Passiflora Mosaics

If you are looking for a place to take an innovative, fun, creative workshop in mosaic design head straight for Passiflora Mosaics in Grover Beach. I first came across some stunning mirrors with floral pieces cut from plates and teacups in the Network Gallery in San Luis Obispo years ago. When I learned they were done by Fred and Donnell Pasion, a local married couple, I was eager to find them and take a workshop.
I found both artists to be unpretentious, friendly, kind, and work together well as a team. They are master artisans in the skills of mosaic design gracious, supportive, and generous with their time, energy, expertise, knowledge and supplies. In the workshop I took I made a Lazy Susan table piece. My sister and cousin made birdbaths. There are several choices to pick from such as garden stepping-​stones, heart shaped mirrors, etc. It was a two-​day course and just plain fun. I paid about $ 150, which might seem high for a Lazy Susan, but I learned so much about the mosaic materials and techniques I could do my own projects if I was so inclined. However, it’s a lot more fun making creations with a group of others in their cool location. Their cottage home, gardens and barn were full of whimsy and creative inspiration. Even the crack in the cement of their driveway is the home of a colorful serpent of mosaic and mirror bits!
They have done projects large and small. Some include the massive fireplace at Cambria’s Camp Ocean Pines, hospital benches, private home gardens with sweeping walls and benches of mosaic sunflowers, birds, fish and such. Fred has made totem pole styled pieces of old vintage lamps and his metal trashcan fish are very cool. You just have to see what they do to understand it and appreciate the time and effort they put forth.
Have a look at their website to see more art and find out about their workshops. Or if you would like to have them create custom pieces for your home inside or outside, they have loads of awesome ideas and plenty of experience. One of these days I’d love to get my own mirror by Passiflora Mosaics like the one I first laid eyes on years ago.