Meet Mosaic Art Collective

Q: What is the founding story of the Mosaic Art Collective and the inspiration behind creating a space that nurtures the creative spirit?

A: The founding story of the Mosaic Art Collective is deeply rooted in my personal journey as an artist. After graduating from the Maryland Institute College of Art, I found myself missing the communal atmosphere that I had grown accustomed to during my time there. The idea of creating a space that nurtures the creative spirit began to take shape in my mind.

However, it wasn't until many years later, after gaining experience and confidence in my artistic journey, that I felt ready to bring this vision to life. Moving back to New Hampshire during the pandemic added a layer of urgency to my search for a space to create and showcase my work in the Manchester area. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a space that truly supported artists like me.

In a serendipitous turn of events, I ended up renting a much larger space than I initially needed. This became the birthplace of the Mosaic Art Collective. Slowly but surely, emerging and mid-career artists began to discover the studios that Mosaic provides, and our monthly exhibitions became an elevated platform for those artists as well as others in the surrounding area to showcase their work.

Our cooperative art gallery is more than just a physical space; it's a vibrant community that fosters creativity, collaboration, and mutual support among artists. The inspiration behind Mosaic Art Collective is to create a haven where artists can not only create and exhibit their work but also connect with like-minded individuals, sharing in the collective journey of artistic expression. The challenges posed by the pandemic only strengthened our commitment to providing a nurturing environment for artists, ensuring that the creative spirit continues to thrive in our community.

Q: Your mission emphasizes nurturing all levels of artists and creatives. How does Mosaic Art Collective ensure inclusivity and support for individuals at various stages of their creative journey?

A: At Mosaic Art Collective, our mission revolves around nurturing artists and creatives at all levels of their journey. As a recently formed non-profit organization, inclusivity is a fundamental principle for us. We are committed to keeping barriers to entry as low as possible, ensuring that our artistic community remains open and welcoming to individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

As an artist, curator, and business owner, I understand the importance of providing a safe and inclusive space for artists to thrive. Transitioning into the nonprofit world hasn't altered our commitment to inclusivity; if anything, it has only strengthened our resolve to maintain a community that embraces artists at every stage of their creative development.

In addition to providing affordable studio spaces, we have organized numerous professional development workshops and Artist Talks that specifically address the business aspects of being an artist. These initiatives are designed to equip artists with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the art world successfully.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our support by incorporating critique circles, networking opportunities, and discussions into our programming. By offering a range of resources and activities, we aim to create a holistic environment that not only fosters artistic growth but also encourages meaningful connections and collaborations among our diverse community of artists. Mosaic Art Collective is not just a gallery; it's a dynamic hub where artists can find the support and encouragement they need at every step of their creative journey.

Q:  Tell us about the community events, open studios, and public workshops that Mosaic Art Collective organizes. How do these events foster collaboration and engagement among local creatives?

A: From the very beginning our exhibitions and openings have been opportunities for artists to connect and network with each other. These opportunities had made way for greater collaborations through exhibitions outside of Mosaic as well as the creation of multimedia art installations. Previous to now we have held open studio drop in for artists to engage while they work. Most recently we have begun to host a free High School Open Studio Fellowship for Manchester, NH high school students that will work with mentors and professional artists to collaborate, create and install an exhibition in May. Our public workshops have encouraged discussion of opportunities and gained access for local artists to show work both locally and regionally as well as connecting artists to potential grant opportunities and residencies throughout the state and regionally. 

Q:  How do you envision contributing to the growth of arts, music, and literature in the region?

A:  Mosaic Art Collective envisions itself as a catalyst for the growth of arts, music, and literature in the region by continuing to serve as a vibrant hub for creative expression. Currently, we already provide a safe and nurturing community that celebrates various forms of art. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to welcoming artists of all kinds, whether they work in visual arts, music, or literature.

Our efforts in fostering a multidisciplinary community are evident in the diverse range of events we organize. We have hosted improv groups, established a monthly music night, and curated ekphrastic shows that specifically invite writers to collaborate with visual artists. We've even had a writer present during one of our openings, composing five-minute poems inspired by a central question they asked each participant.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our contributions by hosting writers workshops, jam nights, open mics and more. These initiatives are aimed at creating an even more dynamic and collaborative environment, where artists from different disciplines can come together, share their talents, and inspire one another. By providing a platform for the convergence of arts, music, and literature, Mosaic Art Collective aims to play a pivotal role in the cultural enrichment and creative growth of the region. 

Q:  Looking ahead, what are some future goals or initiatives that Mosaic Art Collective aims to pursue in its mission to support the creative community?

A: Looking ahead, Mosaic Art Collective has several future goals and initiatives aligned with our mission to support the creative community. One of our most imminent goals is to find a suitable location for expansion. While we cherish our current gallery and studio space, we recognize the growing need for more studio spaces in Manchester. Our aim is to meet this demand and provide additional resources for local artists.

We have established a strong support network within the artist community throughout New Hampshire. However, to truly grow and flourish, we understand the importance of garnering more support from the general public. Acknowledging that art galleries can sometimes feel exclusive, we are actively working towards increasing our engagement with the broader community in and around Manchester.

To achieve this, we are exploring initiatives to make our space more inviting to those who may not have a direct connection to the art world. Creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere is crucial to breaking down any perceived barriers and making art more accessible to everyone.

Additionally, we plan to continue organizing events, workshops, and exhibitions that not only benefit our existing artist community but also attract new talent and art enthusiasts. By maintaining our commitment to being a comfortable space for all – artists and non-artists alike – we hope to foster a thriving creative ecosystem in the region. Through these initiatives, Mosaic Art Collective aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the local arts scene and contributing to the cultural richness of our community.