The exhibition, Mosaic Arts International, will be on view March 1 through April 30, 2012, at the Lexington Center Museum and Gallery, Lexington, KY

 The Society of American Mosaic Art (SAMA) has selected work by Bonnie Cohen, to be included in this year’s Mosaic Arts International, an annual juried exhibition of the best in contemporary mosaic art.  The exhibition takes place at the Lexington Center Museum and Gallery in Lexington, Kentucky, March 1 through April 30, 2012.Mosaic art, one of the world’s oldest art forms, is experiencing a major revival both in the United States and internationally. 

 Fine artists are discovering the unrivaled and compelling magnificence of the art form and material in achieving their artistic vision. “This exhibition provides a unique opportunity to view outstanding examples of mosaic art from around the world in one venue, to allow the audience to experience the exciting ways that artists are utilizing this ancient art form with a modern and contemporary approach,” said Shug Jones, President of the SAMA Board of Trustees.  “These artists are using both traditional and non-traditional materials to really propel the art form to a degree unseen in recent history.”   Ms. Jones adds, “We invite the public to attend.  This show is impressive in every respect.  We are very excited to introduce Lexington’s enthusiastic arts community to such well-known mosaicists from around the world.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to offer an intimate look at a very textural art form that really must be seen in person to experience the full resonance of its’ beauty and depth of meaning.”

Bonnie Cohen’s artwork, entitled “Acts of Loving Kindness” is a dimensional wall sculpture that is 6ft high by 12ft long and made of recycled glass tiles, stone and handmade tiles. Bonnie re-interpreted Judaic symbols into a contemporary design for Temple Beth Shalom in Cherry Hill, NJ, which commissioned the artwork to pay tribute to congregants who have performed “acts of loving kindness” for their congregation. The artwork will be represented photographically in the exhibition.

MAI features the work of 56 mosaic artists from 24 different states in the US, as well as from Turkey, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and Israel.  A vast array of material such as smalti, glass, ceramic, and metal are featured within the works of these artists.  The exhibit includes 2 dimensional, 3 dimensional, and architectural works.  Prizes totaling $5,000 will be awarded for the best in each of these categories as well as for ‘Best in Show’. Art collectors are beginning to gain a true appreciation of the richness of the art form and the texture that plays such an important factor in the work.  SAMA artists create 2D, 3D, sculptural and architectural works, from micro-mosaics using tessarae (literally pieces) the size of the head of a pin to colossal architectural installations, creating art that is both compelling and enduring.  MAI is a highly competitive annual exhibition that unites innovative design and masterful technique as explored by some of the best international artists working in the medium.

The panel of jurors for this year’s exhibition included Josh Blanc, President, Handmade Tile Association of Minneapolis, MN; Amy Gundrum Green, Curator, Headley-Whitney Museum, Lexington, KY; and Arturo Alonzo Sandoval, Professor of Art, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.MAI coincides with the annual American Mosaic Summit, a conference which will be held February 28 through March 3 at the Hyatt Regency Lexington.  The Summit includes workshops, presentations, and an Art Supply Marketplace that will be open to the public on March 2 and 3.The Society of American Mosaic Artists, a dynamic group of more than 1,200 members, is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, inspiring, and promoting excellence in mosaic arts.  Find out more about SAMA at americanmosaics.org.Bonnie Cohen’s studio is located in Bath, Ohio. Her award winning artwork has been featured in juried shows and museums and has  been commissioned for public spaces throughout the United States and in Israel.  Bonnie’s  work can be seen at www.bonniecohen.com.

To celebrate completing my newest project, I invited a group of friends to a studio open house for a look at the artwork before it travels to its final destination in Clearwater Florida. Everyone  always asks me “How long did it take you to make that?”

After 15 years of doing  large mosaic installations, I know the true answer to this question is not measured in months or days.

 The answer is ” it takes a lifetime .” 

It takes a lifetime to figure out the right questions to ask yourself, and it’s an ongoing learning process.

Making a large mosaic installation for a public space is a long and tedious process but it’s not unlike any other profession. It takes an idea and a vision and a  lot of work. There are endless details to consider and most importantly, a successful project  always includes really, talented, competent people.

The client requested  a video of my creative process and that was a first for me. It gives a “behind the scenes “ look at what goes on in my studio and explains my working process.

I’d like to thank all the talented and  incredibly competent people who helped me with this project. I couldn’t have done it without their help!

