Professional Member Gallery

Contrast, color, texture. These are the three words that best describe my work. When I work with stone, I am reminded that these materials took millions of years to create. I feel like I’m part of a long continuum of life on this planet when I grip my hammer and cleave a piece of granite. I begin a piece by first having an inspiration, from nature or the built world around me. I’m always on the lookout for interesting scenes, when zoomed into with the camera become inspiration for a compelling abstract composition. With a pile of stone tesserae in front of me, I then look for just the right shiny bits of glass smalti to add contrast to the rough texture of the stone. Other elements come into play as well. Rusted steel and cast-off hardware can be the perfect focal point to a piece.

The tactile, reflective and pixilated surface of mosaics resonates deeply for me. My work is composed of line infused with meaning, the compositions are created with tessera in pebbles, stone, glass, and detritus. I strive for beauty and conceptual meaning in my work and find inspiration in oceans and lakes, topography and geological formations as well as flora and fauna. The pebbles underfoot are ancient and impart thousands of gently whispered stories when used in a mosaic.
Using both ancient and up-cycled materials gives rise to an andamento that is fully formed in the modern world, while referencing the ancient and natural worlds for guidance and inspiration. The abstracted representation of landform is an ephemeral snapshot of a landscape that becomes more evanescent with each passing year.

Unexpected emotions come from the whimsical and thoughtful humor and commentary found in my Pique-assiette mosaic installations and mosaic sculptures. My mosaics break tradition with a graphic design sensibility that comes from my first career as an illustrator and graphic designer in the entertainment industry. The legacy of past generations 
of pique-assiette mosaic artists formed my commitment to excellence with a desire to push the boundaries of technique, 
materials and subject matter. My vision is brought to life 
through an endless palette of ceramics and familiar but discarded or overlooked objects which 
have been vividly re-imagined. Whether creating a 
large public or residential site-specific installation or a tabletop 
sculpture, my mosaics will 
ensure the creation of a timeless expression of our shared world.

Cherie Bosela is an award-winning Orlando based mixed media mosaic artist, exhibiting her work all over the US. These are just a few of the materials she uses in her artwork: sheet glass, ceramics, fused glass and her photography under the glass. Her artwork is inspired by her travels. She likes to capture the essence of the moment, to express something that made an impact on her, and to relate that in her work. This results in images that are almost like a memory, full of life and expression. She takes these memories and recreate them into a mosaic, giving life back to that little moment and giving the experience to all who pass it. Her work has been included in exhibits at The Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA, 1st Thursdays at the Orlando Museum of Art, Mayor’s Gallery in Orlando City Hall and CityArts Factory to name a few. She was on the Society of American Mosaic Artists Board of Trustees from 2014-2017 and has been a member since 2011. She is the owner of Luna Mosaic Arts in Orlando, FL.

Vancouver BC based, international, award winning visual artist working making social commentary with large scale mosaics.

2017 SOLO EXHIBITION Heroine of a Thousand Pieces: The Judith Mosaics of Lilian Broca, Museum of Biblical Art, Dallas TX (catalogue)
2016 SOLO EXHIBITION Heroine of a Thousand Pieces: The Judith Mosaics of Lilian Broca, JD Carrier Art Gallery,Toronto, ON (catalogue)
2016 The Juror’s Choice Award, Women’s Museum of California, San Diego, CA (catalogue)
2015 SOLO EXHIBITION Heroine of a Thousand Pieces: The Judith Mosaics of Lilian Broca, Il Museo, Vancouver, BC (catalogue)
2015 Mosaic Arts International 2015, Painted Arts Bride Center, Philadelphia, PA (catalogue)
2015 Group Exhibition, A Mosaic Passover Story, Museum of Biblical Art, Dallas, TX (catalogue)
2013 Guest Artist in Group Exhibition, Gaziantep International Contemporary Mosaic Exhibition, Zeugma Museum, Gaziantep, Turkey (catalogue)
2013 Documentary Return to Byzantium: The Art and Life of Lilia

For me mosaic is a form of magic. The process of breaking down large sheets of glass, finding that perfect glass for each small piece, that just right hue, level of transparency and surface texture that will speak to what I’m trying to say with this glass “brush stroke.” The medium is always a joy and a challenge, cutting the perfect shape and size tesserae to create that feeling. The overall theme of my artwork is a resolute celebration of this life; of our world, both our creations and of natural things.

