New England Society Spring Online Exhibition 2020 On behalf of the members of NEMS I welcome you to our Spring 2020 Virtual Exhibit. The New England Mosaic Society was founded in 2015 and is a volunteer organization made up of about 140 members which promotes and supports as a . Membership is open to all New England mosaic artists including amateurs, professionals and mosaic suppliers. Our mission is to encourage members to grow through , sharing of information and involvement in exhibitions and community events.

This exhibit is a collection of over 50 pieces of artwork created by 32 of our members. Visitors are able to travel through the gallery and explore each piece of artwork and get to know each artist along the way. To navigate through the exhibit you are encouraged to follow the guided tour which has been created for you. You can take this tour by simply using the arrow on your device to move throughout the exhibit or press the “play” at the bottom of your screen. Make sure you view the exhibit in full screen mode (located in the top right) to view the exhibit. If you would like to walk through the exhibit on your own you may do so as well by using the arrows on your keyboard or clicking around the gallery on the footprints using your mouse. I suggest going through once with the guided tour and then again at your own pace.

I invite you to click on each piece of artwork to learn more about the art as well as the artist who created it. Each piece includes information on the artwork including materials used and inspiration or artist statement. If the work is for sale, all sales are done directly with the artist and their contact information has been provided for you.

I would like to thank the following people who contributed to making this exhibit a success. Exhibition Coordinators: Ann Collins and Michael Ferreira Exhibition Creator: Cathleen Newsham and Beth Klingher Exhibition Jurors: Isabel Margolin, Amanda Edwards, and Nikki Sullivan Exhibition Catalog: Carrie Fradkin

With COVID19 physically separating us, this exhibit was created as a way for members to stay connected with one another and engaged in creating. We look forward to having exhibitions and gatherings in person in the future but for now, I invite you all to celebrate your artwork through this virtual exhibition. We realize that the online viewing experience cannot replace a physical art show. However, since the exhibit will be online, it also gives us the opportunity to have higher exposure than our usual exhibitions. We are depending upon members to help spread the word about the show to a wider community through everyone’s social media platforms.

For more information on the New England Mosaic Society, visit us on our website at www.newenglandmosaicsociety.com, Facebook page “New England Mosaic Society” and Instagram account @newenglandmosaicsociety. Visit our artists on their individual websites and social media accounts! Information is provided in the exhibition and please help us promote mosaics as a fine art and promote our members by sharing this exhibition on your own social media platforms and with your clients or contacts.

Michael J. Ferreira President New England Mosaic Society KIM ALEXANDER

LITTLE TABLE 1 1/2' x 1 ' Briare on wooden base with iron legs

This was the first time I used Briare . My inspiration for the using briare was a visit I made a few years ago to town of Briare and the wonderful tile museum there.

SU BAILEY

TREAD LIGHTLY 10"x 5" Fired ceramic rounds and stained

This piece was created to soothe me during the COVID-19 outbreak. I love walking barefoot in the grass, the feeling is quite relaxing. I was influenced by the ceramic rounds, that reminded me of stepping stones for a garden, and by the colors that are starting to pop out now in the springtime. The flow of the design and the implied texture calm me. EMILY BHARGAVA

TREE BENCHES Length: 43" and 34"; Width 24" and 27" Polystyrene, cement and glass

These mosaic seats were created for a new butterfly garden on Summer Street in Somerville. Designed to look like tree trunks, they should blend into the nature around them while still bringing some winter color to the garen. Inspired by Dr Suess' colorful drawings, they have an element of whimsy. LINDA BIGGERS

KILLER 12"x 8" Eggshell mosaic

As long as I can remember, art has been an important part of my life. As a child, I spent every spare minute drawing or painting. For years, I dabbled in , painting, and a huge variety of crafts and worked as a graphic designer for 18 years. In 1998, I discovered eggshell and mixed media mosaic. Mosaic became my medium of choice. With the use of glass, eggshell, natural stone and , I am able to create works with the color and intense drama that I enjoy. I love texture, brilliant colors and creating pieces that will evoke feelings and emotions to the viewer

“Killer” is a 1958 Plymouth Fury, a character from one of my favorite books .The biggest challenge in making this mosaic was to make a car appear sinister.

DIVERSITY 17"x`13"

I live in Upstate New York with my husband and two daughters. I am an active participant in local art shows in Albany, Saratoga and Adirondack Regions. My work can be seen at ww.eggshellmosaicart.com and art shows and galleries in Fulton, Saratoga, and Schenec- tady Counties ANDREA BRENNER SHAEVITZ

JUNE 27 16"x 16"x 16" Smalti, stained glass

TERRY BROMFIELD

HER BEAUTY BLOOMS IN MY HEART FOREVER 11"x 7" Ceramic tile

Last summer a Pink Dogwood tree was planted in Boston as a remembrance of my daughter-in-law. She passed away the year before, of a rare disease, at the age of 30. I made this mosaic for her parents who live far away, and can’t easily come by to see it in bloom. CHERYL COHEN

FLOWER SERIES 1 8"x 12" Plate shards, glass vase shards, smalti, , tile, thinset

It is joyful to transform every day and/or discarded pottery, glass vases and more into artwork. While representing the beauty of nature I enjoy conserving and upcycling materials which as a result slows the growth of our landfills.

