Mosaic Artists Community Triples in 2002

embership in the Society of American Mosaic Artists tripled in 2002. SAMA president Sonia King says more than 185 mosaic artists, art lovers, and design professionals from across the United States and abroad recently met at the group’s second annual conference and juried exhibition.

Miami-Dade Community College in Miami, Fla., hosted the conference and presented the group’s exhibition, titled “Earth Elements,” in its Centre Gallery. King says the 62 pieces selected for the exhibition demonstrated the broad range of contemporary expression achievable in this ancient art form.

Mosaics in stone, glass, ceramic tile, beads, paper, and vintage porcelain were represented, sometimes in combination with wood, metals, minerals, and found objects.

“ Each work, whether narrative, non-objective, or decorative, is evocative of the artist’s skill and vision,” states King.

“The best pieces take maximum advantage of the essential characteristic of mosaic — the exquisite tension created by the interplay of shape, color, and texture of individual tesserae (tiles) and the mosaic as a whole.”

Attendees gave overall high marks to the conference. “At first, I was a little intimidated, thinking who am I to be among these pros?” says Taty Drozdova, of Palatine, Ill. “I was surprised to see that many who attended were just like me — corporate runaways, self-taught, self-started. I thoroughly enjoyed being among people who love what they do and are happy with their lives. My brain is ready to explode with new ideas and plans.”

Several mosaic artists from the Miami area also showcased their work, and one, Carlos Alves, held a studio open house. SAMA’s next conference and exhibition will be held in San Francisco in January 2004.

Incorporated in 1999, the Society of American Mosaic Artists’ worldwide membership includes professional mosaic artists, hobbyists, educators, academicians, manufacturers, suppliers, and those who just love mosaics. For additional information, see their Web site at www.ceramicmosaics.org.