PECO Family Jams: Zellij with Al-Bustan

Event Description

Zellij, or الزليج, refers to a North African style of mosaic tilework prevalent in Moroccan architecture. Traditionally, tesserae (the small blocks of stone, tile, glass, or other material used to make a mosaic) were hand-cut and arranged to create intricate and precise geometric patterns composed of glazed clay squares, diamonds, triangles, stars, and more. This month Al-Bustan will introduce visitors to the history of this art form and geometric design in SWANA (South West Asian / North African) culture. Participants will select a style, sketch a preliminary design, and then receive tiles, glue, and a coaster backing to create their own Zellij-inspired piece to take home.

Get inspiration or follow along from home with this instructional video by Al-Bustan!

PECO Family Jams are PMG’s one-of-a-kind, family-oriented programs, featured every second Sunday of the month between NOON and 4:00 PM. This is a hands-on art-making event, and will include several mini-tours of our fully mosaicked basement. No reservations are required for PECO Family Jams, but admission tickets should be purchased in advance here.