my first class. My father, a creative type as well, made wonderful mosaic pieces in college. In fact, the coffee table in my parents' family room today is the very first piece he designed. Still, I'm marveled at the quality of materials, choice of colors, and eye-catching design. I still haven't been able to get him to sit down and do a mosaic together...but I'll keep working on him!
Since our humble beginnings, Mosaic Madness has not only expanded the many types of materials we use but also the style of pieces we produce. Inspiration comes from logos, textiles, advertising, nature, and books and how these items address the relationship between color, shape, and flow. We incorporate china, found objects, vitreous tile, stained glass, hand-painted tile, smalti, beads, wire, and whatever else we can find.
The creative process is a beautiful, amazing thing....not only in producing, but also in teaching. It feeds the soul. And, with each piece we create, we learn something new. We feel blessed to know that our art brings happiness and smiles to others.
Thank you for your support throughout the years, and for those of you who are new to Mosaic Madness....welcome to our virtual studio! Kick off your shoes, get comfortable, and enjoy our collection!
All the best,
Julie
Julie Galvin Weilbacher
Founder, Artist, Owner
P.S. Through the years Mosaic Madness has had a wonderful mentor. Her name is Tracy Porter -- and she's unaware that she's been our mentor all these years. Her style, business acumen, and importance for family continues to inspire us everyday. She, along with her husband, have grown their arts-related business into an amazing lifestyle company. Thank you Tracy Porter for being such a stellar and humble example for so many of us!