Cheryl teaches mosaic art to adults and children at her studio, Cheryl Cohen Mosaic Art Center, 360 Woodland Street in Holliston.

Cheryl’s mixed media mosaic style combines everything that she loves including glass, tile, mirror, stone, shells, jewelry, and beads as well as shards of pottery and . Cheryl lives in Hopkinton, MA. JEAN CUMMISKEY

MAGA TSUNAMI 14"x 11" Sculpey clay, beads, smalti

Recent US politics has reignited my youthful passion for editorial cartooning with a new urgency. This piece—MAGA Tsunami— juxtaposes participants at a Make America Great Rally with asylum seekers at the US southern border, who are symbolically overcome by the MAGA wave.

THE PARAMOUNT, BOSTON 12"x 18" Stained glass, beads, mirror

With a mix of stained glass, mirror, and beads, the restored Paramount Theater is one in a series of Boston cityscapes attempting to revere some of the old Boston in an everchanging context. TIM DE CHRISTOPHER

THREE BUILDINGS 12" x 24"

MICHAEL FERREIRA

RUTH 36" x 36" Stained glass, mirror

ANDY 24" x 24" Stained glass, mirror

I have enjoyed art for as long as I can remember but I struggled to find a medium I that I could work with. I stumbled upon mosaics in college and have been creating and growing ever since. I feel that I have art “in my bones” as I have many family members who have been active in for generations. I love working on custom projects for clients as well as creating my own work to share with the world. I love to create using bright and bold colors and use an array of materials in my work. Both of these mosaics are part of a and Idols series that I have been slowly making. I currently serve as President of the New England Mosaic Society. CYNTHIA FISHER

PATAGONIA IMPRESSIONS 27 1/2" x 35" Stained glass, pottery fragments, vitreous glass, smalti, stones, unglued , ceramics

I went on a three and a half week bicycle trip on the Carretera Austral, or Southern Highway in Patagonia, Chile in January of 2019. It was the trip of a lifetime and ‘Patagonia Impressions’ is a reflection of my experience.

LOBSTER! 35 1/4" x 27" Stained glass

‘LOBSTER!’ is a mosaic commission I did earlier this year for a vacation home. The design was inspired by a hooked rug owned by the client. The background water and seagrass, my favorite part of the design, evolved during the laying process. LAURIE FRAZER

RIVERS 15" x 15" Mexican smalti, stained glass, filati, slate

Inspired by the shapes made between water and land. Slate, from blackboards salvaged during a restoration project with some original blemishes, cut to shape to use both the riven edge & the smooth edge. The piece will be a table top.

FINNEGAN 7" x 5" Stained glass

Portrait of one of my favorite dogs KRISTA HANSON

CRAZY HAIR DAY 11"x 14" Smalti, stained glass, murrini, vitreous glass, mille- fiori

This piece was inspired by my daughter's wonderful middle art teacher, whose crazy hair ladies were a favorite class project.

ON THE LOOKOUT 12"x 9" Smalti, vitreous glass

I created this piece for my best friend who has had a lifelong love of frogs. SUE HOWARD

MORGAN 12" x 12" Glass

My favorite dog ever. CARLA KEEN

WHAT JUST HAPPENED? 12" x 12" , crash glass, old jewelry, tiles

The face ,from an unknown European painting, was interesting to me so I used it as a jumping off point for this mosaic. Was the figure, angry, perturbed, frustrated? If she was posing she didn’t try to hide how she felt! Crash glass over collage. Some coloring done on collage before mosaicking.

TURQOISE 6" x 12" CHERYL KLAUSNER

HARD AND SOFT: AN EXPLORATION OF MATERIALS 20" x 20" , briare tiles,

This piece was based on a sofreh, a textile for making and holding bread, woven by the Afshar tribe in Kerman Province in SE Iran. I was intrigued by how the might resemble warp and weft. The mosaic and textile hang side by side on a in my home. BETH KLINGHER

THE FOREST FOR THE TREES 14" x 14" Pottery, Mexican smalti, beads, and stone

This piece was inspired by my walks through the forest where I am struck by how the trees begin tonmerge into one another, the details sharpen as I get closer, and then blur again. Much like my walks, my art is a journey without a predetermined endpoint. I add one piece at a time to form a path, a road,an andamento, as each tile or tesserae speaks to the one next to it.

