The Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) Mosaic Arts International 2007, the organization’s annual juried mosaic exhibition, opened at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Center and will continue through April 29th. The mosaic exhibit features 62 pieces selected from 397 entries by mosaic artists from six countries.

Mosaic Art Source - Mosaic Exhibit - MAI 2007 mosaic art exhibit photos

Mosaic Art Source - Mosaic Art Focus April Newsletter

Please Note: These Mosaic Images may not be reproduced in any form without the legal authorization of the artists. Please be aware that Mosaic Artists worldwide have united to form an International Mosaic Art Watch Group that will support the prosecution of anyone who does so.

Me & my favorite englishmen (Gary Drostle, Donna Young & John O'Brien), originally uploaded by bitsandpiecesmosaics.

Gary Drostle & Irina Charny on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Jane Schofield & John O'Brien (almost roomies) on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Jo Braun & Emma Biggs on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Ilana Shafir & me on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Shug Jones, the amazing Chris & Karen on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Chicago mosaic school (gary, chris & karen) on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Michael Welch & Bill Buckingham Rock! on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Lynn Moor "You all cleared me out!" on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Orsoni glamour gals JoAnn Loktov & Delfina on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

JoAnn Loktov & Irina Charny shamelessly promoting Orsoni on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Margo Anton busy, busy, busy on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Laurel True IMA on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

John and his girls (Judy Davis, John O'Brien & Jane O'Donnell) on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Vicki enjoying Emma' Biggs' enthuisiasm in class on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Jo Braun & Ora Avni on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Jo's secret message to Lilian Broca on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

No, I'll never be an Esther on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Mr. BOS (Best of Show) Brooks Tower & Jenny Perry on Flickr - by jenny!

Mosaicists take over Mesa Hotel Lobby - Thanks for the vino, Guido on Flickr - by Julie

Ana Foncerrada, Julie Richey, Gary Drostle & Dawnmarie Zimmerman on Flickr! - by jenny

Irina Charny, Jenny Perry, Jo Braun & Enzo Aiello on Flickr - by Jenny!

Vogue this, beyotch - Chris & Karen Ami on Flickr - by julie!

This Year's SAMA Conference was a blast! A whirlwind of mosaic inspiration, sharing & shopping with friends old & new from across the globe... what more could a girl ask for? Only wish it would never end... :-)

Thank you to all those who work tirelessly to make these events so incredibly special!

Where does the mosaic end and the cornucopia of mosaic materials begin?

Ilana Shafir Workshop 3-11-2007 11, originally uploaded by tslothrop.

During the design process, Camy's board is covered with piles of possibilities. Note the light colors in the central mandala, to be replaced later with dark materials.

Ilana Shafir Workshop 3-11-2007 02, originally uploaded by tslothrop.

Sonia's treasure inspires the radiating arms of subtle color and texture in her spontaneous mosaic.

Ilana Shafir Workshop 3-11-2007 10, originally uploaded by tslothrop.

Jean Ann's central treasure grows organically outward in many different textures and colors.

Ilana Shafir Workshop 3-11-2007 08, originally uploaded by tslothrop.

Ilana and Virginia confer on ideas for building out from the ceramic creatures.

Ilana Shafir Workshop 3-11-2007 09, originally uploaded by tslothrop.

Ilana likes the horizontal lines of Andrea's spontaneous mosaic.

Ilana Shafir Workshop 3-11-2007 20, originally uploaded by tslothrop.

Bonnie's spontaneous mosaic catches the waves.

Ilana Shafir Workshop 3-11-2007 24, originally uploaded by tslothrop.

Camy has finished cementing the pieces of her spontaneous mosaic.

Ilana Shafir Workshop 3-11-2007 29, originally uploaded by tslothrop.

Spontaneous mosaics by Andrea (top) and Camy (bottom).

Ilana Shafir Workshop 3-11-2007 30, originally uploaded by tslothrop.

Spontaneous moasics by Virginia (top) and Ruth (bottom).

Ilana Shafir Workshop 3-11-2007 28, originally uploaded by tslothrop.

Spontaneous mosaics by Susannah (top), Sylvia (middle), and Jean Ann (bottom).

Ilana Shafir Workshop 3-11-2007 27, originally uploaded by tslothrop.

Spontaneous mosaics by Bonnie (top), Suzanne (middle left), Marcie (middle right), and Sonia (bottom).

Ilana Shafir is one of my all time favorite mosaic artists. If you ever have a chance to take her class for goodness sake don't miss it! :-)