A Brief History of
Piece by Piece

The idea for Piece by Piece came to founder Sophie Alpert when she was on a trip to South Africa visiting microenterprise agencies which provided employment and opportunity to women.

Friends and family backyard mosaic fundraiser for pilot program on April 22.

Launched Piece by Piece’s first workshop in South LA in the community room of Beyond Shelter, a permanent affordable housing development for families who have experienced homelessness.

One of Piece by Piece’s very talented artists was selected to exhibit his mosaics at the two day Beverly Hills Art Show in May. Approximately 40,000 people attended, featuring more than 200 exhibitions from around the nation.

Provided mosaic workshops in South LA for hundreds of youth and family members through the Summer Night Lights gang reduction program, a special initiative of the Office of the Mayor with the Department of Cultural Affairs.

In response to the worst economic downturns in the US since the Great Depression, Piece by Piece creatively partnered with other organizations and individuals willing to give back in a meaningful way. Launching our awards at this time saved Piece by Piece and continues to be an important source of revenue today.

The first year Piece by Piece received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. This support was used to launch, our still active, visiting artists' program. Piece by Piece's first visiting artist was Lillian Sizemore and we are grateful to the dozens of artists who came to teach and to the NEA for their ongoing support.

First public art project: “Villas at Gower”. 3D mosaic leaves installed on five-story supportive housing building.

“Entangled Bank” mural installed at Irvine Valley City College Life Sciences Building.

“Discover a Star” mural installed at Universal Studio’s City Walk in March.

“Pollinator’s Paradise Garden Spheres” created for mosaic show at the Crescent Farm at LA County Arboretum and the "Water is Life" permanent installation at the Arboretum.

“Blooming Gardens” installation completed in October.

“Broadway's Blooming” project was awarded Best Community Project at the Mosaic Art International Awards!

“Spirit of Communtiy: Mandala Project” competed for the Legal Aid Foundation. A series of 12 mandalas from 2-ft to 14-ft.

Partnership with Hauser & Wirth includes gallery tours, holiday sales events, and the ongoing sale of Piece by Piece artwork in their gift shop. They have also made charitable contributions to the program.

Participated in MOCA’s Community Day. Piece by Piece Artist and Activist June sat on a panel with Shepard Fairey to discuss challenges artists face.

Entered the collaborative Skid Row Arts Alliance (SRAA) with neighboring arts organizations. The SRAA provides opportunities to engage in cultural and artistic activities and works closely with service providers in the area to connect the program participants to free resources in the community.

“Village Well Mural” project completed. Over 20’ long mural incorporating Culver City landmarks.

“Phoenix Rising” mosaic and painted mural completed for Firestone- Phoenix Affordable Housing.

Immersive Van Gogh and Impact Museum partnership

Piece by Piece moved into a permanent studio with just under 5,000 sq feet. Of space which we have easily filled up! This space has allowed for expansion of our social enterprise, as well as more classes. This year we were able to return to in-person classes and welcomed back returning and new artists.

Piece by Piece founder Sophie Alpert had the honor of sharing the Piece by Piece story on the Kelly Clarkson Show.

Piece by Piece was commissioned to create a mosaic for the City of Paramount. The brightly-colored mural contains hidden elements depicting activities that happen within the community/senior center.

Thanks to a grant from NEA - Creative Forces, Piece by Piece launched mosaic art classes for veterans in both West Los Angeles and South LA in 2023. Partnering with Village for Vets, this initiative brings the healing power of mosaic arts to veterans and their families. Through these classes, participants found an avenue for arts wellness, a creative outlet and a supportive community to connect with. The program not only celebrates artistic expression but also serves as a pathway to healing and community for those who have served our country.

The mural, a ten-foot by eleven-foot and draws inspiration from the picturesque hills and poppy fields of California. Crafted from an eclectic mix of recycled ceramics and stained glass. This mural is in a common area of LA Family Housing's newest affordable housing building for veterans.