At Piece by Piece, creativity doesn't stop when class ends. We believe that experiencing art, exploring new ideas, and connecting with the broader creative community are essential parts of every artist's journey.
In April, a group of Piece by Piece artists enjoyed a special field trip to the Marciano Art Foundation in Los Angeles, spending the day immersed in art, inspiration, and community.
For many participants, one of the highlights of the visit was seeing the building's iconic mosaic facade up close. The massive Masonic mosaic that adorns the exterior of the historic building immediately captured the attention of our artists. As mosaic makers themselves, they were fascinated by the scale, craftsmanship, and permanence of the work. Standing before such a significant mosaic installation sparked conversations about public art, design, and the many ways mosaic can transform a space.
Once inside, artists explored the Foundation's exhibitions and permanent collection, taking in a wide variety of contemporary works that challenged their perspectives and inspired new ideas. Throughout the galleries, participants discussed color, texture, materials, and artistic techniques, finding connections between the work on display and their own creative practices.
One piece in particular resonated with the group, a mosaic artwork created from jewelry. The piece sparked excitement and conversation about the possibilities of incorporating nontraditional materials into mosaic work. Artists immediately began imagining how they might apply similar techniques using a recent donation of recycled jewelry provided by Ridwell.
The discussion was a powerful reminder that inspiration can come from unexpected places. A necklace, bracelet, or earring that might otherwise be discarded can become part of a larger artistic vision, transformed into something beautiful and meaningful. The experience encouraged artists to think creatively about reuse, sustainability, and the stories embedded in everyday objects.
Beyond the artwork itself, the field trip provided an opportunity for artists to spend time together outside the studio, strengthening relationships and building community. Participants shared observations, exchanged ideas, and enjoyed the chance to experience art through one another's perspectives.
Field trips like this are an important part of the Piece by Piece experience. They expose artists to new artistic practices, encourage creative exploration, and remind us that learning never stops. Whether creating mosaics in our South Los Angeles studio or exploring world-class exhibitions across the city, our artists continue to grow their skills, expand their vision, and find inspiration in the world around them.
We are grateful to the Marciano Art Foundation for providing a space where artists can engage deeply with contemporary art and to Ridwell for helping inspire future creative projects through their donation of recycled jewelry.
Days like these remind us that art is not only something we create, it is something we experience together.
