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Two Recent Projects Selected for 2017 Mosaic Arts International Exhibition

I’m very excited to have two of my recent projects selected for the 2017 Mosaic Arts International- Site Specific
Exhibition. National press release coming soon!

The Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) invites artists working in mosaic media to submit applications to Mosaic Arts International (MAI) 2017. Held in conjunction with SAMA’s annual conference, the juried exhibit presents the best in contemporary site-specific mosaics from SAMA’s diverse international membership. 
Mosaic Arts International unites compelling materials, innovative design, and masterful technique currently explored by a selection of the best international artists working in the medium. The Society of American Mosaic Artists is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, inspiring, and promoting excellence in mosaic arts.
The Site-specific Exhibition will be presented through images featured in the 2017 Mosaic Arts International Catalog and in a dedicated image gallery on the SAMA Website, americanmosaics.org. The 2017 Conference, The American Mosaic Summit, will feature a presentation during the event that discusses the work of the Site-Specific Mosaic Exhibition.

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Mosaic Artist Bonnie Cohen Creates Collaborative Art at the Adler Aphasia Center

The donor wall is installed at the Adler Aphasia on July 12, 2016.

Mosaic artist Bonnie Cohen designed this mosaic mural with help from members of The Adler Aphasia Center

The Adler Aphasia Center provides help for those living with aphasia and their caregivers. To celebrate their 15th anniversary,  mosaic artist Bonnie Cohen was commissioned to design a collaborative mosaic mural to honor their generous donors.

Mrs. Adler’s words said it all…. “It is exactly what I wished for…A HAPPY WALL!”

“This project at the Adler Aphasia Center in N.J was one of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on”, said artist Bonnie Cohen. “Everyone who participated saw how art can bring people together to heal, to energize and bring happiness into our lives.”

The project was directed by Kathy Davis of the Welch Sign Company of Portland, Maine. Bonnie designed the mural and artistic concept with input from the Adler staff, including art and speech therapists. The design featured a winding pathway through a garden of mosaic flowers with the quote, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

During a two-day artist in residency, participants created mosaic flower motifs. Since most of the participants were only able to work with one hand, the project was designed to accommodate their physical limitations. Many of the tiles were pre-cut and the flower motifs were created using an adhesive mesh material.  Bonnie  created an instructional video with simple directions  about the project with helpful input from the staff.

After 2 days of intensive and invigorating mosaic workshops, 70 flower motifs were packed and shipped to the artist’s studio in Akron,Ohio. Mosaic leaves, stems and the background colors were added to complete the picture. The incredible staff even arranged a time to skype so everyone could see Bonnie’s progress in her studio.

Executive Director Karen Tucker said,” We love how the wall has inspired our donors, the pride the members have taken in pointing out the flowers they crafted, and the warm and welcoming feeling it exudes when any person walks in the Center. It was such a pleasure from beginning to end to work with Bonnie and the team at Welch Design. The process and that Bonnie and the members and volunteers created says so much about who we are  and how we want all those that enter our program to feel as they navigate life with aphasia”.

The upbeat attitude, the dedicated volunteers and the joy and camaraderie of the group made this project a success. The staff  had a vision, and Bonnie said,”I was truly honored to be able to help bring it to life!”

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“Age is a Work of Art”

 

 

The New York Times has been publishing a series of  articles about Centenarians and their secrets to  longevity. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/health/19brody.html?src=me&ref=health.

One article  about  Mrs. Tuttle (99) states that “only about 20 to 30 percent of longevity is genetically determined. Lifestyle seems to be the more dominant factor. As Mrs. Tuttle said in clarion tones that belie her advanced age: “I am blessed and I’ve worked on it. You’ve got to work, be cheerful and look for something fun to do. It’s a whole attitude.”

Each profile is remarkably inspiring and their stories force  us to consider  the choices we make in our lives. Staying active and connecting with other people   seemed to be the common thread in each of the stories.  They all volunteered, had interesting hobbies like dancing , art and yoga, and seemed outgoing and friendly. All had overcome hardships in their lives. Most of all, it seemed clear that they felt totally  responsible for their own happiness.

I have the pleasure of working on a new project for a non- profit  organization that helps seniors thrive in the Greater Washington D.C. area. The project is a donor regognition wall that will be generously funded by a gentleman who wants to pay tribute  to his late wife of 6o years.

What wonderful lessons we can learn from the older generation ! It takes hard work to be happy and that hard work is a real art in itself !!

Wishing my Mom, an inspiring artist , and most wonderful Mom a very happy 80th birthday!!!!

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