Beauty is not necessarily about something being perfect or whole. Perhaps this is why I am so drawn to the medium of mosaic. Individual fragments, imperfect and broken, are combined in such a way as to reveal a rich tapestry for the senses. This is done by contrasting elements of light and shadow, shape and texture, brilliant color and muted tones, spontaneity and balance through the language of mosaic.

David's mosaics are also influenced by his early years growing up on a small farm in South Texas, his love for nature and wildlife, the history and culture of indigenous people of the Americas and the Sami of Lapland. Other interests include ancient rock art in West Texas, aboriginal art of Australia, shamanism, spirituality, sacred geometry, and storytelling. Most recently, the theme of brokenness from personal loss, healing, beginning anew, and celebrating life is being explored.

David maintains a studio practice in San Antonio.

Carole Choucair Oueijan, is a fine artist whose work in mosaic, watercolor, oil painting and mixed media, have won international honors.
Her art training includes completion of Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Institut National Des Beaux Arts, Lebanon, a Diploma in Interior Design and a specialization in the Byzantine Mosaic Technique in Greece. Her mosaics have a decidedly “painterly” effect that blends realism with abstract seamlessly. Her artwork is exhibited across the US, Lebanon, Italy, Greece, Qatar and Canada.
Carole is the winner of five public art projects in the City of Santa Cruz, at their historical board walk, the Civic Center in Temecula, in a commercial building in Bellflower, on five locations in the City of Temple City and a mosaic sculpture in the City of Monrovia at their Goldline Station Square.

Mosaics tell the stories of the little treasures within as they blend together into works of love and art. They are conversations between elements and artist, where edges may be adjusted, but nothing is truly forced into place.

I work in mixed media with a strong focus on mosaics. I use a wide variety of materials in my work, including natural, foraged and found items such as sea glass, bone, driftwood and stone. My use of color is widely variable, from muted and earth toned to bright and psychedelic hues. Where mosaic work tends to be structured and planned, I try to incorporate spontaneity and serendipity within my pieces. I am particularly focused on surface design and pushing the boundaries of sculpture with unconventional and re-purposed materials.

Much of my artwork is abstract in style and form, reflecting my lifelong interest in tribal art and artifacts from around the world. I was born and raised in a seaside town, and the ocean has been a powerful, repetitive theme through most every piece of art I have made. In addition, I like to create “color and texture memories” of places I’ve visited over the years, and to explore macro and micro-environments in nature.

London based international award winning artist Gary Drostle specializes in large scale mosaics to commission for interior and exterior floors, walls and mosaic sculptures.
AWARDS:-
2016 NEW AWARDS! – National Railways Heritage Craft Skills Award
2015 Chester Civic Awards, Commended Public Realm Refurbishment
2015 2nd prize in the Prix Picassiette, Chartres, France
2014 Mosaic Arts International, Houston TX – 'Contemporary Innovation in Mosaic' award
2013 Mosaic Arts International, Washington – 'Best in Show' award
2012 Chester Civic Trust New Years Honours - Award
2012 Mosaic Arts International, Kentucky – Selected Architectural Juried
2011 TileLetter Awards (NTCA) Las Vegas – Winner Commercial Mosaic/Glass Award
2011 Mosaic Arts International, Austin TX – Selected Architectural Juried
2010 Mosaic Arts International, Chicago – Selected Architectural Juried
2009 Lake Oswego Arts Festival 'Cutting Edges: Contemporary mosaic art - Invited artist
2009 Mosaic Arts International, San Diego – Selected Architectural Juried
2008 Mosaic Arts International, Miami – ‘Best Architectural’ Award
2007 the Rouse Kent Public Art Awards

My mosaics are messages about consumerism and creativity.​ We (I) have too much stuff. Most stuff does not need to be thrown away; a lot can be recycled, reclaimed, or re-purposed. Thus, I create art with stuff. The unique colors and shapes of my stuff (what I call ‘bling’) inspire and delight me. My goal is to inspire and delight others with my mosaics while proposing that we can all "be more with less."

