Check Out Cathy Tomovich’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Tomovich.

Hi Cathy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Shortly after moving to Colorado Springs I was unpacking all of my belongings and came across some old windows that I had packed. I knew that I wanted to turn them into some type of art. I searched old windows on the internet and started seeing all these beautiful mosaics.

I had never worked with glass before but I started doing some research, bought my materials, set up a space in my garage, and within 2 weeks I made my very first mosaic. Shortly afterward I started volunteering at Who Gives a SCRAP. The owners allowed me to sell some of my mosaics in the store and also asked me if I was interested in teaching. That was back in 2016 in a very small classroom that only held 6 people. Jump forward to the present time I still am teaching at Who Gives a SCRAP and also virtually.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it has been a very smooth road. I have learned a lot along the way but have worked out a system that works best for me. I am a one-woman show. I make class samples, create classes, register people for classes, ship class kits, do all my own social media and website and teach the classes. It can be quite overwhelming at times which can be a struggle. Another struggle was the pandemic when everything closed down.

However, a friend reached out to see if I could assemble a kit for a friend which got me thinking about how can I teach this virtually. With the help of my 20-something kids, they helped me to schedule zoom classes. That first year was my best year teaching and it was from the comfort of my own home. With the help of my followers on social media, my virtual classes still fill up. I have taught virtually in almost every state and even had a class participant from South Africa.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the owner of Shattered Glass Restored. I like to use materials that we can upcycle and turn into mosaic art from old stained glass, tiles, and dishes. I have had my own mosaic pieces shown in the following galleries Twenty-One Eight Gallery. Kreuser Gallery, Common Wheel Artist Co-op, and The Modbo. As honored as I was to show my pieces in these galleries I find more joy in teaching others how to create their own mosaics. I have a variety of classes from ornaments to old windows and everything in between. Most of my classes are for beginners. I also try to keep my class prices down so everyone can enjoy this art form.

Many of my students have gone on to keep creating their own mosaics on their own. I tell everyone in my classes that my classes come with a warning they are fun and addicting. I create a warm and welcoming environment where you can come in learn how to create your own mosaic and go home with an amazing piece of art. Mosaics are a very forgiving art form as you really can’t mess it up. I love how everyone has the same substrate but each piece is completely different. Seeing the participants smiles at the end of the class is my reward.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Music is my love language and where I thrive. Depending on my mood and what I’m working on I will listen to everything from classical, show tunes, classic rock, and jazz. Sorry, no country music lol…

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shatteredglassrestored.com/
• Instagram: @shatteredglassrestored
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shatteredglassrestored
• tiktok: @shatteredglassrestored