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LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER & BOARD CHAIR
Dear Friends,
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in nearly two decades of watching Piece by Piece grow, it’s this: resilience isn’t just part of our story—it’s at the very core of who we are at Piece by Piece. And in 2024, that spirit of resilience was tested and beautifully reaffirmed like never before.
This year brought a major challenge: the loss of our longtime lease. But what could have been a setback became a turning point, thanks to the love and support of our community. Thanks to the incredible leadership of our Executive Director, Maggie Bohlman, the support of amazing partners like CRCD and Homeboy Industries, and the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and staff, we found a new home at Marcella Gardens—a space filled with light, possibility, and fresh beginnings.
And what a beginning it’s been. From the very first day in our new studio, the energy has been electric. We’ve welcomed 31 new artists into our mosaic workshops, supported by our AmeriCorps VISTA team, and seen longtime participants step into leadership and teaching roles. The Paramount Heart commission stands as a powerful symbol of what we can create when community, creativity, and healing come together. That project, built by over 20 artists and embraced by seniors in the City of Paramount, captured everything we believe in: love, connection, and beauty born from collaboration.
We also experienced exciting growth in our social enterprise this year. Sales expanded by 78%, new equipment opened doors for more intricate and customized creations, and our online and corporate partnerships—like those with NOVICA and Procure Impact—are helping our artists share their work with a broader audience than ever before.
Of course, Piece by Piece is about more than just creating art. It’s about rebuilding lives. This year, our wraparound services included financial literacy and mental health workshops, free meals, and peer mentoring all of which helped our participants thrive creatively and personally.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Board of Directors for their commitment, energy, and enthusiasm. Your leadership helped guide us through a year of transition and growth. A very special thank you also goes out to our staff, whose dedication, flexibility, and heart made it possible to steer through so much change with grace and strength. You are the steady hands behind everything we’ve accomplished.
To everyone who has stood by us this year, thank you. You made it possible for us not only to survive a season of change but to emerge stronger, more vibrant, and more united than ever. Because of you, Piece by Piece continues to be a place where people rediscover their creativity, rebuild their confidence, and reconnect with the community.
From the bottom of my heart: I ❤ LA, I ❤ our artists, and I ❤ each of you.
With gratitude and hope,Sophie AlpertFounder & Board Chair
This year marked an incredible period of growth and transformation for Piece by Piece. We secured a new home at Marcella Gardens, providing a stable and inspiring space for our participants to create, learn, and thrive. The Paramount Heart commission became a powerful symbol of love and resilience, showcasing the profound impact of our artists and their work. Our social enterprise initiatives expanded significantly, with increased commissions and retail sales that provided more opportunities for participants to earn income. As a result, participant earnings and certifications saw meaningful growth, reinforcing our mission to empower individuals who have faced homelessness or economic insecurity. Through art, community, and opportunity, Piece by Piece continues to build a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency for those we serve.
as a symbol of love and resilience
Securing a new home at
mosaics created
open studios and workshops
meals served
in wages earned by participants
This year brought both challenges and new beginnings for Piece by Piece. The unexpected loss of our lease created uncertainty for our artists and staff, disrupting the creative space that so many relied on for stability and growth. Despite these challenges, our community demonstrated incredible resilience, adapting to temporary changes while continuing to create, learn, and support one another. This period of transition reinforced the strength of our mission, proving that even in difficult times, creativity and community remain at the heart of what we do.
Victor has expanded his role at Piece by Piece in a big way this year, taking on key operational responsibilities alongside his growing artistic practice. In addition to managing inventory and fulfilling all commission and retail orders, he now leads logistics for pop-up sales and outreach events. Victor has also stepped into assistant instructor roles at both corporate and community workshops, helping share the healing power of mosaic art with others.
At Piece by Piece, the mosaic community continues to thrive with both new and returning artists bringing their creativity and heart. Hugo recently returned after a time away and has seamlessly jumped back into creating intricate commissions and personal works in our social enterprise. We also welcomed 31 new participant artists—including Gianni, Kensy, and Jose S.—who have begun their healing journey through our beginning mosaic classes. Meanwhile, longtime artists like Jose, Andrea, and Hilda continue to refine their skills and contribute to the vibrant, supportive community that makes Piece by Piece so special.
The Paramount Heart project brought the healing power of art to life for 19 seniors in the City of Paramount, who each contributed handcrafted mosaic flowers that became part of the stunning sculpture. Over the course of five months, more than 20 artists at Piece by Piece were employed to bring the heart to completion—honing their artistic skills while deepening collaboration and teamwork. This project not only created a beautiful piece of public art but also built meaningful connections across generations and communities, showcasing the transformative power of creativity and shared purpose.
This year, Piece by Piece proudly welcomed three AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers—John Montgomery (Volunteer Coordinator), Marieme Drame (Marketing Coordinator), and Amir Abdolvahabi (Outreach Coordinator)—to help strengthen community engagement, marketing, and volunteerism.