Despite the daily realities of poverty, racism and militarism, I still believe the world is infused with grace and beauty. Creating mosaics is one of the ways I participate in these mysteries. Through the slow and repetitive process of cutting and setting pieces of glass and stone in mortar, an image often comes to me as a thing to explore. I create mosaics because they are slow enough to offer me the gift of time to discern a thought, an emotion, an experience, an image or some other curiosity and then make a beautiful expression of it. Artists, in my mind, are uniquely situated to try and try again to bring about an encounter with Beauty.

Kim Emerson has been creating mosaics for public and private spaces in the region of San Diego, CA since 1991. Her work is found as public art and in private collections in California, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, and Massachusetts. Kim specializes in large scale installations as well as small studio works. She is the founder of the San Diego Mosaic School were she teaches mosaic workshops of all mosaic methods from her own working studio on a regular basis in the Normal Heights community of San Diego.

"Being present in the moment is what draws me to the art of mosaics. I like to use different types of tile, smalti, stained glass, stones, and other pieces that call to me, because they all have their own unique energy and beauty. Any of them can stand alone, yet another kind of magic happens when they are brought together, creating a whole new piece."
Simone was born and raised in New Mexico, and now lives in Fort Mill, SC. She has been engaged in the art of mosaics since 2004. She enjoys nature; the landscapes of the southwest, and the Carolina Coasts particularly call to her. You'll see these places reflected in many of her mosaics, where she travels regularly for inspiration. Simone creates fine art abstracts and landscapes, home accent pieces, and enjoys teaching mosaic workshops.

I have been making art in some form, almost every day, for as long as I can remember.

Mentoring students and creating art are interdependent pursuits that shape my artistic voice. Teaching workshops throughout North America has been a big part of my world for many years. In addition to a variety learning opportunities through my company Maverick Mosaics, I’m the instructor of Contemporary Mosaics at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Proudly, I have authored two best-selling books: “Guide to Mosaic Techniques”(2015) and “300+ Mosaic Tips, Techniques, Templates and Trade Secrets” (2012), which has been translated into 5 languages.

My YouTube channel with fellow SAMA member Kim Wozniak, “Mosaic Tips, Techniques & Materials”, boasts 15,000+ subscribers. The channel is designed to share our love of mosaics, our technical expertise and to inspire others, at any level, to jump into the art of mosaic creation.

The PinchPals are a long-time “bucket list” project I’ve been working on for quite some time. Covid, and our divided nation, have put them at the forefront of my latest creative endeavors. PinchPals are characters “pinched” from clay who offer expressions of compassion, optimism and support. I often incorporate mosaics and PinchPals imagery. Hoping to create a movement, PinchPals sculptures, Blog posts and YouTube videos are designed to lift others up who are struggling, and comfort those feeling isolated or alone. To learn more www.pinchpals.com.

A long time SAMA member I also served as an Executive Board of Trustees member and am the recipient of 2017 MAI Site-Specific Juror’s Choice Award.

I began creating mosaic art 18 years ago. I have a background of painting, stage sets and party decorations but once I found mosaics it was all I wanted to do. I took numerous workshops, with a variety of teachers, at SAMA's annual conferences. I also traveled around the US, Italy and Mexico to attend workshops from teachers I admired. I have received so much from SAMA that I felt compelled to give back. I have served on the Board of Trustees as well as chaired several committees. Volunteering and developing friendships in SAMA has given me more than I can ever express. I continue to create in my home studio and help friends learn the amazing serenity gained from mosaics.

Looking at what has come before is of utmost importance to me. Studying the ancient works is primary in order to learn the language of mosaic. As I continue to build my own body of work, the techniques I use become second nature and my own voice and style comes through.

I developed an interest in art at an early age. As a teenager, my exposure to the contributions and influences of African, Asian, Native American and European art, led me to hone in on my natural abilities as a visual artist. My work is strongly influenced by nature, period photographs, and religion. I work in a variety of mediums but I have found my niche as a mosaic artist.

