What is the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) Website?
Updated
americanmosaics.org is the official website of the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA), a nonprofit organization that describes itself as championing mosaic arts. The site serves as a hub for mosaic artists, educators, collectors, and related professionals, offering member galleries, exhibition archives, publications, a blog, and membership resources.
What SAMA Is
SAMA is a membership-based organization dedicated to the mosaic art form. According to the site, its stated mission is to champion mosaic arts. The organization is led by a Board of Trustees and supported by staff, with a published history and leadership directory available on the site.
Who the Site Serves
The website is built around several audience groups:
- Mosaic artists — through member galleries, featured member profiles, and exhibition opportunities
- Educators and students — via a scholarship program, instructor and workshop listings, and school directories
- Collectors and enthusiasts — through the Collector's Corner, exhibition catalogs, and city guides
- Businesses and vendors — through business member and vendor listings, plus partner organizations
What You Can Find on the Site
Exhibitions
SAMA runs Mosaic Arts International (MAI), an annual juried exhibition. The site maintains an archive of past exhibitions with locations and dates, including:
| Year | Location |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Detroit, MI and Kansas City, MO |
| 2023 | Buffalo, NY (MGAI) |
| 2021 | Virtual |
| 2019 | Nashville, TN |
| 2018 | Boston, MA |
| 2017 | Detroit, MI |
| 2016 | San Diego, CA |
| 2015 | Philadelphia, PA |
The 2019 exhibition also included an invitational component titled Embodied. The 100 Moments Project is another recurring initiative listed on the site.
Publications
- Mosaic & Glass Magazine — a partner publication
- Groutline Archives — SAMA's newsletter archive
- Exhibition Catalogs and Mosaic City Guides — print resources
- Behind the Mosaic — a podcast
Blog and News
The Andamento Blog publishes stories and news from members. Recent posts have covered topics such as SAMA Board of Trustees outreach to Puerto Rico, featured members, collector interests, mosaic travel, and international mosaics.
Galleries
Two galleries are available: a Professional Member Gallery and an Open Member Gallery, showcasing work from SAMA's membership.
Resources
The site lists regional groups and mosaic art communities, instructors, workshops and schools, and partners in the arts — useful starting points for anyone looking to connect with the mosaic community locally or find instruction.
Membership
SAMA offers membership tiers including Professional, Business, Visionary, and Patron levels. Member benefits, a scholarship program, and a "Why I am a SAMA Member" section are published on the site. A login area is available for members.
When This Site Is Useful to You
- You want to see juried mosaic art from around the world — start with the MAI exhibition archive and member galleries.
- You are looking for a workshop, instructor, or regional mosaic community — check the Resources section.
- You want to join a professional network or support mosaic arts — review membership levels and donation options.
- You are researching the field — the blog, podcast, and publications provide ongoing coverage of artists, events, and industry news.