CREATE MOSAIC ART
EARN INCOME
MASTER SOFT SKILLS

Our focus is on creating a supportive community by training and employing individuals affected by homelessness or economic insecurity who face limited opportunities.

Piece by Piece gen­er­at­es rev­enue to support our artists and nonprofit through the creation of mosaic artwork. We create small-scale housewares and art as well as large scale art commissions. We are an employ­ment-relat­ed social enterprise.

1,365 pieces

created for commissions and retail sales

1/2 ton

of recycled and repurposed materials used keeping them out of landfills in 2024

$140K+

earned by participants in 2024

All of us here are like a mosaic ourselves. We’re all a little broken but when we’re here we’re one big beautiful piece.

Margarita M.
Mosaic Artist

Thanks to Piece by Piece, I have learned better to push doubts to the back of my mind and to move forward into new areas of development with learning and security.

Vicki M
Mosaic Artist

It has helped me to make extra money for my expenses. It has also helped me personally. I've learned to guide a group, and share with different people of various nationalities and learn from them.

Jose M.
Mosaic Artist

Art reflects life and life is a constant change. Working with Piece by Piece has enhanced my life to keep moving, thinking and creating.

June C.
Mosaic Artist

This is what drives me, it's what gets me up in the morning these days. I've found a talent that gives me a reason for being. My fear is dead, my depression vanquished, my hope has been restored.

John M.
Mosaic Artist

I have found in mosaic a space where my mind entertains itself in search of ideas. When I create my art piece I'm transmitting and sharing my thoughts and my being.

Victor J.
Mosaic Artist

What Our Artists Are Saying

The Reality of Poverty and Houselessness in Los Angeles

According to the Public Policy institute of CA, More than a third of Californians are living in or near poverty. Los Angeles has the highest rate of poverty (20.8%) more than any other county in LA. 

There are currently at least 75,518 people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County, according to a count by LAHSA in 2023 — a 9% increase from 2022. In the city of Los Angeles, LAHSA says there are 46,260 people experiencing homelessness. The numbers are an estimate of people experiencing homelessness on any given night in Los Angeles. Advocates believe the numbers are higher.

These are our neighbors, our community members, our friends, and in some cases even our colleagues. At Piece by Piece we have come together and lifted up founder, Sophie Alpert’s vision to change this reality.

A creative solution

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 learn 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. 

How It All Comes Together

Many of our participants start their mosaic journey in our free workshops, then move into the Certification Program. As they progress through the four levels, they qualify to earn income as artists in the social enterprise. 

Artists are encouraged to create their own work as well as participate in the creation of retail items, custom awards and commissions, and large scale community projects. 

Recycled and donated materials are used in the creation of our work, saving on average over two tons of materials from landfills. 

The amazing work of the Piece by Piece Artists makes for lovely gifts, personalized awards and more. When you shop Piece by Piece you are supporting a community of artists and individuals who are committed to bettering themselves and our world. 
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Watch Artist Angelica Talk About Her Work

All Piece by Piece artists take great pride in their work. Mosaics are created by our artists under the guidance and support of our lead artists and artistic director. Continual encouragement and linkages to resources are always available. 

VIEW ALL ARTISTS
Piece by Piece artists working on a large-scale mosaic Piece by Piece instructor Jose working on the Brilliance of Community Mosaic in the studio

Creating a Community of Artists

We support indi­vid­u­als who tra­di­tion­al­ly haven’t had a path­way to self-love, self-care and self-sufficiency. Piece by Piece offer­s sup­port­ive work and skills-build­ing opportunities; pro­vid­ing an inde­pen­dent source of income; and open­ing doors to new possibilities.

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Support New Beginnings

The Piece Shop

One of the best ways to support our artists is by purchasing individual artwork or ordering a custom commission.

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Donate

Donations to Piece by Piece support a variety of needs of the organization. From providing meals for community building to supporting workshops, and learning opportunities every dollar goes to empower individuals working to improve their lives through art.

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Get Involved

You can help us provide free mosaic art workshops to people who have experienced homelessness and/or are living with economic insecurity by volunteering, partnering with us, or hosting an event.

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