Typically my mosaic work falls into two different categories, organic and geometric. Despite the fact that my work goes into two vastly different directions; both styles possess intricate details, vibrant color combinations, variations of texture, embedded treasures ready to be discovered wrapped in a whimsical essence. The abstract shapes often ignite sense memories. As one more closely examines the pieces, the finer details emerge and one discovers perhaps a nugget of pyrite, a porcelain butterfly, an antique key, even a succulent. And the pleasure center of the brain fires.

I am in awe of what nature can create and my organic work is an attempt to mimic it, but at the same time stylize it using a mix of natural and fabricated materials. My organic mosaic pieces echo the irregular patterns and layers of geological forms. When I create a geometric mosaic this allows me to create more structure, sleekness and a sense of tranquility with clean and repetitive lines and symmetrical motifs.

One of my favorite quotes which is the root to my drive to create comes from the children’s book, “Ms. Rumphius.” The title character says, “Do something to make the world a more beautiful place.” By mixing natural and man-made objects in my art and installations, I hope to help people feel connected, to transport them and make the world more beautiful for them.

It is about producing illusions of space through tonal contrast and details in lighting. It is about weaving stories into patterns in nature. It is about doing I what I love and loving (most) of what I do.

Sonia King, mosaic artist, educator and author, creates contemporary mosaic art for gallery, architectural and home settings. Her award-winning mosaics are exhibited internationally and represented in private, public and museum collections. Sonia King’s work presents a uniquely personal expression of the power of mosaic art to challenge the viewer and engage the senses: visual, tactile and emotional. The work is filled with the joy of discovery. Seemingly limitless blends of materials are woven together into complex compositions that are organic and familiar but stimulate the imagination. These mosaics explore the dynamic tension created when familiar organic shapes can be seen as both macro and micro visions of our landscape. Shapes that are simultaneously at rest and moving, pulling the tesserae together into a complex composition while exploring the interaction of each element and the mystery of the spaces between.

Born in 1963 in Seattle, Washington, Kelley Knickerbocker has been a fulltime practicing artist since 2006, when she traded in a secure 22-year management career at the University of Washington for the freedom to spend her days combining bits of stone, glass and tile into vibrant abstract compositions. Her ruggedly dimensional mosaic artworks are a textural distillation of her fascination with contrast, material properties and the technical challenges of mosaic construction. Kelley’s work has been featured in numerous solo and group shows in the United States and around the world, and her commissioned pieces grace many residential, commercial and public spaces. In addition to her mosaic studio practice in Seattle, WA, Kelley teaches workshops in mosaic design and technique throughout North America.

Michael was trained at the prestigious Mosaic Art School in Ravenna, Italy by Maestra Luciana Notturni and her colleagues.
His work has exhibited nationally and internationally, winning awards at the annual “Mosaic Arts International” exhibits in 2010, 2011 and 2015 as well as appearing in several recent art and mosaic publications.  A professional member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists, Michael is based in San Francisco, CA where he maintains his studio practice creating fine art mosaics, reproductions and commissions for private/commercial clients and teaching the classical Italian principles and methods of making mosaics.
Many aspects of my professional dance and theatrical background present themselves in my mosaic works. They are often characterized by  Light, Movement, Energetic Visual Dynamics and a high level of Detail. These are the what turn me on and motivate me the most.
In seeking to cope with the inner and outer chaos of our world today and an increasingly impersonal technological age, my creations tend to lean the opposite; toward the wonder and the natural beauty I perceive in the world, people and experiences around me.
My mosaic voice is always developing and I do not seek to confine myself to one style, but rather engage in whatever style of expression is calling and intriguing me at the moment. I take pride in being versatile and exploring new ideas that present themselves as well as mastering the traditional methods and styles that are at the foundation of my work. My work is owned by private collectors as well as private architectural installments.
He teaches in a no-frills, no-nonsense hands-on way. Courses are composed of lectures and demos on the classic principles and methods, but the majority of the course is actually “getting-to-work” and learning-by-doing.

"To create is a spiritual journey as I am God's creation. My chosen medium- mosaic , unleashes a radio drama that ordinary paintings could not convey.
Like my life and my films, every piece, color, and texture combined with the play of light is a process with unpredictable outcome.
Hand cut, cannot be altered and resistant, each artwork is a relationship till I move to the next.
I love the reflections- alive pulsating and changeable. Shining splendor! This is when I am most happy.
These are moments I humbly express my gratitude."

