In 1949, Elpidio Perdomo founded Mosaicos Venecianos de Mexico (MVM), the first glass mosaic factory in the Americas. With the help of Italian glass artisans (some still on staff!), the fusion of Murano Masters' glass formulas, with the substitution of local raw materials and techniques, created a new and unique mosaic product that is known today as “Mexican Smalti”.
The factory came about during a dynamic time for Modern Art in Mexico. Painters and Muralists such as Diego Rivera, (1886 – 1957,), Juan O'Gorman (1905-1982), and Jose Chavez Morado (1909-2002), helped to form a bridge between Modern Art and Mexican glass mosaics by enlisting MVM to translate their work into mosaic. Thus, the history of 'modern' art in Mexico is very intertwined with the history of MVM and the Perdomo Family
Luigi Scodellar, MVM Art Director since 1985, brought with him from Italy the unique qualities of Spilimbergo inspired mosaics. His experience, along with Mexican glass and Mexican artists, created a unique style now recognized worldwide. The fusion of Italian techniques in hands of Mexican craftsmen created our distinctive style; very detailed, colorful and comprised of endless irregular hand cut shapes.
The MVM Factory, Art Studios and Showrooms are all located in Cuernavaca, Mexico. The workshops are located on the top floor of a family owned building, has a classroom with a great view, a store (yes, bring an empty suitcase) and a mosaic library. It is within walking distance to hotels, dining, museums and shopping. There is never enough time to see everything!
Through our Mosaics in Mexico series of workshops, we want to offer mosaic artists a unique mosaic experience that reflects our distinctive style of modern and 'Byzantine' mosaic. We want to share our passion for mosaic as well as our technical expertise while offering our hospitality while you visit the wonderful city of Cuernavaca. And... we want you to have tons of fun while you are here!