Recently, our founder Sophie Alpert and certified artist Andrea Seigala joined Jennifer Casper on the Village Well Podcast for a heartfelt conversation about the power of mosaic art and the mission of Piece by Piece. We’re excited to share some highlights from their discussion — and invite you to visit our current exhibit at Village Well Books & Coffee in Culver City!
Piece by Piece began with a simple but powerful idea. After visiting social enterprises in South Africa, Sophie was inspired to bring a model of creative empowerment home to Los Angeles. She chose mosaics because the art form was accessible, sustainable, and full of meaning — turning broken pieces into something beautiful and lasting. Using recycled tiles, dishes, and glass, participants could create vibrant artworks without the need for a formal art background, building confidence and connection along the way.
Andrea discovered Piece by Piece after facing several life challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis and pandemic-related job loss. Her first experience with mosaic was creating a small heart as part of a memorial honoring the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. That project marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
"I fell in love with mosaic that day," Andrea shared. "It helped me be present. It lifted my anxiety by helping me focus on the moment instead of worrying about the future."
Today, Andrea is a Certified Level II Artist at Piece by Piece. She continues to create stunning mosaics, participate in public art projects, and mentor others who are just beginning their artistic journeys. For her, Piece by Piece is much more than an art program — it’s a place of friendship, healing, and belonging.
Throughout Los Angeles, Piece by Piece artists have contributed to public murals, private commissions, and collaborative sculptures. Community participation is a key part of every project. From seniors designing mosaic flowers in Paramount to families helping create mosaics at Village Well, each artwork carries the spirit of connection and hope.
"When people come together to create, they also heal together," Sophie reflected. "And when the art finds a home, it carries that sense of community with it."
We are thrilled to partner with Village Well Books & Coffee to offer a special hands-on mosaic workshop on Saturday, May 3rd. Just in time for Mother's Day, the workshop invites participants of all ages to create their own mosaic hearts or frames. No experience is necessary — just bring your creativity! Tickets are available now through the Piece by Piece website.
We are so grateful to Village Well for sharing our story and celebrating the incredible creativity of our artists. We hope you’ll tune in to the full podcast episode and stop by Village Well to see our exhibit while it’s on display.
Together, we are building a stronger, more beautiful community — piece by piece.