Mosaic Arts Online is your source for learning from expert Mosaic artists and instructors through an online source. These online courses can be accessed anywhere at any time through unlimited login access. Each course is designed for students to learn tips and techniques that can be easily accomplished and repeated. These online courses are broken down into sections that make it possible to work "in your own space, at your own pace” and complete projects step by step. Instructors will demonstrate and teach techniques from an over-hands perspective to provide a clear and detailed view with no distractions. Once you complete many of the techniques, you will be ready to get even more creative, and try more ambitious projects. Each purchased Mosaic Arts Online course is always available through the individual account log-in. These online courses are not available for download, so having internet access to log in is required. These courses never expire. There are over 50 courses to choose from, starting with Beginner Mosaics all the way to different levels of Andamento.

Creating mosaic art is a remarkable experience provoking contemplation and inspiration that ignites in me the desire to create beauty from broken pieces of glass, porcelain and stone.
​
My mosaic compositions, whether commissioned or for private collectors, encompass the natural world, religious subjects, in realism as well as abstract expression.

As a native of Seattle, Washington, I have enjoyed expressing my self through a number of mediums, recently, the art of mosaic. I've found I'm able to fuse my creativity and intuition into a unique artistic style that is complimentary to architecture, public art spaces, and private collections.

Ryan McGivern's career as a professional teaching artist began at Urban Glass, Brooklyn in 1999 during her employment as the tour director, asst to educ. director and glassblowing instructor. Additionally, Ryan worked as an visual arts instructor at The Art Lab, Staten Island Museum, Staten Island Children's Museum, Noble Museum, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and the UFT while she operated The Studio 150 located in Staten Island, NY. Ryan actively taught glass mosaic art to thousands of NYC public school students until 2016 and has helped create over 100 mosaic murals exhibited throughout schools in Staten Island and Brooklyn. Ryan's work can be found in private and public collections, notably the "Seven Sisters", 2005, located at the NYU Rory Meyers School of Nursing Student Center.

For nearly sixteen years, I have been designing, fabricating and installing decorative and functional mosaics for residential and commercial clients. I incorporate natural stone, handmade ceramic tile, porcelain tile, brilliantly colored glass and recycled treasures. I also teach Architectural Installation and Pique Assiette workshops throughout the United States.

Mosaic Oasis is a wonderful place where mosaic artists new and not so new gather to learn the art of mosaics. Mosaic Oasis is a full service studio where tiles, tools, and instruction in mosaic art is available.

I am a self-taught mosaic artist from Orlando, Florida. In 1994, following 16 years in health care management, I opened a used furniture/décor store called Wits End and taught myself how to do faux finishes on some of the furniture. It was never my intention to start a mosaic business. When I did a mosaic on the bathroom door of my store customers were clamoring for classes and supplies. After selling Wits End Mosaic I founded (and sold) 3 more online mosaic stores: smalti.com, Murano Millefiori & Kismet Mosaic + Mosaics In Mexico school. Now I offer fun and affordable online mosaic courses and in-person classes by request.

I do not remember a moment in my life when I was not creating art but I do remember the moment I decided I wanted to create mosaic art. It is in this process especially, that I find peace, purpose, and a way to say my truth out loud...with many little pieces. I constantly try to find a balance between the simple and the complex in my work. The subject and colors simple...and the movement within that subject...complex. This is what drives and challenges me to keep creating. This challenge to create what I see all around me, in nature, humanity, life and the ironic can be seen in every mosaic I make.

Gila Rayberg arrived at the visual arts after a successful career as a freelance musician and educator. Allowing her strong sense of intuition and love of experimentation to guide her, Gila has developed a unique voice in the realm of mosaic portraiture. Gila exhibits regularly throughout the United States and has won numerous awards for her uniquely expressive portraits. In the summer of 2018, Gila was one of nine artists, from seven countries, invited to participate in the 3rd Contemporary Mosaic Art Symposium in Ploaghe Sardinia, under the direction of Maestro Giulio Menossi. Gila travels extensively throughout the US and internationally giving workshops and sharing her passion for mosaic portraiture. Her artwork has been published in numerous art books and is collected worldwide.

