2023 Social Enterprise
The Piece by Piece Social Enterprise’s objectives are to provide a supportive community and a path towards self-sufficiency, self-love, and economic stability. Participants create mosaic art, earn income, and gain soft skills training while beautifying Los Angeles.
The Piece by Piece Social Enterprise is here to help those who have experienced homelessness and/or economic insecurity, especially those who live in or around Skid Row and South Los Angeles. Piece by Piece provides on-the-job training and supportive services, infusing trauma-informed care and therapeutic wellness approaches, and providing opportunities for leadership and community engagement. Participant Artists earn income through their creative talent by producing individually designed and created mosaic artworks, gaining artistic and entrepreneurial skills, and publicly showing their work (both online and in-person) to increase their financial independence and self-confidence.
A Special Commission
Recently, Piece by Piece was approached with a heartwarming commission request from Lisi Teller. Lisi envisioned a surprise for her parents: a creation that would not only honor the memory of a departed loved one but also encapsulate the beauty of the stained-glass windows commissioned by their family in 2008 and installed at the American Jewish University (AJU). The windows had been crafted by the talented Michelle and David Plachte-Zuieback; the window panels are nothing short of a masterpiece.
To pay homage to the original artwork and elevate the sentiment it embodies, we treated this project as a mini-stained glass artwork. The work on this commission began with meticulous reviews of photos of the original and crafting templates that mirrored the windows in black and white miniature work. Jose Morales, our diligent program assistant, ensured the reproduction was as accurate as possible, capturing the essence of the design and the vibrancy of the colors.
“We couldn’t be more grateful to Sophie Alpert and the entire Piece by Piece community for this wonderful commissioned replication. It holds a special place in our hearts, commemorating the custom-stained glass windows that were set to be removed from a synagogue our extended family supported.” Lisi Teller
Awards
At Piece by Piece, we believe that every award should tell a story, a unique narrative that honors and celebrates the achievements and milestones it represents. That's why each custom award is a collaborative masterpiece, designed hand-in-hand with each client. Whether commemorating a special event, recognizing an individual's outstanding efforts, or marking a significant occasion, we ensure that every detail of the award is tailored to the client’s specifications. Our dedicated team of artists works closely with you to bring your vision to life, creating not just an award, but a true work of art that captures the essence of the moment in a way that is both meaningful and memorable. With Piece by Piece, you're not just giving an award; you're giving a lasting tribute that celebrates achievement with elegance and creativity. In 2023 Piece by Piece was honored to work on awards for Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, A Place Called Home, Women’s Leadership Network, Eisner Health, Downtown Women’s Center, National Recreation and Park Association, West Valley Food Pantry, Esperanza Community Housing, Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing, PATH, Leadership California, Unite LA, Jewish Community Foundation, California Resource Recovery Association , Universal Studios, Discovery Cube, United Way and more.
Retail
Nestled in the heart of South Los Angeles, our studio is a treasure trove of artist-designed mosaics, enchanting home goods, exquisite jewelry, elegant vases, and mesmerizing votives, among many other artisan-made wonders. With a collection that spans over 700 unique items, our website offers an array of choices, ensuring there's something special for everyone.
At the core of Piece by Piece, our artists are the heartbeat of our mission. Each one has journeyed through our free training program, emerging not just as skilled artisans but as empowered individuals who can earn a meaningful income through their art. Every purchase from our website goes beyond acquiring a beautiful object; it supports a transformative process, enabling our artists to rebuild their lives with every brushstroke, every mosaic piece, and every creation that comes to life in our studio.