About SAMA

 

Now celebrating our 10-year anniversary!

The Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, inspiring, and promoting excellence in fine mosaic art. To achieve this mission, SAMA organizes programs, events, and activities

•  to attract and retain members that exemplify excellence in mosaics;
•  to educate artists and the public regarding contemporary and classical mosaic fine art;
•  to provide opportunities for creative and professional growth;
•  to foster and sustain a mosaic community where members are encouraged to explore the full potential of the art.

SAMA was founded in 1999 by a small group of mosaic artists who wanted a venue through which they could share their knowledge, expertise, and interest in mosaic art – this most ancient of art forms that was experiencing a significant contemporary revival.

Today, ten years later, we are the largest nonprofit mosaic art organization in the world—a vibrant and ever-expanding group of more than 1,200 members, including mosaic artists at all levels, mosaic aficionados, collectors, materials suppliers, and art educators. We have put renewed emphasis on strengthening ties with other mosaic organizations around the globe to pursue common goals.

SAMA is run almost entirely by volunteers led by a highly engaged board of trustees who are supported by our Executive Director, Operations Manager, Groutline Editor, and Graphic Designers.

 To read about SAMA's leadership, click here.

Our major programs include:

Annual Conference—American Mosaic Summit

Each year in March, members gather from around the world to learn, share knowledge, and network. With an average attendance of over 350, the four-day event has grown to encompass:

•  a program of dozens of in-depth Workshops and Seminars on aesthetic, technical, and business topics that each year constitutes the world’s premiere mosaic education event;
• presentations and panel discussions featuring leading mosaicists from the U.S. and abroad;
•  Mosaic Marathon—a fast-track group public art project completed during the conference and donated to a worthwhile organization in our host city;
• Mosaic Art Salon and Auction—a nonjuried show and sale of small-format mosaics open to all conference attendees;
• Vendor Marketplace—a chance to see and purchase the newest materials, tools and supplies;
• Tours of prominent mosaic art installations in the host city;
• Exciting Social Activities, including a gala Artist Reception at our exhibition venue, author book signings, receptions, and parties.

The Conference is also the site of our annual members meeting.

Host cities have included:

• Miami, Florida (2003, 2008)
• San Francisco, California (2004)
• Washington, DC (2005)
• Chicago, Illinois (2006, 2010)
• Mesa, Arizona (2007)
•  and San Diego, California (2009).

To learn more about the next conference, click here. 

 

Annual Juried Exhibition—Mosaic Arts International

Established in conjunction with American Mosaic Summit and held in that year’s conference city, our annual juried exhibition, Mosaic Arts International, features outstanding works created by our diverse international membership. The exhibition unites compelling materials, innovative design, and masterful technique in a show open to the public. Categories include two dimensional work, three-dimensional work, and architectural works (shown photographically). Awards totaling $5,000 are presented, including Best In Show, Best 2-D Mosaic, Best 3-D Mosaic, and Best Architectural Mosaic. A Gallery Guide is provided to educate both the experienced viewer and the general public about mosaic materials, techniques, and aesthetic considerations. An Exhibition Catalog is published to accompany each exhibition.

To read more about Mosaic Arts International and see images of SAMA award-winning mosaics, click here.

 

Groutline

Our 20-page, full-color quarterly journal is the devoted entirely to mosaic art and artists. Each edition features thought-provoking articles, member profiles, a regional report, a workshop report, studio tips, SAMA news, and our popular Ask A Pro and Step By Step columns.

To see a sample issue of Groutline, click here.

 

Andamento

Our monthly e-newsletter sent to all members is chock full of SAMA news, announcements, and timely opportunities. It’s a must-read for staying current on all SAMA happenings, including the latest conference and exhibition updates. 

 

Robin Brett Mosaic Scholarship

Established to honor the memory of one our most beloved members, the Robin Brett Mosaic Scholarship funds pivotal learning experiences for emerging and established mosaicists. In 2009, two $1,500 scholarships were awarded.

To find out more about the scholarship, click here.

 

Website

 This website is an important benefit of membership and SAMA's "window to the world," allowing us to showcase the beauty and power of mosaics to the public in our Members Gallery, exhibition pages, and throughout the site. Our Members Only section offers exclusive access to organizational and technical information and commission and exhibition opportunities. Our Resources pages list mosaic suppliers, current workshop opportunities, and books written by our members.

 The website undergoes frequent updating, both in content and technical capability. The SAMA Store is now the place to join or renew membership, register for the conference, make a donation, become a sponsor or vendor, and buy SAMA publications or logo merchandise, A new Member Information Center allows members to update their membership and contact information in a few easy steps.