Betsy Rodman- Arlington, MA

Betsy is the former co-owner/founder of Mosaic Oasis Studio & Supply for 8 years. She has increasingly been exhibiting work at local galleries and teaching small craft workshops primarily in private homes and local venues. Most of her work is representational abstract with an emphasis on repurposing broken china and found objects into colorful works. She has exhibited in multiple shows, done commission work for churches, synagogues, private homes and small businesses. She continues to take workshops with many world wide mosaic instructors and loves combining bits and pieces of their various techniques and styles into a single work. She also has special love of making unusual mosaic pendants and other jewelry as well as large mirrors.
Bright Moments Mosaics (under construction) - 508-878-5143 - betsy@brightmomentsmosaics.com

As a child and young adult, Rochelle created unique gifts for people using poetry, photography, or craft such as woodworking. It was an avenue for an introvert to convey her feelings for others. She wanted to study architecture and alternative energy, but the cards played out that she studied her other love- the natural world.

As she raised a family, she continued being a “maker” creating a successful screen-printing & tie-dye business, building houses, and creating theatrical sets and props. As a self-taught learner, she was constantly pursuing knowledge by reading technical books and experimenting. As time became available, she started taking classes in drawing, welding, metal art, and ceramics and realized how much she loved art, the value of art, and that one could have a business creating it.

In 2012, she discovered the poetic language of mosaics. She has taken numerous mosaic classes and has studied extensively and apprenticed under internationally recognized mosaic muralist, Laurel True, who inspired her to start her own mosaic art studio in 2014. She has created several award winning large-scale mosaics and her work can be found in the U.S. and Mexico.

I “paint” with glass, creating rich and reflective pieces. Vivid colors, strong design, a sense of movement and the use of various techniques characterize my work which both expresses and evokes emotions. My inspiration comes from both the natural world and from human emotional and spiritual experiences. I am fascinated with light, particularly the way in which light plays upon surfaces. This interest has led to recent work combining glass mosaic with pastel paintings and other materials. My glass mosaic work includes wall installations, furniture and both interior and exterior art pieces.
I began my career as an artist and art teacher receiving my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan where I began combining art and psychology to help others. After receiving a masters and doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Detroit, I worked as a therapist, utilizing art and other creative means to help others. I taught art for over 38 years including 13 years as a high school art teacher at Frankel Jewish Academy. I have worked as an artist, consultant, illustrator, museum exhibition designer and recently co-authored and illustrated two books which harness the power of art to help heal those dealing with end of life issues and the loss of a loved one.
I have consistently furthered my art education by participating in classes at Wayne State University, Center for Creative Studies, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center and have studied with teachers in Italy, Belgium, Jerusalem, Costa Rica, Boston, Tel Aviv, Huntington Woods and Detroit. I have received numerous awards, recognition and prizes for my work, participate in numerous shows and facilitate community art events. I have served as a judge for local and national art contests
I am currently a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists and the Mosaic Artists of Michigan. My art work is currently represented at Twisted Fish Gallery in Elk Rapids, MI and Sleeping Bear Gallery in Empire MI.
I strive to transfer the joy, passion and emotions I feel while creating my art to those who view it.

Michelle Sider is a Michigan-based mixed media artist known for her lush, detailed mosaics and paintings. Her art explores timeless themes of identity, place, spirituality and light. Her glass mosaics appear to change color throughout the day due to the materials she uses and the way she cuts and angles each piece. Described as having an ethereal and dramatic quality, Sider’s works are recognized by her use of bold, imaginative colors, painterly style, sense of movement and the strong emotions they evoke.
Sider is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1982. She earned both a masters and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Detroit.
Sider's “I am Yemenite” mosaic portrait series depicts the rich and painful history of Yemenite, Arabic Jews. "My goal is to teach and honor the people of this unique and diverse culture through this series. This body of work is both personally meaningful and relevant today as we struggle with the plight of refugees and in particular, those of color from many regions" says Sider.
Another recent focus is her gratitude for the beauty that exists in our complicated world. Sider expresses these ideas through her body of work which focuses on reflected light. Sider states, "There is a sense of awe that I feel when I observe the beauty of light. The dichotomy of beauty and pain in our world guides my work and continually motivates me to explore different aspects of these ideas".