Another chapter from the CMA2 Conference, March 2026.
At its heart, Calling Cards was about building community through a shared mosaic exchange.
Early in the conference planning, I found myself thinking about the reach of the CMA2 community. While 225 people gathered in Albuquerque, our membership includes more than 1,500 artists around the world. Not everyone can travel—but that doesn’t lessen the desire to connect, contribute, and be part of something larger. The Planning Committee wanted to bridge that distance—across geography, schedules, and circumstances. From that intention, Calling Cards was born.
Every CMA2 member was invited to participate, whether or not they attended the conference. The goal was simple: create a shared experience that extended beyond the conference itself. Participants created small mosaic works inside hinged tins (approximately 2” x 3”). Each one became a personal “calling card”—a reflection of the artist’s voice.
In total, 150 members submitted pieces, and the range of creativity was extraordinary. Each tin told a story. Each offered a glimpse into another artist’s world.
To keep the process accessible and engaging, we created a simple structure:
- Members joined for a nominal fee and received a prepared tin with a concrete substrate—ready for mosaic—along with instructions and shipping details.
- Artists supplied their own adhesive and materials, allowing for complete creative freedom.
- On the inside of the lid, artists included basic information: title, name, and a way to connect.
- Completed tins were shipped or delivered to Albuquerque in advance of the conference.
- A dedicated team of volunteers curated and installed the display at the conference hotel.
Along the way, we hosted online work-alongs—Zoom sessions where members could gather, create, and share progress in real time. These gatherings were filled with laughter, idea-sharing, and genuine connection. They quickly became an unexpected highlight.
From Exchange to Connection
After the exhibition, each Calling Card continued its journey. Every participating artist received one randomly selected tin created by another member. This wasn’t curated—it was intentionally left to chance. A simple gesture of trust, surprise, and connection. One artist linked to another, across distance and experience.
For those in Albuquerque, tins were distributed in person on Sunday morning. For others, they were shipped—extending the conference experience far beyond the event itself.
Small Works, Lasting Impact
What began as a modest idea became something much more meaningful.
Calling Cards created a tangible sense of belonging. Artists who couldn’t attend were still present in a very real way. And for those who were there, the collection was a powerful reminder of the global community we share.
It’s remarkable what can happen when you invite people to participate—wherever they are in the world.
Here’s to small works, shared creativity, and the connections that bring us together.
Just a few Calling Cards here, Kim Wozniak Laura Rendlen, RachelDavies, Jill Gatwood. I am the proud owner of the Calling Card by Charlotte Lazar-Morrison.