From November 15, 2025 through February 8, 2026, Piece by Piece artists brought their vibrant mosaic practice into the galleries at Craft Contemporary as part of the museum’s inaugural Maker-in-Residence program. The residency transformed the museum’s second floor into a working studio where visitors could watch art come to life, ask questions, and even participate in the creative process, experiencing firsthand how creativity, community, and healing intersect.
Piece by Piece Artists, Founder Sophie Alpert, and Instructor Bea Jones
The residency placed the social enterprise artists of Piece by Piece alongside Southern California sculptor Vince Skelly, creating a dynamic, collaborative space where different forms of contemporary craft could unfold in real time. Together, they modeled what it looks like when professional artmaking is also a vehicle for social impact and community engagement.
Throughout the residency, Piece by Piece artists worked on a large-scale collaborative mosaic project that invited museum visitors to contribute tiles and ideas. Guests were encouraged to stop by the studio space, ask questions about techniques, and learn how individual pieces of tile and glass come together to form larger stories, much like the way our artists are building new chapters in their own lives, piece by piece.
Artist June with her Mosaic at Craft Contemporary
The program also included free mosaic workshops and interactive sessions, extending the museum experience beyond observation into participation. Visitors had the opportunity to try their hand at mosaic making, explore the history and cultural significance of the art form, and witness how repurposed materials can be transformed into something beautiful and enduring. These moments reflected our core belief that creativity can open pathways to connection, confidence, and healing.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the residency was seeing the work of Piece by Piece artists presented in a museum setting. Active Piece by Piece artists had at least one mosaic featured in the exhibition. For many, it was the first time they had ever seen their work displayed in a museum, affirming their role as working artists whose talent and effort deserve professional recognition.
Last month, the artists visited the museum together to experience the exhibition in person. For individuals who have faced economic insecurity and, in some cases, homelessness, the moment carried deep meaning. Standing in a world-class museum and seeing their work professionally installed was both emotional and affirming, a powerful reminder that their skills, stories, and perspectives belong in cultural spaces at the highest level.
Artist Frank with is mosaic at Craft Contemporary
Founder Sophie Alpert reflected on the experience: “Seeing the Piece by Piece artists’ work professionally showcased at Craft Contemporary really highlighted the beauty and talent of each of the artists.”
The residency was also featured in a recent Architectural Digest video with actor Noah Wyle, who visits Craft Contemporary, a museum originally founded by his grandmother. In the video, viewers can catch glimpses of Piece by Piece mosaic works on display, offering a broader audience a look at the creativity and craftsmanship of the artists and expanding awareness of how art and social enterprise can work hand in hand.
Craft Contemporary Executive Director, Rody N. López showing Actor Noah Wylie the Piece by Piece exhibit.
For Piece by Piece, the residency was more than an exhibition. It was a moment of recognition and celebration for artists who have used mosaic art to rebuild their lives, develop professional skills, and contribute to their communities. Seeing their work hanging on museum walls affirmed what their community and partners already know: their creativity, skill, and dedication belong on the biggest stages, in museums, workplaces, and public spaces across the city.
And perhaps most importantly, visitors who stepped into the gallery did not just see finished artworks. They witnessed something even more meaningful: the process of transformation, one piece at a time, the same process we strive to make possible every day for the individuals we serve and the communities we work alongside.