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American Mosaic Summit 2013 :: The Seattle/Tacoma Team Welcomes You!

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Conference

The collaborative efforts of several dedicated volunteers and SAMA staff has finally culminated in the mind-blowing program for the American Mosaic Summit – Seattle/Tacoma ’13!  We appreciate your patience while we finalized this highly anticipated program during the past few weeks.  We are working hard to ensure the process of registering in the SAMA Store (12 noon EST Dec. 9th) will be the smoothest yet!  And now, without further ado… a special message from our Hosts, Richard Davis and Kelley Knickerbocker…

 

Dear SAMA Friends,

In September 2010, ten Pacific Northwest SAMA members gathered at my (Richard Davis’s) house to discuss the possibility of hosting a SAMA conference in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Now we’re getting ready to register for that very conference! We’ve had a great time planning for your arrival, and have come up with some exciting new approaches to activities and schedule.  Here are the highlights…

Richard Davis, Kelley Knickerbocker, Chris Forillo

2013 Conference Host Committee Co-Chairs, Richard Davis and Kelley Knickerbocker with SAMA Operations Manager, Chris Forillo

Since many of you arrive on Tuesday, we’ll begin the Mosaic Marathon that evening so you can jump right into the camaraderie and fun of executing Lynn Adamo and Mark Brody’s great design for the South Puget Sound Boys and Girls Club.   To see the design and learn how to volunteer, click here. 

Rather than just one local mosaic tour, there will be two mosaic tours (Tacoma and Seattle) and a tour of the Spectrum Stained Glass factory.  Kelley and I have had lots of fun discovering our local public mosaics, and I think you’ll agree we’ve found some winners!  Click here for descriptions, schedule and pricing.

The Education Committee has put together a 2-day Educational Program for Wednesday and Thursday that will knock your socks off!  With more topics and instructors than ever before available at the American Mosaic Summit, we don’t know how you will choose!

Fast food restaurants are scarce within a 5-minute walking radius of the Tacoma Convention Center (TCC), and we don’t want you to lose out on precious class time foraging for midday food, so Soup/Salad/Sandwich Buffet lunches will be available at the TCC Wednesday thru Saturday.  We will also tuck a listing of alternate dining options and restaurants into your registration packet at check-in for the days you may want to venture out and explore the neighborhood.  There are mini fridges in every room of the Hotel Murano for those with specialized diets or anyone who wants to stock up midday or late-night munchies!

The Welcome Mixer and 6th annual Mosaic Art Salon will be held in one of the TCC’s beautiful atrium lobbies.  This will be the perfect night to chill and reconnect with friends after two intense days of workshops and the opening of the Vendor Marketplace in the TCC’s Exhibit Hall earlier that afternoon.

Toyoharu Kii, SAMA 2013 Keynote Speaker

Toyoharu Kii, SAMA 2013 Keynote Speaker

We are very excited to announce that the Conference Presentation Program on Friday and Saturday will spotlight an international treasure of the mosaic art world. All of us at SAMA are incredibly honored to have Toyoharu Kii from Toyko, Japan as our 2013 Keynote Speaker and the first invitational contributor to Mosaic Arts International.  Rounding out our stellar presentation line-up are Karen Ami, Lillian Sizemore, Jo Braun, Erin Pankratz-Smith, Patricia Marin, Jennifer Kuhns and Laurel True.

We know from past conference evaluations and from being frequent conference goers ourselves how important the social events are to your conference experience.  Friday night’s private Mosaic Arts International (MAI) opening reception at the Museum of Glass will be out of this world: imagine full access to the amazing mosaic works in MAI as well as to some of the glass world’s most significant offerings, all in one beautiful venue.

Did you think we’d bring the conference to the Northwest and not have a closing party/event of some kind? Not on your life! Kelley and I look forward to the Saturday evening SAMA closing event all year, and we’ve planned a great one for you and for SAMA in 2013. We’d like you all to join us first for a delicious, full-service dinner in the Murano’s ballroom. This fundraising dinner for SAMA’s General Operating Fund is a separate line item on your registration. We’re going to pull out all the stops to make this a great night for you, so you can expect a DJ and dancing, a cash bar, and some wonderful prizes for you to bid on. Come eat, drink, and dance the last conference night away for a great cause!