TRACKS IN THE SNOW 14" x 14" Pottery, Mexican smalti, and stone

This piece was inspired by the patterns in the snow after numerous hikers had left their marks. I was intrigued by the textures and reflections shaped by the overlay of footprints which had melted, mixedwith mud, and then refroze. My mosaic art is often inspired by what I see in nature — a pattern in a leaf, a texture on tree bark, or simply a piece of stone. CECILIA KREMER EL ABRAZO 16"x 24"

Abrazos (hugs, in Spanish) boost oxytocin levels. Oxytocin levels alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Loneliness and isolation weaken the immune system. A weak immune system exacerbates feelings of isolation. I dream I can hug everyone again and of course it will happen, sooner or later. Nothing better than a good, comforting cuddle. The Hug…El Abrazo CAROL KRENTZMAN

ALYSSA’S HAMSA 10" x 12" , beads, mirror

Making mosaics has been a joy for me ever since 2000. On a family trip to Europe that January, I saw so many stained glass and mosaic artworks that I knew I had to start making both mosaics and stained glass when I got home. I am still at it. I teach mosaics to all ages, and have made many stained glass and mosaic commissions and public artworks. I am currently working on another 12 foot tall mosaic titled “We the People” that will hopefully be installed in the center of my town in June, probably while wearing a mask this time. Because I am lucky to have a small kiln in my home studio, I am also able to make fused glass elements to add to my mosaics, which inspired me to add some special Covid-19 tiles to my new public art mosaic. I feel blessed to have mosaics as a passion during this time so that I can sometimes escape it all and spend hours creating in my studio. There are many images of my public art on my website: www.carolkrentzman.com BETTE ANN LIBBY

QUEEN BEE 21" x 24" Ceramic shards, blown glass and found objects

The Queen Bee, symbol of fertility, sits calmly and confidently upon her throne which is composed of her beehive, wings and flowers, while wearing a royal robe of aster pedals. Her “honey” hair is made of blown glass tailings. Her necklace is a rose. She holds a strawberry that the bees have pollinated. All life emanates from her power, she rules the colony.

PREGNANT SELFIE 20" x 28" Ceramic shard mosaic, glass & mirror tiles and found objects

Pregnant selfie is taken only two weeks before the birth of her first child, from a reflection in the subway window. Her belly refers to the sonogram taken of the baby in utero. She is confident, relaxed, independent and alone. Juggling the cell phone, grasping the pole while on the moving train is no problem for her and bodes well for her next adventure! NANCY MALONEY

GROUNDED 10" x 8" , shale

I enjoy creating abstract mosaics that are empowering and positive. I am drawn to the natural beauty of stone and enjoy finding complementary materials. The stone often sets the foundation for the work, with glass, porcelain, and other materials helping to tell the story. Juxtaposing these elements in my art resonates with my soul and reflects the world around me. Each piece I create begins with a feeling and ends in a story. I hope you enjoy the story it tells to you.

DARING GREATLY 18" x 24" Sieber Agate, , feldspar, smalti, un- glazed porcelain, gold mirror tiles, gold smalti.

Daring Greatly, inspired by Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly and Rising Strong. Emerging from being small and hidden to finding the courage to “step into the arena”. With all the energy and brilliance of being in the arena, the fall can be just as spectacular. With the support of your five people, the landing is cushioned. Then, back out to the universe to try again! AMY MARKS

HAPPY FISH 6" x 12" Mexican smalti, millefiore, glass triangles, dots and beads

HEART WITH A BLUE RIBBON 10" x 12" Assorted glass tiles, milefiore ELIZABETH MARTINEZ

HAPPY HOUR 8.25" x 17" Stained glass, beads, antique timepieces, found costume jewelry, abaca fabric

Over coffee and pastries at my younger sister's condo one Sunday afternoon, she asked me to create something extraordinary out of a collection of antique timepieces that belonged to her family, personal items with sentimental value. I accepted the challenge and it seemed appropriate for me to use these heirloom pieces as focal points for her commissioned piece. While planning colors and materials, I decided to incorporate pink (her favorite color) as the central color of the piece, and added purples and blues, choosing stained glass in order to create a jovial, lively feel reminiscent of our fun happy hour sessions on weekends. To add to the fun factor, I included a medallion primarily for its flared shape and dangling bells to complement the circular theme. To frame the piece, I used abaca, a fiber indigenous to the Philippines, as backdrop to complement the texture of the stained glass medley.

