SAMA Conference in Nashville

The 19th annual conference of the Society of American Mosaic Artists was held in Nashville April 22 –28.

Once again, it was a memorable trip. Rewarding on many levels, possibly most importantly because of the deepening connections to colleagues who have become dear friends. The conference itself presented a slate of informative and moving presentations, and the Mosaic Arts International Exhibitions were stunning. I am in awe of how far contemporary mosaic artists have pushed the envelope and are creating more impressive work than ever. To be included in the juried exhibition is an honor.

This was my 15th (!) SAMA conference, and as such, I have to admit I look forward to hanging with my friends and experiencing a new city probably more than the actual conference events. The opportunity to spend time with artist colleagues and have thoughtful conversations about art, especially advancing our medium of contemporary mosaic, fills me up and pushes me forward to more creativity in the year ahead. Although I haven’t taken any workshops at conferences recently, I do like to take one of the tours the conference offers. The tour I took this year gave us a good overview of the history of Nashville and Tennessee. So good for this Westerner, who learned very little of the South and its history.

Some fun the first two days…

Rochelle and Karen at the Ben & Jerry’s counter after dinner on our first night. We wandered the streets to find the food court of the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital to find this counter!

In the Ryman Auditorium awaiting Snow Patrol to come onstage for the concert. Mark, Scott, Karen and I had a fun evening.

The historic Ryman Auditorium, on my tour of Nashville.

Sculpture of Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl in the lobby of the Ryman. Our friend and colleague Sherri Warner Hunter was involved in the creation of this work.

And now, for some art…

The Parthenon, yep, an exact replica, in Centennial Park in Nashville. And my work is inside!

Outside of the Parthenon, for the duration of our conference, is Lizzie the Dragon, by Sherri Warner Hunter. She normally lives at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, but for the conference, she greeted us! And Scott had to ham it up…

Inside, at the reception, here I am with “A Rake’s Progress.”

Mini salon at the Airbnb! Housemates displaying our pieces early in the week: L-R, mine, Todd Campbell, Scott Fitzwater (x2) and Kelley Knickerbocker. Another day later we had two more added to the display. (painting of Batman adding to the ambiance!)

Here’s my “Wrench in Repose” at the mosaic art Salon, the silent auction on Friday at the conference.

I am happy that Wrench went to Theresa Mertens, of di Mosaico.

Middle Ground

Sophie Drouin and Rachel Sager, two accomplished artists and friends, worked over four years to create the “Conversation in Stone”. 21 pieces, available for sale individually. They made a presentation about their process and journey. The audience, including me, were inspired, uplifted, and at times teary-eyed.

Kim Emerson, Dennis Reiter, Sophie and Rachel pose in front of the work. Kim and Dennis purchased one… and I was inspired to purchase the one beneath theirs!

Tidbits of Nashville…

Backdrop of the Ryman stage. So cool to have been in the wings of the stage during the tour.

View of the Ryman auditorium from the stage wings.

Stained glass windows in the beautiful Egyptian Revival downtown Presbyterian church.

Column in the Egyptian revival style.

Fun treat during the Belle Meade Plantation tour…winetasting!

A great spot for lunch on our tour. At the Bell Meade Plantation, after the wine tasting… a little wine with our Panera box lunch!

Old Customs House in downtown Nashville. This beautiful old building is for sale! Love this architectural style.

Across from the downtown public library, a trompe l’oeil mural. Those always grab my attention.

This is my continual inspiration—peeling walls, exposed brick, urban decay.

Fun times with friends

Tuesday night, on Broadway, after the Snow Patrol concert. Mark, Scott and I having fun on the crowded streets.

Group dinner at a Mexican restaurant near the conference hotel. Even though this photo is blurry, it captured the fun time. Bob, Scott, Todd, Jenn and Karen.

Whoo hoo! Karen cheering on Bob and Mark with a silly ring/hook game. In the backyard of the restaurant.

A SAMA group tradition…the Clown Car! Six of us were able to crowd into Todd’s car to go to the Parthenon on Friday morning. Scott, Bob, Lynn, Richard, Mark and Todd driving.

Artists imitating art on the campus of Vanderbilt University. Richard, Meghan, me, Scott and Mark.

Scott, Lynn and Todd pose in front of a fun mosaic sculpture in a playground. We were lucky to bump into the woman who originally spearheaded this community project in the ‘80s. It’s been restored since then, and is a neighborhood treasure.

Nashville after the conference

For years I’ve known about Hatch Show Print, an institution in Nashville. A traditional letterpress printshop, it was a must destination for Bob and me. I’ve always had a passion for letterpress, stemming from my background in graphic design, and Bob shares the interest now that he’s pursuing printmaking.

And they still utilize the traditional, analog methods. No computers at all in their design and production!

One of their old presses, a floor model clamshell.

Main production area at Hatch

With the ancient type drawers and library of plates, it felt like a step back in time!

The welcome pig at Martin’s BBQ Joint.

Low res but cute selfie! Before digging into our big barbecue dinner. Very yummy, but a bit too much food!

Must be the mother ship of Nashville’s signature candy.

Outside our Airbnb house. It was a fantastic spot for our group of 10. This was an unplanned last visit, as Bob accidentally left his sunglasses behind! Luckily the cleaners were still in the house, and he retrieved them.