Strengthening Teams Through Art: Piece by Piece Partners with VSEDC
At Piece by Piece, we believe that creativity and collaboration go hand in hand. Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to lead a team-building mosaic workshop with the Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC), where over 30 employees came together to create four stunning mosaic artworks.
Employees were divided into five rotating teams, each having a chance to contribute to all four mosaic pieces. These included two mosaics inspired by the VSEDC logo, a bold “LA” design representing Los Angeles, and an Adinkra symbol for wealth and abundance, reflecting VSEDC’s mission to drive economic growth and provide access to capital in underserved areas of South L.A. Throughout the session, participants engaged with different teammates, exchanged ideas, and learned various mosaic techniques. From cutting and preparing materials to precisely placing each piece into the design, the process required patience, problem-solving, and teamwork.
A unique and impactful aspect of this workshop was the involvement of Piece by Piece participant artists, who co-facilitated the session alongside lead instructor Dawn Mendelson. This allowed participant artists to share their skills, creativity, and passion for mosaics while gaining valuable leadership experience. Not only did they help guide teams through the intricate mosaic process, but they also had the opportunity to develop new facilitation and instructional skills, making this a meaningful experience for all involved. Their enthusiasm and expertise helped create an engaging, hands-on learning environment that empowered participants and showcased the talent within the Piece by Piece community.
VSEDC CEO Quentin Strode shared his enthusiasm, saying, “It exceeded my expectations. The team thought it was the best team-building effort they had ever experienced. The energy of the artists were great, and that transferred to my team.”One participant added, “This was so much fun! I’ve never done anything like this before, and I loved it.”
The power of art as a tool for team building was evident in the connections formed, the shared problem-solving, and the sense of accomplishment that came with completing each mosaic. By working collectively on a shared vision, teams deepened relationships and embraced creativity in new ways, walking away not only with four beautiful pieces of art but also with a renewed sense of collaboration and camaraderie.
A huge thank you to VSEDC for bringing their enthusiasm and dedication to this collaboration! We look forward to more opportunities to use mosaic art as a bridge for connection, creativity, and community building.
Are you Interested in a custom team-building workshop for your organization? Learn more about how Piece by Piece can create an unforgettable experience for your team here.
About Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation
Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC) was founded to inspire economic development and provide access to capital for underserved areas in South LA. Today, they provide core resources and tools to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs in South LA and beyond. Their services include business coaching, training, technical assistance and more. learn more on their website.