In 2012, a group of Pacific NW mosaic artists gathered at the home of Richard Davis on Whidbey Island to discuss hosting one of the conferences for the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) in our area. Over the weekend, we brainstormed, ate, drank and worked on mosaic projects that we had brought along. This was the first time SAMA members in WA and OR coalesced as a regional group, and it was the beginning of a great friendship.

We did host the American Mosaic Summit in Tacoma in 2013, which was a huge undertaking headed by Richard Davis and Kelley Knickerbocker, but others were involved and the group began to take shape. Additionally, we held our first regional mosaic art exhibit to coincide with the conference.

Over the years, each of us has collaborated and intersected with others in this community, which spans both Pacific NW states, and last year, a few of us began planning a group exhibition with the theme: Chiaroscuro; Casting Shadows in Mosaic. Having worked together and knowing that each of us is committed to our work at a professional level, we trusted each other to submit the size and number of pieces that felt appropriate and fitting to the theme, without setting parameters.
Everyone except for Jo Braun.
Joanne Daschel

Karen Rycheck

Kate Jessup

Kelley Knickerbocker

Lynn Adamo

Jennifer Kuhns

Scott Fitzwater
December 8th was the opening reception for the first exhibit of the Northwest Mosaic Art Alliance (NMAA) at the Chessman Gallery in Lincoln City, OR. The show was hung perfectly by the gallery director, Krista Eddy and everyone brought their A-game to the show. The work was so compatible, yet varied, it was remarkable to me how well it came together. The turnout for the opening was huge! All but one of the artists (Jo Braun) was able to attend and the energy in the room was so enthusiastic!

If you are near the central coast of Oregon, go visit the show, which will be on display through January 9, 2018. But if you miss it, we have another show scheduled in March that I'll announce closer to the dates. For the moment, my head is still spinning from this weekend.
*All of the individual photos above were taken by Deane Ingram.