A Rare Occasion: the Best of Today's Mosaic Art from Around the World Assembled in a Single Venue

Lexington, KY, February 15, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Mosaic art, one of the world’s oldest art forms, is experiencing a major revival both in the United States and internationally. Fine artists are discovering the unrivaled and compelling magnificence of the art form and material in achieving their artistic vision. The Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) proudly presents “Mosaic Arts International remains on view to the public through April 27th, 2012, at the Lexington Center Museum” (MAI), a juried exhibition that explores the very best work of this revival. The show premiers on February 27th, 2012 and and Gallery, Lexington, Kentucky.

“This exhibition provides a unique opportunity to view outstanding examples of mosaic art from around the world in one venue, to allow the audience to experience the exciting ways that artists are utilizing this ancient art form with a modern and contemporary approach,” said Shug Jones, President of the SAMA Board of Trustees. “These artists are using both traditional and non-traditional materials to really propel the art form to a degree unseen in recent history.”

Ms. Jones adds, “We invite the public to attend. This show is impressive in every respect. We are very excited to introduce Lexington’s enthusiastic arts community to such well-known mosaicists from around the world. It’s a wonderful opportunity to offer an intimate look at a very textural art form that really must be seen in person to experience the full resonance of its’ beauty and depth of meaning.”

The esteemed panel of jurors for this year’s exhibition included Josh Blanc, President, Handmade Tile Association of Minneapolis, MN; Amy Gundrum Green, Curator, Headley-Whitney Museum, Lexington, KY; and Arturo Alonzo Sandoval, Professor of Art, Alumni Endowed Professor, Fiber, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.

The Society of American Mosaic Artists is proud to announce the winners of this year’s awards which include prizes totaling $5,000:

Best in Show: In Her Shoes by Lin Schorr
Innovation in Mosaics: I Tied a Yellow Ribbon by Sally Kinsey
Juror’s Choice: Four Stages of Higher Learning by Paul Pearman (Josh Blanc)
Juror’s Choice: Winter’s Beauty by Laura Rendlen (Amy Gundrum Green)
Juror’s Choice: OTTO by Betsy Youngquist (Arturo Alonzo Sandoval)

MAI features the work of 56 mosaic artists from 24 different states in the US, as well as from Turkey, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and Israel. A vast array of material such as smalti, glass, ceramic, and metal are featured within the works of these artists. Art collectors are beginning to gain a true appreciation of the richness of the art form and the texture that plays such an important factor in the work. SAMA artists create 2D, 3D, sculptural and architectural works, from micro-mosaics using tesserae (literally pieces) the size of the head of a pin to colossal architectural installations, creating art that is both compelling and enduring. MAI is a highly competitive annual exhibition that unites innovative design and masterful technique as explored by some of the best international artists working in the medium.

MAI coincides with the annual American Mosaic Summit, a conference which will be held February 28th through March 3rd at the Hyatt Regency Lexington. The Summit includes workshops, presentations, and an Art Supply Marketplace that will be open to the public on March 2nd and 3rd.

The Society of American Mosaic Artists, a dynamic group of more than 1,200 members, is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, inspiring, and promoting excellence in mosaic arts. Find out more about SAMA at www.americanmosaics.org.

The Lexington Center and Museum is located in the Lexington Center Complex which also houses the Lexington Convention Center and Rupp Arena. Mosaic Arts International will be the first fine art exhibition featured in this gallery.

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