It’s been a hot minute since you’ve last heard from us, however we have been hard at work!
Our annual conference will be held in Buffalo, NY, once again partnering with the Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA). In addition to our workshops, presentations, Vendor Marketplace and Art Salon (formerly Mosaic Art Salon), we are pleased to announce this year’s conference will include the Mosaic and Glass Arts International (MGAI) exhibition, Mosaic Marathon and the last three recipients of the Robin Brett Mosaic Scholarship will be presenting their reports.
The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo which is centrally located downtown and is on a six mile, free trolley track that takes passengers up and down the street with restaurants all around. The hotel includes a fabulous atrium with a hotel lobby bar that stays open late and a fully staffed Starbucks on the first floor giving us plenty of room to hang out morning, noon and night. There will be ample locations and time to visit with old and new friends. The conference dates are September 27-October 1, 2023. Click here to register for the conference.
Mosaic Arts International will expand for 2023 to become Mosaic and Glass Arts International, presented at CEPA Gallery in the heart of Downtown Buffalo and a short walk from the conference hotel. Members of both SAMA and SGAA are encouraged to submit work for this return of SAMA’s premiere exhibition opportunity. Explore the exhibition prospectus and apply here. Deadline for submission: June 15, 2023.
A consistent comment we hear is how much SAMA has meant to members and can’t imagine it not being there for the next generation of artists. A few other comments include:
“I wouldn’t be who am as an artist if not for SAMA;”
“I’ve met and made lifelong friends around the world;”
“I can’t wrap my head around where I’d be if I hadn’t had SAMA – I’d be making trivets;”
“I’ve grown as a person as well as an artist.”
SAMA’s mission is to educate, promote and inspire excellence in mosaic art. After several challenging years and facing potential dissolution of the organization, we entered our relationship with SGAA with open minds and passionate hearts; committed to ensuring the continuation of SAMA’s mission and legacy of contributions to the greater mosaic art community.
This has been an arduous process. Each step has been taken with care along an uncharted path to an unknown destination. As we move toward the 2023 joint conference and juried exhibition, we are committing to a future for SAMA beyond Fall 2023 that will involve a partnership with SGAA, not a merger. Sharing our resources and strengthening membership offerings through shared programming, we will strive to create a new meaningful experience for our members that is viable, sustainable and ready to serve the needs of the next generation of artists elevating our beloved medium.
We are currently an ALL VOLUNTEER organization. Now it is critical to gather new volunteer energy and leadership as these next steps to meet our mission goals and continue to renew SAMA’s strength will depend on devoted volunteer participation. We will be forming new strategic plans: a one-two year plan for stabilization and a five year plan for continued growth. The future of SAMA depends on committed leaders that will set the stage for the next generation of SAMA. Will you support SAMA with your time, membership commitment or donation?
If you are interested in sharing your views or suggestions or would like more information about serving on the Board of Trustees, please contact Libby Hintz at lhintz@americanmosaics.org or a board member.
SAMA Board of Trustees
Luis Alberto Rivera, Advisory Board
Volunteer Staff
Dawnmarie Zimmerman, Executive Director