Premiere Tile Artisans Training Event Held in Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI, July 7, 2023-On June 19 to 23, the Premiere Tile Artisans Training event was held at the Dragonfly Tile and Stone Works shop.

The A.R.T. program was geared to provide experienced installers with information and hands-on training to design, produce and install their own hand-cut custom art features, according to industry standards. In addition to offering hand-cut artisan features to clients, the program equipped participants with a transference of skills and methods that elevate all tile installations.

Fifteen participants from around the country filled the class in less than eight hours when it was announced earlier in the year on Facebook, and attended with hopes of expanding their skills, creating art and distinguishing themselves from the competition with high-level mosaic skills.

The training was developed by Jane and Lee Callewaert of Dragonfly together with Joshua Nordstrom of Tierra Tile, who flew in from Homer, Alaska to be a primary instructor along with Lee. Also essential to the program were assistant trainers Maria Meyer, Dragonfly Artisan Tile apprentice and Seth Ready of Ready Set Tile & Mosaic in Broomfield, Colorado, plus essential assistance from Jeff Kimmerling of Laticrete.

Sponsored by the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and Laticrete International, the program also had support from Tile Tools, Arto, Gemini Saw Co., Inland Craft, Floor & Decor, EMI Mesh Mount Paper and Tape as well as loans of equipment from other industry members.