What Are the Benefits of Joining the Society of American Mosaic Artists?

Joining the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) gives mosaic artists and enthusiasts access to exhibition opportunities, publications, a professional network, and educational resources. The main benefits include eligibility for member galleries, participation in SAMA exhibitions and conferences, a scholarship program, publications like Mosaic & Glass Magazine, and connections to regional groups, instructors, and workshops. Whether it's worth joining depends on whether you want juried exhibition exposure, ongoing learning, and a community of mosaic professionals.

Exhibition and Gallery Opportunities

SAMA runs Mosaic Arts International (MAI), its flagship annual exhibition, with a documented history of host cities including Detroit and Kansas City (2024), Buffalo (2023), Nashville (2019), Boston (2018), Detroit (2017), San Diego (2016), and Philadelphia (2015), plus a virtual edition in 2021. There is also an archive of past exhibitions and an invitational show (Embodied: MAI 2019).

Members can also be featured in two galleries on the site:

• Professional Member Gallery — for professional-level members
• Open Member Gallery — open to members generally

If your goal is to build a public portfolio and exhibition record, these are the most concrete benefits.

Publications and Content

SAMA produces several publications and media channels:

The Andamento blog is member-focused, so joining also gives you a channel to share your own work and news.

Education, Scholarships, and Networking

SAMA lists a Scholarship Program, a Conference, and a Resources section covering:

• Regional Groups & Mosaic Art Communities
• Instructors, Workshops & Schools
• Partners in the Arts

These are the pathways for skill-building and finding local or traveling instruction. The conference and regional groups are where the in-person networking happens.

Membership Tiers and Recognition

The site distinguishes several membership categories:

• Professional Members (with their own gallery and a Business Member Vendors listing)
• Visionary and Patron Members
• General Membership (Join/Renew)

There are also editorial features like Members in the News, Featured Members, Why I am a SAMA Member, and a Collector's Corner — recognition that comes with being a member.

How to Decide

Join if you want juried exhibition eligibility, a member gallery page, the magazine and blog, and access to the conference and regional network. If you only want to browse mosaic art or read occasional articles, the public site (blog, exhibition archive, member galleries) already covers much of that without membership.

To join, use the Join/Renew link on the site; to support without joining, there is a Donate option. Note that the site also has a Login area, so some member content and features require an account.