My friend, Shanna, started sharing her mosaic studio and supplies with friends a few years back and it has grown into full fledged club with a large group of members who come together and chat while we create.
Typically, each does an individual project on their own, but sometimes there is a technique they learn together like this “flying carpet” type piece that Lynn has in the show.
I don’t go as much as I’d like, there are often other things going on and I don’t get to join in weekly. And when I do, I sometimes bring another sort of project and treat it as a craft day, since I’m not exactly a mosaic artist. I’ve done a few pieces, but didn’t really have anything I wanted to enter into the show. So I went to support the group and enjoy the art. They were kind to include me in the photos and speeches.
In a roundabout way, I was part of the show. Shan used my painting and Kim Brook’s ceramic flowers as part of a collaboration in this creation. I love the mix of textures with the broken plates, buttons, and glass.
This work from Melissa has an interesting mix too, with the millefiori glass and the idea of using the grout itself as a design element, not just a filler.
And Margie’s? She has incorporated that flying carpet trick to craft a waving flag and added a meaningful quote in alphabet beads. I just love all of her work.
After seeing pieces in various stages of completion, it was striking to see a roomful of finished, professional art on display. I often take the gatherings for granted, as just an opportunity to hang out with friends and get a few hours of creative time. But this group show reminds me of the talent I’m surrounded by and I was properly impressed by what they have all done.