Next up in our series of stories from SAMA Members, Volunteers, and Board of Trustees, we have SAMA Advisory Board Member, Luis Alberto Rivera Torres, with an inspiring message.
A significant group of mosaic artists from different parts of the world belong to the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) based in the United States of America. From the perspective of the “Atelier Del Mosaico de Puerto Rico” (Mosaic School in Puerto Rico) and my personal view as a mosaic artist, I have found that membership within a professional
organization is beneficial for those who are geared towards growing their specific mosaic style, technique, and professional opportunities.
Some of the benefits acquired, but not limited to these, are the opportunity for continuing education. SAMA opens the door for numerous well-known mosaic artists who are able to offer next-level procedures and new techniques for all of us. SAMA is dedicated to educate, inspire and promote excellence in mosaic arts. From the point of view of mentoring, SAMA provides the most important benefit, like being a mentor or finding one within its leadership and/or its members. Mentorship offers the ability to learn about our industry from artists who have been working in it for years, or you can share your experiences with someone new to our field. SAMA provides a road to exposure to new perspectives. Mosaic artists, depending on their styles and objectives, are often extremely busy and can get stuck in one perspective. Being around and relating to other members with different viewpoints will expose anyone to new ideas and outlooks. This can have a very positive effect, not only on your personal growth and development, but a major impact on your artistic ability, leading you to overall unexpected success in your art pieces, appreciated by many.
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I have always believed in professional development. The world runs by us so fast that if you are not aware and awake, you can miss the boat quickly. SAMA is definitely committed to our professional development as artists. The leadership within SAMA’s Board is available for all of us, and it is up to each one to request and take advantage of their availability. I personally have set clear and specific goals for the “Atelier Del Mosaico de PR” (Mosaic School in PR) and for myself as a mosaic artist. Recently, I met with a few SAMA leadership board members and sought feedback from them. I continue to learn new skills within the mosaic medium, and I dare to be different. I am proactive and seek out new challenges.
Finally, SAMA is a road to success available to its members. I have chosen to walk this road to success along with the Atelier Del Mosaico. Today, the Atelier has registered over 9,800 students within our workshops, who have produced at least 2 mosaic art pieces each, totalling 19,600 mosaic art pieces out there in the world from our school. We have taught in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and numerous schools within the USA, and continue to grow our reach. The Society of American Mosaic Artists has definitely made a difference in our success.
Don’t take it lightly, become a member, your professional life will be changed, and so will ours by knowing you!
Thank you,
SAMA Advisory Board
As we continue to celebrate SAMA’s anniversary, we would love to share your story of connection, inspiration, education, revelation, and/or motivation as it relates to SAMA’s role in your creative life, practice, or business. Email: Info@americanmosaics.org and add “My SAMA Story” in the subject line. Add an image or two and we will add to our series here in your inbox and on SAMA’s website.