Many Hands Make Light Work: Announcing the partnership between SAMA and the Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA)
When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. ~ Paulo Coelho
In recent months, the Society of American Mosaic Artists has been at a crossroads as a result of a series of financial challenges. Canceled events and low enrollment in SAMA programs lead to the difficult decision by the Board of Trustees to begin the difficult process of dissolution. The mosaic art community’s heartfelt support and desire to preserve SAMA’s 20-year legacy spread like wildfire and soon sparked an idea with another arts organization with deep connections to mosaic art. The idea to build a mutually strengthening partnership that could save one community, while inspiring and growing another.
The Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA) and The Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) will begin the first phase of partnership by collaborating on a joint conference, June 27 – 30, 2022 in Toledo, Ohio.
In order from top left: “Seasons in 4/4 Time” by Josephine A. Geiger; “Australia” by Caitlin Hepworth and Marian Shapiro; A portion of “Roots of Knowledge” by Holdman Studios; “Patagonia Heart” by Alejandra Martin; “Waco Chamber of Commerce” by Stanton Studios; “Time and Tide No. 7” by Todd Campbell; “James Jean Collaboration” by Judson Studios; “Goodbye Old Life” by Barbara Uhlenbruch; “Air” from “Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Firmament” J. Piercey Studios
In the coming months, SAMA Executive Director, Dawnmarie Zimmerman will work with SGAA Executive Director, Megan McElfresh planning the joint conference and additional member programming with the financial support of SGAA. This dynamic duo brings together over 20 years of nonprofit, publications and event planning experience and are deeply passionate about building a strong and prosperous partnership for both communities. They will coordinate the efforts of both Boards of Trustees and committee volunteers to elevate opportunities for collaboration so that the missions of both organizations can not only survive but thrive well into the future.
Moving forward, both organizations will work together to ensure the essential elements of membership are preserved while exploring innovative new ways to serve artists, suppliers, manufacturers, preservationists, and collectors. We are charting new waters and appreciate the generosity and enthusiasm each community will bring to this process. We also appreciate our members’ patience while we work through details and make adjustments to ensure your engagement with our shared activities exceeds expectations!
Due to the generous donations and record breaking sales of SAMA Store publications since mid-December, SAMA’s Board of Trustees in a show of good faith has further extended the pending dissolution allowing time for this partnership to evolve. The SAMA Board will remain in place and work to shepherd SAMA’s mission to educate, inspire and promote excellence in mosaic arts while taking the same care and caution of fiscal responsibility in working with SGAA. (Read previous statements from Board of Trustees)
SAMA will reactivate its Membership program, offering 1yr memberships and renewals and extending the expiration date of all SAMA Members who were active on October 19, 2021 by four months.
This will give the opportunity for SAMA Members to take advantage of Member discounts and benefits in development through our working partnership with SGAA.
Members who expired before October 19, 2021, or whose auto-renewal was not activated can log-into the Member Portal and renew now.
Current Members and those who have expired since October 19, 2021, will have their membership expiration date extended by 4 months in the Member Portal by February 19, 2022. This will be done for you, no need to request an extension.
There are no immediate plans to resume the Groutline Publication however details on new benefits as a result of our partnership with SGAA will be forthcoming. Membership is not required to attend the joint conference, but discounts will be available to all SAMA and SGAA Members.
Registration information will be available soon, current members will be the first to get access to all the details!
To learn more about the SGAA, visit their website at https://stainedglass.org/