Through the Looking Glass — Mandala Retreat, Feb. 5–7, 2027

Choose Your Optical Illusion

Explore twelve original pattern concepts or submit your own mandala idea for approval. The examples below show design possibilities, not guaranteed finished-glass outcomes. This retreat focuses on the movement, rhythm, geometry, and color relationships that make a stationary mosaic appear to shift.

Mandala Artwork Inspiration Gallery

Explore six photographs of real glass mosaics and works in progress. Tap any image to view it larger.

Through the Looking Glass: Optical Illusion Mandala Retreat with Kory Dollar

February 5–7, 2027 | Marvelous Mosaic Fine Art | Deer Island, Oregon

Your glass isn’t moving. Your eyes just think it is!

Explore spirals, distorted symmetry, optical illusions, and the expressive power of glass in this immersive three-day glass-on-glass mandala retreat. With the Kory Dollar Cutting Method, discover how C-cuts, ribbon cuts, slivers, repeated geometry, value changes, and intentional direction can make a stationary design appear to ripple, rotate, expand, or twist.

Choose a Pattern and Explore Your Color Story

Choose from 12 original optical-illusion designs: Spiral Vortex, Rotating Rings, Spherical Depth, Ripple Wave, Impossible Triangle, Twisting Petals, Cube Illusion, Infinite Tunnel, Flowing Motion, Double Spirals, Radiant Burst, and Expanding Star. Students may also propose an original design for approval. The intended project size is approximately 12 × 12 inches.

Before class, consider the effect of color on perception. We encourage you to experiment with monochromatic glass palettes using variations in value, opacity, transparency, iridescence, and texture within one available color family. Also explore analogous and complementary combinations. Examples are inspiration rather than guarantees of specific glass inventory.

How can darker values recede? How can repeating shapes and high contrast make your eyes follow a spiral? We’ll use color theory to explore rhythm, depth, movement, and mood.

Pre-Retreat Community Hub — Planned

We are developing a retreat community hub where registered students will create an account, choose or upload a design, share color inspiration, and join a pre-retreat design meeting. Until this feature launches, preparation and design approval will be coordinated directly with our team. Details will be sent to registrants.

In-Person Retreat Details

📅 February 5–7, 2027
📍 Marvelous Mosaic Fine Art, 64535 Columbia River Hwy, Deer Island, OR
💲 Tuition: $599
💲 Mandatory meal/venue fee: $100, paid at time of service regardless of whether you eat the provided meals
🔥 Optional Thursday, February 4 fusing add-on: $85

Friday: Check-in 9:00 AM; workshop starts 10:00 AM.
Saturday: Full workshop day; exact hours in pre-retreat information.
Sunday: Workshop concludes approximately 12:00–1:00 PM.

The $100 venue fee includes two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, snacks, and refreshments. Thursday fusing runs approximately 4:00–9:00 PM, with an evening potluck. Lodging is arranged separately. Studio access is available until 10 PM; formal instruction ends at 5 PM.

Online Workshop and Shipped Kits — In Development

We are planning a separate $599 online workshop on the weekend before or after the in-person retreat, with Kory and Rachel coordinating the teaching team. The exact date and online teaching platform are not yet finalized; online registration is not open.

Included in online tuition: a printed, full-size design template based on the student’s approved selection, workshop instructions, the glass needed for the selected project, mosaic glue, and shipping of the included workshop materials. Students will select from our original optical-illusion patterns or submit a design for approval and discuss glass colors in advance.

Optional add-ons: a frame, glass substrate, or supplemental specialty glass pack may be offered for an additional charge. Add-on prices and any applicable shipping conditions will be confirmed before registration opens.

Online students must register at least 30 days before the class so we can approve their designs, select glass, assemble kits, and ship materials in time. Full kit specifications and the delivery area will be confirmed before online enrollment begins.

Travel and Lodging

Airport pickup and drop-off are available by advance arrangement for $75 each way; email Kory@marvelousmosaic.com. St. Helens and Rainier are the closest practical towns for lodging; hotel and vacation-rental options are available. Kalama is not a convenient location despite appearing close on a map.

Payment and Cancellation

• All sales final.
• Cancel more than 45 days ahead: transfer available if the spot fills.
• Cancel less than 15 days ahead: credit forfeited.
• One reschedule allowed within six months.
• Final payment due 30 days before the event.

Stay Connected

Facebook · GOG Mosaic Artist Community · Instagram · TikTok

Limited in-person spaces available. Come see glass differently!

2027 Registration, Cancellation & Credit Policy

All registrations are subject to our 2027 Retreat Registration, Cancellation, Refund & Credit Policy. Please review the nonrefundable registration terms, participant transfers, 30-day rescheduling request deadline, 14-day last-minute cancellation rules, and payment requirements before registering.

2027 Registration & Remaining Balance

Register with a 50% deposit: At checkout, enter coupon code DEPOSIT50. This coupon reduces the checkout charge; your unpaid balance is still owed and will be handled separately by our team. The $100 venue/meal fee is collected at the retreat.

Choose how to pay the remaining balance:

• Online invoice: Request a separate invoice by email. The remaining online balance is due 30 days before the retreat. Our team will prepare and send your invoice manually.
• Cash or check at the retreat: You may pay the remaining balance when you arrive. Please bring your payment; the separate $100 venue/meal fee is also collected at the retreat.
• Mail a check in advance: Mail your check to Marvelous Mosaic Fine Art, 64535 Columbia River Hwy, Deer Island, OR 97054. Include your name, retreat date, and order number with payment. Please allow enough mailing time for your check to arrive at least 14 days before the retreat. If you need to confirm your remaining balance, email marvelousmosaicfineart@gmail.com.

Already registered? Include your name, retreat date, and order number in your email. Email links open your email application; they do not send a request until you press Send. Read the 2027 registration and cancellation policy.