IMPERIAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Mosaic is the art of creating colorful images with small pieces of "tesserae (glass, stone or ceramic). The earliest known examples of mosaics were found at a temple building in Mesopotamia, dating back to the second half of 3nd millennium BC; however, it was the Greeks and the Romans who perfected the craft. In Italy, to this day, these ancient techniques are still taught at the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli in Spilimbergo, about 100 km from Venice, Italy. This is where Ambrose Mariuz earned his degree in 1977 (see diploma and translation below).
 
A few years after graduating, Mariuz brought his “old world” skills to the “new world,” where he’s had a long successful career in tile and mosaic. Now reaching retirement age from lucrative residential, commercial and municipal jobs, Mariuz is focusing on smaller mosaics to decorate your home or office. These ancient style treasures are sure to increase in value over the years. They will become heirlooms to pass onto future generations. Choose one from available pieces, or order your own custom design, such as your family coat of arms or the name of a loved one.