Laurie Shellenberger - Program Planner
I retired from the Fairfax County Park Authority in 2022 and moved to Colorado to begin a new chapter after 30 years in Northern Virginia. Over the past 20 years I have explored different art mediums and took my first mosaic class and fused class in 2010. As my children began leaving home, I jumped back into art during COVID and took several mosaic classes online which I found that I loved! A crazy positive COVID result for me!
Since my current journey involves downsizing, I try and focus on making things that are usable or repurposed. I escape into my small studio space and enjoy that alone, quiet, and creative time.
I live in Arvada Colorado with my husband. We have three adult children (2 in Colorado and 1 in Virginia) and recently our first grandchild!
Email: laurie.nextsteps@gmail.com
CMA Volunteers
Kathy Thaden - Co-Secretary
Before the transition to mosaic art, Kathy Thaden was an Emmy Award-winning TV art director and graphic designer. Twenty years ago, she discovered the ancient and tactile medium of mosaics for her contemporary creative expression. Kathy’s award-winning modern mosaics range from abstracts to liturgical and commissioned works. Inspired by Creation, she links her art to her faith, seeking to engage the viewer in the visual narrative. Kathy also teaches mosaic workshops and leads mosaic retreats across Colorado and the Southwest. A full-time studio artist, Kathy is a professional member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists, Episcopal Church & Visual Arts, and founding member and Past-President of Colorado Mosaic Artists. Email: kathy@thadenmosaics.com
Anne Phelps - Co-Secretary
I enjoy the bright colors of mosaic materials and the history of this art form, and helping others who also like its beauty and permanence.
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Contact: 720-308-8360
Karen Dvorchak - Money Manager
Karen was born in Chicago and has been an artist her entire adult life. She majored in painting at Colorado Women's College and then moved into textiles and finally jewelry design. She created a national jewelry line and sold to stores around the country. She discovered mosaics by accident after viewing a CMA art show, where she realized she had thousands of components from her jewelry line that could be transformed into a fine art piece, rather than just a piece of jewelry. She is a feminist and has a strong passion for women's rights and women's history.
Email: karendvorchak@gmail.com
Felicity Sentance - Exhibits / Shows
Having been introduced to the ancient art of mosaic about 4 years ago after many years in the medical profession, I'm enjoying experimenting with its various facets and the seemingly endless number of materials one can use. In 2023 I moved from Dallas, TX to Firestone, Northern Colorado to be near my son and his family. My daughter remains in Dallas, TX.
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Email: fsentance@gmail.com
Aliza Spiegel - Website / Media
I’ve enjoyed making art in one form or another my entire life. In college I minored in art and fell in love with making stained glass. After 10+ years as a stained glass hobbyist I was introduced to mosaics. Gradually I became more and more addicted to mosaics and now work primarily in that medium.
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Bob & Marlea Taylor - PR/Videos/Website
Bob is not a "mosaicist," but more a "facilitator." The mosaic artist and co-Board Member is Marlea, his life-mate for over 50 years. Over a decade ago, she joined CMA and from the start Bob, a "media guy" who'd worked in network radio and television since the 60's, felt compelled to document things with his camera and editing ability. His videos and photo presentations have helped promote the group and the mosaic art form his wife loves.
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Now, with all organizations feeling pressure for change or even survival, Bob is trying to help in a more official way as a board member.
Emails: rtaylorden@aol.com marleaden@aol.com