Artist Statement



Throughout my life I've been intrigued by found objects and have felt an urgent need to create.  Mosaics allow me
to nourish my creative soul by taking something broken and forming a new whole.  I find it incredibly satisfying
combining the old with the new, creating a marriage of sorts and giving items a second life.

My designs often come to me in my dreams and at times express what I'm unable to put into words.

My mosaics reflect the textures seen in life's tapestry, whether natural or manmade.  The blending of materials
encourages the viewers' eyes to dance across my mosaics, tempting them to discover the many nuances and
hidden treasures in each piece.
Hosta Tapestry-2004

Fused glass tiles,
millefiori, vitreous glass,
mirror, vintage jewelry
findings on a
handpainted MDF base.

Currently for sale at
Gallery66.us in San Fidel,
New Mexico
                 








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Exhibitions


2008
"Worldly Travel", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
“Picturing Mary: Contemporary Images of the Madonna", Orleans Street Gallery, St. Charles, IL

2007
"Sum of All Parts: Contemporary Mosaic Art in North America", Walters Cultural Arts Center,  Hillsboro, OR
"An Ancient Language - A Modern Translation:  An Invitational Exhibit of Mosaic Art", Garland, TX
Art Ability, Malvern, PA
Art Slam , San Francisco, CA
Arts on the Hill, Kansas City, MO

2006
"American Mosaic Project - Pieces of Life", Institute of Mosaic Art, Oakland, CA
"American Mosaic Project - Pieces of Life", High Risk Gallery, Chicago, IL


2005
Small Works Show, The Creative Center Gallery, NY, NY
Masters Mystery Art Show 2005", Miami Beach, FL
Arts on the Hill III, Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, MO
The Human Pixel Project, Joy Street Studios, Boston, MA
The Footwear Project
American Mosaic Project, Eleven-Eleven Gallery, Washington, DC
Downers Grove Artist's Guild Winter Juried Show, Downers Grove Library

2004
"In Pieces" Invitational, TZ Gallery, Chicago, IL
American Mosaic Project, Irving Arts Center Focus Gallery, Irving, TX
"Creative Flow" Juried Show, Freight House Gallery, El Paso, IL
Downers Grove Artist's Guild Summer Juried Show, Downers Grove Library
Downers Grove Museum Summer Art Exhibit
Downers Grove Artist's Guild Winter Juried Show, Downers Grove Library

Honors and Awards

September 2004 - Received Best of Show at "Creative Flow" show, Freight House Gallery, El Paso, IL
August 2004 - Winner of "Reaching New Heights" cover art contest for the Scleroderma Foundation's National Gala
2004 invitation and program

Publications

Reflejos, April 6, 2008
The Daily Herald, March 28, 2008
Mosaic Yearbook 2006, 2007
Horticulture Magazine, September 2006




Professional Affiliations

Society of American Mosaic Artists
VSA of Illinois


Private Collections

Mr. and Mrs. J.K. Regan - Hicksville, NY
Mr. Richard Anderson -  Wyandanch, NY
Mr. and Mrs. John Mirabella - Jericho, NY
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Rhynders - Clayton, NC
Mr. and Mrs. S. Mario Salman - Downers Grove, IL
Mr. and Mrs. M. Johnson - Appleton, WI
C. Hartley - Melbourne, Australia
A.  Zinchovschiy - Melbourne, Australia
Questions?  Comments?  To contact Valerie, please click here:
All digital photographs and mosaic designs copyright ©2002-2007 Valerie Fuqua.
The Sun Downers Grove, July 22, 2004