I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it…Less than two weeks now until the 2010 SAMA (Society of American Mosaic Artists) Conference in Chicago! SAMA is an organization for mosaic artists and fans, from those just beginning to discover mosaics to those that are seasoned professionals. Of course, I’m kind of the “just beginning” end, so, this is my first conference! I’m looking forward to meeting lots of other mosaicists (yeah; it’s kinda a word!), learning lots of new things, ‘networking’, and checking out the VENDOR marketplace! Thank God, I’m flying SW, where they don’t charge for bags, b/c I’m bringing a whole empty one for lots of new GOODIES!!!
The photo above (titled, “The Unknown”) is a piece I’ve submitted for the Art Salon/Auction at the show; we’ll see how it does! I’ll also be volunteering on the ‘Mosaic Marathon’, where we all contribute to the making of a huge mosaic installation to donate to a local domestic violence shelter. It will be so fun to actually be designing & breaking & gluing some sh*t down w/other mosaicists! I think the conference will provide some great inspiration, skills, and information to both inspire my work and add to my class content for my students. I don’t know if I’ll be able to go every year, but I’m at least glad to be able to go now, at this more ‘beginning’ time as a mosaicist! For anyone out there who’s familiar w/ SAMA and wants information and/or reports on the conference and its activities, I’ll be doing some posting (hopefully during, but definitely after) and can answer any questions you might have. If you’re not familiar w/ SAMA and you’re looking for some information on mosaics, supplies, classes, artists, designers, etc., see their website for all kinds of resources!