AmeriCorps VISTA, founded in 1965 to fight poverty through capacity-building, places full-time volunteers with nonprofits to create lasting change. At Piece by Piece, the impact was immediate: the VISTAs helped organize three new volunteer events, supported over 20 outreach activities, welcomed 31 new participants to our workshops, and developed a new participant orientation.
They also expanded B2B outreach, researched new clients, created marketing tools, and improved internal database systems, boosting volunteer management, outreach, and marketing. Their contributions have helped increase our visibility, grow sales, and build sustainable systems to support our mission into the future. We’re deeply grateful for their service and proud to continue the AmeriCorps legacy of community change.
Piece by Piece continued to foster creativity and connection through a robust calendar of workshops and open studio sessions. Certified and emerging artists alike benefited from hands-on instruction, skill-building opportunities, and a welcoming space to create. Our open studios provided participants with the flexibility to work on personal and commission projects, collaborate with peers, and build confidence in their artistic practice. These offerings remain a cornerstone of our program, empowering individuals through art and community.
We believe that creative growth thrives alongside personal well-being. That’s why we offer a range of wraparound support services to help participant artists flourish in all areas of life. This year, we introduced peer mentoring, where experienced artists support and guide those just beginning their journey. Thanks to Bank of America, we provided financial health classes, while Luz Chacón of Live-Work Well led mental wellness sessions. We also offered team-building workshops with expert consultants to strengthen collaboration and confidence. Through our continued partnership with the Skid Row Arts Alliance, where Piece by Piece is a founding member, participants accessed even more enriching classes and opportunities.
In 2024, Piece by Piece experienced an exciting 78% growth in online sales—thanks to the incredible talent of our artists and the unwavering support of our community. Each handmade piece, from beautiful home goods to one-of-a-kind works of art, reflects not just creativity but transformation. Every purchase helps change the lives of our participant artists for the better. Through new partnerships with Novica and Procure Impact, we’ve also expanded into fresh retail and corporate sales channels, further amplifying our mission. Thank you to everyone who continues to believe in and support the Piece by Piece social enterprise—it’s your support that powers this momentum! We also had artwork on display at Boomtown Brewery and hosted a vibrant studio art show, deepening community engagement.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Perenchio Foundation and community donations, Piece by Piece has entered an exciting new chapter—expanding both creative potential and artist support through state-of-the-art equipment. Ergonomically designed work tables and stools now make it possible for artists to work more comfortably. A new small-scale CNC Router enables precise, intricate cuts on glass and tile, while a laser engraver allows for customized wood and plastic details—perfect for awards and commissioned pieces. Two brand-new kilns have opened up opportunities for ceramic work and glass fusing, giving artists the chance to learn new skills and explore fresh avenues for creating and selling their art.
Through partnerships with organizations like Made by DWC, Boomtown Brewery, Homeboy Industries, Procure Impact, and NOVICA, Piece by Piece is expanding opportunities for our artists, growing our reach, and deepening our impact by connecting with mission-driven communities and businesses.
Our ongoing collaboration with the Downtown Women’s Center continues to shine during the holidays with beautiful home goods like candles, soaps, and soap dish sets. These popular items support both social enterprises and directly uplift individuals who have experienced homelessness.
Boomtown Brewery has been a great partner, hosting an exhibit of Piece by Piece artwork and helping to amplify the talent of our artists through pop-up sales and workshops. Their support has created meaningful opportunities for artists to connect with new audiences and showcase their work.
We’re also deeply thankful to Homeboy Industries, who got to know Piece by Piece this year and generously lent their support during our big move, helping us pack and transition to our new studio space at CRCD’s Marcella Gardens apartments.
Our partnership with Procure Impact continues to thrive, as they feature our handcrafted goods as impactful corporate gifts and awards, sharing the work of our artists with mission-minded businesses across the country.
We’re excited to share that NOVICA—an online marketplace supporting global artisans—has invited Piece by Piece to join their platform. Our pieces will now be available through their online store and print catalogs, reaching new audiences who value art with heart. We’re grateful for every partner that believes in our mission and helps us build a more connected, creative, and compassionate community.
I didn't know I could do this. I surprised myself through Piece by Piece with what I am capable of doing. I am proud of myself!
I loved the ability to see pieces prior to purchase and that each one was unique. Our recipients loved their artwork!
Piece by Piece has opened up my artistic side, which I've always had inside of me. I really enjoy working with glass, different colours, and different hues. It's calming.
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It is because of you that Piece by Piece artists have the tools to transform their lives — thank you! We invite you to volunteer, donate, and share our mission to support the growing need for our offerings. Your support will increase the number of artists who will gain the skills needed to heal from trauma, create mosaic art, and earn income in 2024.