Kathy Davis- Welch Architectural Signage Company –she and her staff put it all together and make it  happen.www.welchusa.com

The Menorah Manor Foundation Staff- they had a vision for a piece of fine art to enhance their beautiful project

Randy Cohen, Richard Rossen- invaluable technical assistance

Blue Green- Videographer and storyteller extraordinaire-www.sceamingreens.com

Taylor and Jeff-  muscles !!

It isn’t everyday that a client and artist are a perfect match.  I was honored to be chosen to create a piece of artwork for the newly rennovated space at Temple Beth Shalom in Cherry Hill , New Jersey. The artwork was a new direction for me , using over 85% recycled glass. I was thrilled with the final piece and  the impeccable installation of the Welch Signage Company,and most importantly, the congregation was very happy. It was a true pleasure to work with them . Here are some comments from the  fine art committee chairwoman:

“It looks like a magnificent piece of artwork that just happens to double as a donor wall.  It is far too obvious that she put her entire heart and soul into this piece.  It is entirely evident.  We knew from the minute we read her artist’s statement that we were on the right track and there could simply be no other artist who could define us so well.  And when we spoke to her on the conference call, it was obvious, a proper match had been made!
Her work is positively glorious!  Outstanding doesn’t even begin to describe.  Stunning.  Magnificent.  Undeniably beautiful.”

Artist Statement

“Torah, Worship, and Gemilut Hasidim are the three pillars upon which the world is built”
Pirke Avot 1:02
 
These meaningful words were the inspiration for the donor recognition artwork for Temple Beth Sholom. Judaism encourages people to reach out and help those in need. By performing these actions, we can help make the world a better place to live.
 
Temple Beth Sholom brings people together to pray, to learn, to celebrate holidays and family simchas and to perform acts of loving-kindness. When life presents us with challenges, we gain strength, courage and comfort from our caring community. Even the smallest act of loving-kindness can make a difference in someone’s life and those acts of loving-kindness create the underlying theme and energy for this artwork.
 
The quote that will be featured on the donor wall, “Let them build me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them” comes from the Torah portion that describes the building of the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary that G-d commanded the Jews to build. Among the many specific instructions given to Moshe, there was a detailed description of the Menorah. Today the Menorah is still the most recognizable Jewish symbol and that is why it was chosen as the starting point for this design.
 
This artwork emerged from a stylized image of a Menorah combined with the Hebrew letter “shin” at its center.  The “shin” begins the word “Shaddai”, one of the names of
G-d. This is to acknowledge that G-d’s presence and his gift of Torah is at the center, the heart, of all we do on earth. Our acts of loving-kindness make it possible for Him to dwell among us.
 
The Menorah and the shin contain the colors described in the Torah portion: blues, purples reds, and gold.  The mosaic artwork contains predominately recycled mosaic glass tiles as well as unique handmade tiles. The artwork comes alive with action by reconfiguring the symbols and putting them in motion to create a unique and individual design full of creative expression, excitement, luminosity, and inspiration.
 
There is inspiration in seeing new ways to interpret our sacred symbols. The names of the generous donors, whose names will be part of this exciting wall, have taken action to make sure that their children will continue to fulfill G-d’s commandments by studyingTorah, praying together and performing acts of loving-kindness in the caring community that is Temple Beth Sholom.

 The bride and groom are overseeing every detail of their wedding day and are carefully considering choices that reflect their concern for  the environment, their love of nature and their great respect for family traditions.  The ceremony will take place in a beautifully rennovated historic building and the invitation design reflects their appreciation for  fine craftsmanship and historic details.  The handmade 100% cotton paper is from Holyoke Press in Massachussets and the letterpress printing was  done by master printer John  Steurer at The Stationary Shop in Akron, Ohio. The  family owned printing company, which has been in business for over 60 years, is a pleasure to work with.  We were very lucky to work with Lori Ryder who helped coordinate all the details of the  project.  They graciously allowed us to proof the colors on the press and worked to adjust the impression of the metal  plates to  the right depth on the luxurious 130 pound paper stock. The result was a soft  textured printed piece  with subtle color variations that are not possible to achieve with regular digital printing or offset lithography.

I hope the bride and groom will be delighted with the results!

Donor Recognition Project Artist Statement

Bonnie Cohen                                                                            June 10, 2011

 “Youth is a gift of nature. Age is a work of art”.

 The Jewish Council for the Aging offers services to improve the lives of thousands of seniors in the greater Washington area. Their slogan “helping seniors thrive” describes their mission to improve every aspect of senior’s lives.  The word “vibrancy” was used to describe what JCA offers to seniors. Vibrancy became the underlying theme of the artwork that frames the generous donor’s names on the Donor Recognition Wall.