When NCECA visited the Seattle area this year, you couldn’t go anywhere without bumping into a local ceramics exhibition. There were over 75 of them simultaneously!  While mosaics haven’t quite reached that level of saturation, each year our members do work hard to turn up the volume of mosaic exposure, producing regional, small group and solo exhibitions around the country.  Taking our cue from NCECA, we’ve seized the opportunity to enhance your conference experience and turn up the volume of mosaic art available for public viewing in the Tacoma/Seattle area next spring.  In addition to what promises to be another incredible MAI, and our members’ Mosaic Art Salon, there will be two mosaic exhibitions brought to you by Northwest SAMA members. The first is a non-juried show featuring Northwest mosaic artists in a gallery just six blocks from the Murano, and the second is an invitational show of mosaic artists from the Americas in Seattle’s historic International District (both are included in the mosaic tours). We hope you’ll get to see all four of these shows – and come away richly inspired – either before, during, or after the conference program.

Okay, we’ve done our part, now you all head over to the SAMA store (at 12noon EST on Sunday, December 9th) and register for the conference, okay? We so look forward to welcoming you to the Pacific Northwest in April!

Richard Davis and Kelley Knickerbocker
Tacoma ’13 Conference Host Committee Co-Chairs

 

Permanent link to this article: http://www.americanmosaics.org/wp/index.php/?p=3381

2013 Conference Call for Topics

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Conference

Tacoma Convention Center

Tacoma Convention Center

2013 American Mosaic Summit: Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma Convention Center
April 10 – 13, 2013

The Education Committee is now accepting proposals for Presentations, Panel Discussions, Professional Seminars and Workshops to round out another incredibly enriching program in Tacoma next Spring!

 

We have provided online forms this year for your convenience.  Click below for the form of your choosing.

Proposal Deadline: September 21, 2012 (Proposal Period Closed)

Notification of Acceptance: October 15, 2012

 

Tacoma Convention Center

Tacoma Convention Center

 

Contact Dawnmarie Zimmerman or Chris Forillo with Questions.

 

 

 

Permanent link to this article: http://www.americanmosaics.org/wp/index.php/?p=2552

Why I’m a SAMA Member :: Amber Pierce

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About SAMA, Conference, Membership, Volunteer, Why I'm a SAMA Member

A Beautiful Relationship

by Amber Pierce, El Cajon, CA.  ambersartistry.com 

My background is rich and diverse with creativity of all kinds…counseling, cake baking/decorating, interpreting, writing, and teaching. I started creating and experimenting with mosaic art over 20 years ago. At that time, there were no websites or other forms of references so, I was basically self-taught. Through trial and error, I found out what worked and what definitely did not.

One day, quite by accident, I stumbled upon the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA). I watched SAMA grow, bit by bit, and after a few years, joined myself. It was the start of a beautiful relationship. I found that SAMA is a place for creativity, sharing, and artistic freedoms within a unique field that embraces many genres: pique assiette, traditional/old-world, ultra-modern, stained glass, corrugated cardboard, mixed media, and more. Contemporary mosaic art is a collection of endless styles, methods, and materials.

What do I like about SAMA, you ask? It’s the unity of togetherness that at the same time allows us to be separate and individual. Let’s look at the power of that statement.

How many other groups allow for – in fact, thrive on – individualism? Who else promotes the growth of each individual by providing educational scholarships available to both the beginner and the experienced artist? In addition to this, what organization strives to garner the recognition due mosaic in the “traditional” art world? The answer is simple: The Society of American Mosaic Artists.

The misnomer of the title should not dissuade anyone from becoming a member. The Society of “American” Mosaic Artists is international right down to its core. Attend a conference and you will understand: everyone is welcome. Over the years, I’ve met and befriended fellow artists from hundreds of countries around the world.

It seems that everyone has a unique opinion as to what mosaic is… what constitutes a mosaic piece of art and what are the best materials to use for that art. SAMA members agree to disagree, diverge, converge, discard or cling to the traditional, run wild with ideas never before seen, watch, learn, and breathe among others who think in creative thought bubbles just like they do. That is what I like about SAMA.

SAMA exists to educate and support its members. It stands for each and every member as a connection to the greater community of mosaic artists, its supporters and suppliers. And SAMA does all of this while being run almost entire by volunteers. Those who don’t realize this are often amazed to realize how much work is done by SAMA’s one full-time paid employee, Executive Director – Dawnmarie Zimmerman, and one part-time paid employee, Operations Manager -Chris Forillo, and a crew of incredible volunteers within the mosaic community. The appreciation for this force of volunteers is incalculable in my mind.

