Dawn Mendelson

STATEMENT
My works celebrate and revere Nature, both in figure and abstraction: the secret spirals inside a Bird of Paradise, the delicate blossom of a tomato, the textured rock surfaces near the surf. Inclusions of manufactured materials among natural stones and minerals —a clock gear or a saw blade—are meant to bring joy and a smile. Scenes from vintage plates are a tunnel into my childhood memories. I emphasize recycled materials, pieces I have found or that have found me, to honor this Earth and keep hope for the future. I love to connect with viewers through the language of color, texture, and laughter.

BIO
Dawn Mendelson has been creating mosaic and building communities through art for two decades. Born in Texas and raised in Santa Cruz, California, Dawn earned her B.A. and M.A. from California State University, Long Beach. After years of working in graphic design, an art store mosaic kit sparked a new creative direction and kindled a passion. Dawn studied and pursued pique assiette, a form of mosaic using recycled materials.

After years of making commissioned work, Dawn was invited to teach with a nonprofit mosaic arts program and social enterprise. While leading workshops in South L.A. and Skid Row, she discovered a passion for helping people new to art find their creative voice. In her 14 years with Piece by Piece, Dawn has served as Instructor, Program Director and Managing Director, leading both new and experienced artists in creating large-scale public art.

Dawn also developed ArtWorksLBC, an arts wellness program in Long Beach, CA, partnering with Rose Park Neighborhood Association. This program uses art to connect the local community through various activities that also inform the neighborhood about critical issues and services in Long Beach.

She recently received her Community Teaching Artist certificate from Cal State Los Angeles. Her commitment to arts advocacy includes serving on several nonprofit boards and committees, as well as supporting and educating on a national level.

Dawn lives in Long Beach, California with her son, Alex; a small garden; and a large cat, Fred.