 The design is made up of three mosaic panels representing the mind, the body and the soul. These three aspects of our lives are enhanced by the numerous services offered by the JCA. The abstract figures are in motion to highlight the vibrant activities, social services, education and programming offered by JCA.

The design was created using graphic shapes and figures. Flowers, a motif used in Judaic Art through the ages, accent the three mosaic panels symbolizing love, maturity and renewal. Thousands of pieces of luminous, recycled glass in over 20 different colors make up the artwork along with handmade  tiles enhanced with 24k gold.

It is my hope that this artwork will inspire and honor past, present, and future donors who have supported this extraordinary organization. And for every senior whose life has been enhanced by the services of JCA, may this artwork be a constant reminder of the vibrancy of a life touched by JCA’s good work.

It is truly a privilege and honor to have my artwork displayed in the JCA space.

I recently received these wonderful photos by Linda Domokur of Domokur Architects. They were the architects for the Summa Palliative Care Unit  where I had the opportunity to create a donor recognition project called ” The Ripple Effect”.    I still receive  comments from people who have visited loved ones on the floor or doctors, nurses or volunteers who work with patients there.  Nothing is more  gratifying than knowing your artwork might brighten someones day.

“The Ripple Effect”

Artist Statement

When a single element touches a pool of water, a ripple occurs and its effect spreads across the water in all directions. Like the effect of each and every donation and like the effect of each kind gesture or word, a whole world can change from the actions of a single person.

The reflection of a graceful tree in a pool of water compliments the natural theme of the Palliative Care Unit. The donor plaques, the handmade ceramic tiles, and glass mosaic come together to form the image of a graceful tree spreading softly across the entire wall. It draws the observer closer to touch and discover hidden treasures: pressed leaves, organic textures, luminous colors, and words of inspiration embedded in the clay tiles.

The donor recognition wall allows each individual to be honored for their actions and at the same time, to be an inspiration to others, by becoming part of a peaceful, serene wall of visual and spiritual gifts.

Thank you to Heather Parker for the beautiful photos and Karen and Robbie, the beautiful couple

new project

The New York Times has been publishing a series of  articles about Centenarians and their secrets to  longevity. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/health/19brody.html?src=me&ref=health.

One article  about  Mrs. Tuttle (99) states that “only about 20 to 30 percent of longevity is genetically determined. Lifestyle seems to be the more dominant factor. As Mrs. Tuttle said in clarion tones that belie her advanced age: “I am blessed and I’ve worked on it. You’ve got to work, be cheerful and look for something fun to do. It’s a whole attitude.”

Each profile is remarkably inspiring and their stories force  us to consider  the choices we make in our lives. Staying active and connecting with other people   seemed to be the common thread in each of the stories.  They all volunteered, had interesting hobbies like dancing , art and yoga, and seemed outgoing and friendly. All had overcome hardships in their lives. Most of all, it seemed clear that they felt totally  responsible for their own happiness.

 I have the pleasure of working on a new project for a non- profit  organization that helps seniors thrive in the Greater Washington D.C. area. The project is a donor regognition wall that will be generously funded by a gentleman who wants to pay tribute  to his late wife of 6o years.

What wonderful lessons we can learn from the older generation ! It takes hard work to be happy and that hard work is a real art in itself !!

 Wishing my Mom, an inspiring artist , and most wonderful Mom a very happy 80th birthday!!!!

 There’s a Jewish folk tale about an artist searching for the most beautiful scene in the world to paint. He leaves his wife and children to travel to far away lands in search of his inspiring scene. After a year of searching with no success, he reluctantly decides he must return home. He approaches his house  as the sun is setting and he sees his wife and children in the window  with their faces glowing from the light of the Shabbat candles. The artist realizes, at that moment, that  the most beautiful scene in the world was right in front of him.

 So what kind of a gift do you give to someone married 60 years? An anniversary ketubah , of course ! A simple elegant  paper cut filled with Jewish symbols. There are 18 pomegranates( the symbol for joy and Jewish tradition),the crown of a good name, and blessing hands offering Divine protection. The ketubah text  contained the Hebrew and English date of their marriage,their Hebrew names and renewed the promises of the vows they took 60 years ago in Akron, Ohio.

It was an inspiring weekend,celebrating an inspiring couple and we are  all so grateful to have such a blessing in our lives.