The Art of Mosaic (2007 & 2009)

Curated by Bill Buckingham and Margaret Ryan

Mosaic is one of the oldest and enduring art forms. It is as alive with innovation today as it was millennia ago. Mosaic artists push the medium in new directions manipulating traditional and modern materials to make statements that engage, provoke, and delight the eye and mind. The Somerville Museum held exhibits of mosaic art in 2007 and 2009.

The Art of Mosaic, gathered for the first time in the Boston area, selected works of mosaic from artists throughout New England. The exhibition included examples of fine art pieces, architectural installations, as well as decorative and functional art objects. The Somerville Museum hosted The Art of Mosaic. Somerville established itself as an artist friendly city within the greater Boston area. Through Open Studios, Art Festivals, an active Arts Council, and the Somerville Museum, artists were provided opportunities to create, exhibit, educate, and lead as an art community.

In keeping with the Museum's mission to feature Somerville based artists, the exhibition dedicated the west gallery to mosaic art in Somerville with photographs of installations and actual mosaics by local artists. The larger grand gallery, naturally lit by two stories of windows, showcased fifty New England artists. Mosaics unite disparate elements of design, materials, and technique to create works of timeless beauty in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Related Programming

Lecture by Paula Artal-Isbrand on ancient Antioch Mosaics: Thursday September 13 at 7 pm

Poetry and prose readings by the Bagel Bards: Thursday, September 27 at 7 pm (free)

Music concerts of world folk music with Sue Robbins and Michael Cicone : Sunday September 23rd at 4pm Jazz music with Ruthie Ristich and Friends : Sunday September 30th at 4pm