Madeline's Mosaic Bench

Celebrating Madeline with mosaic love….. her bench was installed this January in Walnut Creek. 

Designed and created by Rachel Rodi Mosaics. Much thanks to the Cashion Family for participating in the making of the mosaic.

Mosaic On The Way - Get A Sneak Peak!

This one's all about New Orleans. Brass bands, beads, feathers, wrought iron and seafood are a few of the NOLA inspirations for this kitchen backsplash and (soon to come) flowy island bar top. It is all in glass - iridescent and swirly. We decided to interpret the inspirations into modern, abstracted designs that stand the test of time and trends (hopefully!). Although this is going into an Oakland kitchen, we are tuning into the Louisiana spirit. I was born and raised in Louisiana and come from 8 (!) La. generations that originated in New Orleans - so am Super happy to call on my roots in the Big Easy!! Who Dat!

Parchester Park Getting a Makeover

Over 200 people came together on a drizzly day in October to rebuild Parchester Park from the ground up in Richmond, CA. They built all the play equipment, painted games on the pavement, planted trees and more. All in one day! As part of that project each volunteer made a clay tile that has become part of this mosaic mural. A true labor of love and commitment, the mural will be installed on the outside of the park's community center facing the new playground. The mosaic represents the community of Parchester neighborhood and Richmond, empowered and united together, radiating out and making a difference in the world; plus celebration, life, love, diversity and more. We are slated to install tomorrow but it is supposed to rain!

Mosaic designed and led by Rachel Rodi. Huge thanks to production assistants: Carol Bevilacqua, Mark Tabler, Jen ODonnell, Denise Hart and Guy Fuerte! Project spearheaded by the City of Richmond and The Trust for Public Land.   

New Mosaic Floor Inset with Smalti Pizzas

Who knew smalti was great for floors? We just finished creating a sleek, ribbon shaped mosaic floor inset for TB Penick's new Bay Area office. They're an innovative design/ build company that loves mosaics! Four vibrant red colors of smalti from DiMosiaco were used to play off red terrazzo floor accents in the office. We needed so much glass - over 70 lbs - it had to be shipped directly from Italy. TB Penick wanted large pieces of glass cut in random shapes so we started with whole pizzas (the whole slab of poured smalti glass) to create a fun, crazy paving pattern. It's a highlight right when you walk in - a bright red ribbon that leads straight to the conference room where all the construction planning magic happens.

Open Studios 2014 - First Two Weekends of June

We opened the studio to the public for the first time ever during East Bay Open Studios this year. It was great! We had lots and lots of visitors, sold some art, met new neighbors and friends, and had a fantastic time. Rachel even showed a few retrospective pieces from her ceramic sculpture days. It was nice to have so many people visit and share in the love of mosaics and art. Definitely a lot of work but worth it! Hope you enjoy the pictures!