Piece by Piece: 2024 Year in Review Part One
Nourishing Both Mind and Body
This year we welcomed 32 new participants to Piece by Piece. We also addressed the growing needs of those we serve - from food insecurity to support for social well-being. To ensure that we meet the whole-health needs of participants we served more than 2,500 meals and offered nearly 200 workshops focused on creative healing for the mind and soul. And in the community, we touched some 3,500 individuals with hands-on mosaic art wellness activities.
Participant Stories: The Heart of Our Mission
The strength of Piece by Piece lies in the individuals we serve. Their resilience and triumphs inspire us daily. Here are two stories that highlight the transformative power of art in their lives:
Hugo: A Creative Journey Hugo joined Piece by Piece in 2010 through his social worker, starting with workshops at our Skid Row location. He earned certifications in cutting, grouting, and design, eventually joining our small commissions team. Over the years, Hugo has contributed to major projects like the Villas at Gower and Entangled Bank.
Hugo’s current work reflects a blend of geometric precision and flowing curves, with pieces like Adventurous Deer demonstrating his artistic evolution. Inspired by fellow artists Jose and Luz, Hugo is exploring pique assiette, a mosaic style using broken ceramics, and continues to push the boundaries of his craft.
Kim: Rebuilding Confidence Kim’s journey began in late 2023, following her experiences of domestic violence, homelessness, and a traumatic brain injury. With encouragement from VA counselors, Kim and her mother, Joann, joined our workshops. Through art, Kim has rediscovered her confidence and self-worth.
Kim shared, “I’m learning to be me,” adding that the supportive environment has helped her rebuild her self-esteem. She takes pride in overcoming challenges, such as completing a mosaic project despite setbacks. Today, Kim and Joann share a deeper bond, creating art together in a welcoming and safe community.
Transformative Workshops and Visiting Artists
This year, we hosted 200 free mosaic art workshops, offering over 1,500 seats to residents of under-resourced neighbors across Los Angeles. These workshops provided mental wellness, skill-building, and economic opportunities.
Visiting Artists: Monica Currie-Johnson inspired participants with innovative techniques using stacked glass in thinset, while Kelley Knickerbocker encouraged them to explore single-material designs, fostering technical growth.
- Art Therapy: Chloé, an Art Therapy Intern from Loyola Marymount University provided individual and group sessions, helping participants process emotions, reclaim identities, and build resilience.
- Peer Mentoring: This year we introduced a peer mentoring pilot program. Based on the success of this pilot we will be rolling this program out to the entire Piece by Piece community in 2025.
Continue reading about Piece by Piece's accomplishments in the Year in Review Part Two.
