Motawi Tileworks was founded in 1992, and it has grown into a company employing more than 40 people, who specialize in handcrafted tiles in Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, and Midcentury Modern aesthetics, as well as other unique designs.

Motawi art tiles are currently sold in more than 300 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and Motawi tile installations grace homes and public spaces worldwide.

After graduating from the University of Michigan’s Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, Nawal Motawi moved to Detroit to learn tile-making at the renowned Pewabic Pottery. She later returned to Ann Arbor, where she began creating historically inspired tile in her garage and selling it at the local farmer’s market. And that’s only the beginning of her story!

Nawal Motawi, owner and artistic director of Motawi Tileworks in Ann Arbor, will share with us her stories of the company’s unique history and early beginnings, creative process and business strategies. She’ll share the company’s philosophy and how Motawi Tileworks has become a creative beacon of light in our community and around the world.

Preregistration is required via the OLLI website or phone. A link to access the lecture will be e-mailed prior to the event.