Realism in Mosaic Art: Color, Composition and Design with Carol Shelkin

Carol Shelkin took to art as soon as she was able to hold a crayon. At seven she started attending Fleisher Art Memorial in Philadelphia and it was made clear at this young age that her life would be centered on her passion for art. She continued her artistic direction with studies at Pennsylvania Academy of The Fine Arts and studies in Ravenna, Italy. In time she began to teach and create one-of-a-kind works of art that are displayed in galleries, community centers, libraries, commercial and private, residential settings.

For over 30 years Carol owned a successful arts nursery school, "Carol's House” in Philadelphia, raised her three children along with her husband, JP as she balanced her promise to teach adults at night and work on her personal portfolio in art.

Since 2011, Carol is the owner of Worldwide Mosaic Workshops and Tours taking creatives and art lovers to Costa Rica, Mexico, France, Morocco, Italy and Spain. She is the instructor and tour guide traveling the world, exploring and researching new destinations, and delivering experiences that students will remember for the rest of their lives. Carol also offers other week long and weekend workshops worldwide.

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Upper Darby Arts and the prestigious Robin Brett Mosaic Scholarship from The Society of American Mosaic Artists honored her with grants and scholarships to create and learn. She is a Founding Member and past President of The Mosaic Society of Philadelphia along with being voted a Master Artisan from The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

Carol finds a very eclectic approach to surface design placing stained glass and other materials where she, as a painter naturally places paint and balances that with her love of being an art teacher.