I caught up with Brooks Tower at the Sama Convention in Mesa & was honored when he agreed to be featured in the m.a.s. gallery.  Brooks' Market Day II won the award for Best in the Show at the Mosaic Arts International Exhibit this year.  His thought provoking piece (photo on left) delivers mastery in materials, technique, composition & imagery.  Brooks Tower is 'the modern master' in opus sectile mosaics.

I wanted to interview Brooks... but was ummm... a tad scared.  Why you ask?  Well, let me tell you a little something about my friend Brooks.  He's fantastic... handsome, charming, creative, insanely brilliant, a killer wit & he's definitely not afraid to speak his mind. Of course, I love him, but thought... I've just got no idea where that mind of his might take us... an interview? Now that would be just pure craziness...

Julie Richey won the Members' Choice Award at the Mosaic Arts International Exhibit this year. L'Ambasciatrice (photo on right) was the most refreshing piece in the show & definitely had that WOW! factor.

I was so enamoured with this exquisite piece, when I saw Julie in Mesa, I pretty much grabbed her.  I just had to let her know how much I loved L'Ambasciatrice & (of course) started bubbling over with questions...  how did she come up with the concept... what kind of base did she use???  Julie (sweetheart that she is) generously shared her whole process...

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...  ;o)

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

M.A.S. Mosaic Exhibit - MAI 2007 mosaic art exhibit photos

M.A.S. Mosaic Exhibit - MAI 2007 Mesa exhibition gallery & awards