Amber Pierce assisting in Lou Ann Weeks Workshop

If you have ever felt outside of the community, or merely not connected in the way you aspire to be, then volunteering is the way to go. There is no better way to wade knee-deep into SAMA and its workings. When attending a conference, volunteering is an absolute must for even the most seasoned members. It is how we encounter each other’s talent in surprising ways, interact with those with whom we share passions, meet new members, and kindle friendships. It is how we, as individuals coming together as a powerful force, hold the organization afloat, steady, and keep it that way for future generations of aspiring artists.

SAMA: It is all of us and, in turn, it is each of us. We are a united force that is made from unique, creative, and amazing individuals. This force, which comes together for annual conferences, is a powerful one. In fact, I believe we are more powerful as a group than many individuals within the group believe possible.

Case in point: At the last SAMA conference, I attended the general meeting. There I saw that we, as a group of individuals who belong under this large umbrella called mosaic art, can tile our future pathways as one. We can come together and create a solid foundation where everyone can stand and thrive among the rest. If YOU want to know how WE did it during the conference, and how you can still make a difference in SAMA’s future, take a minute or two to read the blog I wrote about the power of asking for what you need. www.ambersartistry.wordpress.com

If you are a member of SAMA, I applaud your community spirit. Remember, we are responsible for keeping our organization steady, solid, and flourishing both financially, ethically, and artistically. If you haven’t yet joined SAMA, I ask you to do so and grow with us. You will make it that much better because you are adding your distinctive style and opinions to the existing assortment of artists. Let’s join together in order to stay individuals in a powerful organization that keeps our artistic concepts thriving, discerned, and connected.

Permanent link to this article: http://www.americanmosaics.org/wp/index.php/?p=2204

Mosaic Travel :: Plan ahead for Tacoma 13!

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Conference, Mosaic Travel

Money-saving Travel Tips for Tacoma 2013 or anytime!

by Richard Davis, 2013 Host Committee Co-Chair, Clinton, WA

Seashell by Betz Bernard

Seashell by Betz Bernard

Airfares

Discount Airfare Web Sites
Have you heard of Kayak, Bing, and Airfarewatchdog?  Kayak (www.kayak.com) shows hundreds of airfares from all major carriers to your destination (but not discount carriers such as Southwest or Jetblue). Bing (www.bing.com/travel) has a feature that helps you predict when to buy an airfare to a particular city. Airfarewatchdog (www.airfarewatchdog.com) sends you email alerts of low fares customized (a bit) to destinations of your choice, which is Seattle/Tacoma, of course! When using these discount clearinghouse sites you’ll need to be ready to snap up a good deal because they disappear quickly.

Other Airline Tips
Did you know Southwest (www.southwest.com)  still checks bags for free, saving you at least $50 for one bag roundtrip.  And if Alaska Airlines (www.alaskaair.com) serves your city, get their occasional specials sent right to your email IN box by signing up for their newsletter or having Airfarewatchdog notify you (SeaTac is a major hub of Alaska Airlines).  Generally, you have a six-month period in which to look for a good airfare, so your search should begin in late October or early November for April. As of this writing, fares from Boston to Tacoma 6 months from now range from $293 without checked bags to more than $700 in economy.

Bellingham airport (a 2.5 hour direct drive to Tacoma) is served by low cost carrier Allegiant and a few Alaska flights. You can take a bus (2hr and 40 min ride) from this airport to SeaTac airport for $60 roundtrip for a public bus connection to Tacoma Consider if the hassle is worth the price of a low airfare.

Transportation To/From Airports

Public transportation to and from the airport is an inexpensive option. If you choose to drive and park your car at the airport you may want to consider staying at an airport motel before your flight. Many airport motels offer a “sleep & park” rate (one night’s sleep with a 7days park), which is often the same or less than just parking in airport lots. Staying near the airport allows you to take advantage of the usually cheaper airfares available on first flights of the day. Major city airports generally have better connections (and fewer locks on fares) than smaller airports, so if you’re traveling from a smaller town the “sleep & park” option in the nearest major city might serve you well (www.tripadvisor.com) can help with motel selection near your airport of choice).