RUPTURED 17" x 16" Smalti, brass bells, fabric over handmade substrate

One of the sights I visited during vacation to Asia this year was the smallest active volcano in Philippines, the Taal Volcano, located 62 miles south of Manila, the city center. It was eerily quiet, when we visited, in stark contrast to the massive explosion and devastation it caused in mid-January. At this point, I know that upon my return, I wanted to capture the Taal as I was growing up, with memories of a caldera formed after a large eruption and fluid earth rolling down the earth rolling down the lake around the caldera. I created a 4-panel undulating substrate with the intent of showing a strong focal center. Cosmos Mexican smalti gave me the breadth of earthy colors I needed, and burlap ribbon strips simulated the organic look and feel of the earth. I found brass bells from an old souvenir, and it spoke to me as geothermal gas bubbles that form after an eruption. CORINNE MCKEOWN DIVANSHI (“One who is endowed with all the beauty, serenity, and love of God”.) 16 1/4" x 19" Stained glass, beads, china, dichroic glass, shell, sterling silver, jewelry findings

Throughout my life, I have always felt aligned with my highest purpose when creating something beautiful - especially with something that, by itself, might otherwise not be. Mosaic art is the perfect form of expression for this passion; it is about the power of transformation. Among other things, mosaic art offers endless opportunities for discarded or treasured items to become part of something whole, unique and meaningful.

The most personally significant transformational aspect of mosaics I can point to is that becoming a mosaic artist has transformed me into the best possible version of myself. It is how I feel most enlivened, accomplished, contributory, purposeful, spiritually balanced, and joyful.

Creating mosaics is not just a ‘feel good’ activity. The process of selecting and connecting the elements of size, color, texture and shape, has helped me develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and patience - ever negotiating for a work of art the best possible execution and outcome for function or decor. Mosaics is a very forgiving art where imperfections can be embraced to add interest and texture, and highlight other parts of the work, thereby presenting important lessons for life in general.

I want everything I do to bring value and beauty to my community and our world. Becoming a better artist maximizes my ability to do so. LAUREN MEHRBERG

PLAYING THE FIELD 57" x 36" Stained glass, Italian smalti, vintage jewelry, buttons, beads, crystal and more

My mixed media mosaics tell stories of life, love, loss, and hope by personifying elements of fashion. I use symbolism of everyday objects, lyrics, poems and more to add whimsy, humor and depth. CATHLEEN NEWSHAM

BLOCK ISLAND PARCHEESI BOARD 32" x 32" x 32" Glass on cement board

Created for a parcheesi loving family’s summer home on Block Island, I designed this lightweight glass table top to be reminiscent of antique game boards. Taking inspiration from the client’s love of the beach and surfing, the hand cut pieces of stained glass grace the living room coffee table but can also be moved to the outdoor table, where it sparkles in the sunlight.

SIMON’S BARN IN WINTER 18" x 24" Glass on cement board framed by antique barn wood

Commissioned to create a of a client’s treasured barn, my reference was a photograph of the barn covered in glistening winter snow. Using iridized and opaque shades of white, gray, purple and blue stained glass to represent the snow while alternately using matte shades of browns and beige for the barn, the snow feels 3-dimensional and reflects light from every angle. SUZANNE OWAYDA

SEASONAL VISITOR 8" x 8" Mexican smalti

I enjoy nature and bird watching. This little downy woodpecker visits my bird feeders all winter and into the spring. They are a reminder that nature is with us in good times and in bad.

BETSY RODMAN

RBG 8" x 7.5" China/porcelain, briare, stained glass, smart, jewelry

She is brilliant, prolific, accomplished, insightful, old and wise. What more inspiration is needed? A little girl after viewing this work, asked me, “Is she really green?” She certainly is colorful! JANE SNEDEKER

COMPASS ROSE 12" diameter Stained glass, briare, vitreous, glass gems

KIM STEWART

HAPPY GOAT 8" x 11" Tile samples, ceramic tile, broken crockery

Happy goat in Vermont. PAMELA STRATTON

SHAMAN. II 12" x 3" Pottery, stone, smalti and encaustic wax

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY 22" x 17" Pottery, stone, smalti and encaustic wax

I relish the exploration of materials and techniques. I enjoyed the spontaneity of working directly with the broken pottery when creating these mosaics. The face appearing in a group of shards helped name the work. It was fun. Especially using the chicken wire in the encaustic wax.

RICHARD YOUNGSTROM

AS THE DRAGON FLIES 11" x 14" Broken tempered glass, found objects

Crash glass is a fun and useful mosaic material. This piece started with a Chinese wrapping paper pattern, with found objects (flowers, glass beads, aluminum dragonfly) and of course, glitter. I may have had dragons on my mind when I added the script!

STATE OF THE WORLD 24" x 17" Broken ceramics

One of my favorite activities is reusing reject fired materials from potters. This piece uses 100% reject materials from a group of Brookline potters and shows an environmental world in trouble; from overcrowding to clear cutting to suggestions of climate change and rising sea levels