Transportation Around Tacoma/Seattle

If you not planning on doing any out of city exploring you won’t need a car, as both Tacoma and Seattle downtowns are easily walkable and have bus service (Seattle bus service info: metro.kingcounty.gov, Tacoma bus service info: www.piercetransit.org .  If you are staying a few extra days to explore outside the city proper, you will need a car. Sites like Hotwire (www.hotwire.com) or Priceline (www.priceline.com) are great resources for low rental car rates. If you rent a car in Tacoma rather than at SeaTac airport, you won’t be charged airport pickup & drop off fees & airport taxes. Tax on rental cars: 17% in Tacoma, 19.5% in Seattle.

Permanent link to this article: http://www.americanmosaics.org/wp/index.php/?p=2212

Save the Date! 2013 Conference

Categories:

Conference, News

American Mosaic Summit 2013

April 10 – 13, 2013 Tacoma, Washington: Tacoma Convention Center, Hotel Murano and the Museum of Glass!

SAMA is pleased to announce the 2013 Conference will be held at Tacoma WA at the Murano Hotel and Tacoma Convention Center. The Murano is a “boutique” hotel that features beautiful original glass art on every floor of the hotel. The MAI show will be held at the famous Museum of Glass, which is less than 15- minute walk from the hotel. For those who prefer to plan a vacation around the conference, Tacoma is ideally sited to make day trips around Western Washington. The Seattle/Tacoma International airport called “SeaTac” is well served by all the major carriers, including low cost Southwest.

In downtown Tacoma itself, you can walk in less than 15 minutes from the hotel to the following: The Museum of Glass, The Tacoma Art Museum, The Washington State History Museum and the Children’s Museum. In addition, using a car or public transportation you can very quickly reach the huge new LeMay Antique Car Museum, and the Foss Maritime Museum.

Again, using a car or public transportation, depending on the destination, you may reach these outdoor activities within a 5-15 minute drive of downtown Tacoma: a boat tour or kayaking on Puget Sound, golf at both private and public courses, a beautiful garden at Lakewold Gardens (which will be in the middle of it’s rhododendron bloom), a ferryboat ride to Vashon Island, a walk along Tacoma’s waterfront or the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Giant Head, Midland Mosaics

Giant Head, Midland Mosaics

Within a 30 min. to 2 ½ hour one way drive from Tacoma you could be spring skiing at Crystal Mountain (intermediate to expert) or the Summit at Snoqualmie (beginner to intermediate), watching Northwest wildlife at Northwest Trek, walking & birding on the boardwalk at the Nisqually Delta (migratory bird sanctuary), walking on a Pacific Ocean beach at Moclips (no swimming, the water is too cold!), visiting the famous Rhododendron Species Foundation garden (middle of spring bloom time), taking in the large fields of blooming tulips at the Mt. Vernon Tulip festival, hiking or mountain biking on the lower trails of The Cascade Mountains or Olympic Mountains forests, Grey whale watchingin the San Juan Islands, or really any other outdoor activity you may enjoy.

Seashell by Betz Bernhard

Seashell by Betz Bernhard

Downtown Seattle can easily be visited on a day trip from Tacoma via a train, express bus, or car as it is only 45 minutes away. While you are in downtown Seattle, you can visit The Seattle Art Museum, the Frye Museum, the Experience Project, The Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center, The Aquarium , the famous Pike Place Market, the International District (Asian restaurants), along with all the galleries and stores that Seattle’s surprisingly vibrant downtown core has to offer.

If you drive, you can visit the Bellevue Arts Museum in Bellevue or these other museums in Seattle beyond the downtown core, such as the Asian Art Museum, the Henry Art Gallery and the Burke Museum, etc.
Your Northwest host committee, Co-chaired by Richard Davis and Kelley Knickerbocker are busy lining up mosaic tours in Tacoma and Seattle, finding great presenters, new local vendors, and doing everything they can to make 2013 the best conference ever!

 

The Mosaic Arts International 2013 Deadline has not been finalized and will be announced AS SOON AS IT IS! Please do not call or email asking when it is, as we will then need to stop working on the details to answer your calls and emails, making it delayed even further….we will post as soon as it’s set! WE KNOW YOU ARE EXCITED – SO ARE WE!

We want your BEST work to present at the Museum of Glass so don’t wait to hear what the deadline is… GET TO WORK NOW!

Permanent link to this article: http://www.americanmosaics.org/wp/index.php/?p=2113

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