Meet Gila

Welcome!
I’m Gila, a Florida-based mosaic artist, educator, and former professional musician.

My work combines traditional mosaic materials with unexpected elements such as broken china, teacups, and other discarded treasures. I’m fascinated by the histories these objects carry and the possibilities that emerge when fragments are transformed into something entirely new. Through expressive portraiture and richly textured abstract works, I explore themes of memory, identity, resilience, and connection.

Before dedicating myself fully to visual art, I spent many years performing and teaching music. That background continues to shape my creative process. Much like musical improvisation, my mosaics evolve through intuition, experimentation, and discovery. I never tire of those moments when an ordinary shard suddenly reveals itself as the perfect eyelid, lock of hair, or unexpected detail.

My travels have also played an important role in shaping my artistic vision. From conducting musical ensembles at a university in Borneo to exploring the rainforests and cultures of Southeast Asia, I’ve been deeply influenced by the colors, patterns, textures, and traditions I encountered along the way. These experiences continue to find their way into my work.

Teaching has always been a natural extension of my creative life. I love helping others discover the possibilities of mosaic art and creating a welcoming environment where curiosity, experimentation, and personal expression can flourish. Whether you’re new to mosaics or looking to expand your skills, my workshops are designed to inspire confidence and creative growth.

Thank you for visiting. I invite you to explore my artwork, learn about upcoming workshops, or inquire about commissions and acquisitions. I’d love to hear from you.

(Select) Exhibitions

ArtFields Festival, April 10 – May 2, 2026, Lake City SC
In Your Face, Portraits by Gila, Pensacola Museum of Art, March 15 – September 15, 2025
​Close to Home, Solo exhibition, Artel Gallery, Pensacola FL, July 15 – August 22, 2025
Luna Fine Art Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Amelia Island Florida, Oct 28 – Jan 15, 2025, Visiting Artist
Cinco Banderas Exhibition – Artel Gallery, Pensacola FL, October 29 – December 6, 2024
​Mosaic Arts International 2024 – Janice Charach Gallery – 8/25-9/22/24
& Belger Crane Yard Gallery – 10/4 – 1/4/25
Power of Transformation: 2024 Celebration of Women, March 29 – May 30, 2024
Pensacola Beach Hilton, FL Award of Distinction, September 1 – 30, 2023
Mosaic & Glass Arts International 2023, CEPA Gallery, Buffalo NY, Oct 4 – Nov 11, 2022
Cinco Banderas Exhibit – Artel Gallery, Pensacola FL Honorable Mention, May 21- July 30, 2022
Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics/Mosaic Arts Now – Invitational Group Exhibit Chicago IL,  Feb 24 – May 8, 2022
From darkness to Light: Mosaics Inspired by Tragedy, Skirball Museum, Cincinnati OH, March 27 – June 15, 2021
Juxtaposed, Contemporary Mosaic Art 2, Virtual exhibition, March 13 – April 24, 2021
Pensacola Museum of Art, Annual Juried Members Exhibit, Pensacola, FL Jurors Choice Award, February 5 – May, 2021
Mosaic Arts International – In conjunction with The Society of American Mosaic Artists Annual Conf. (virtual w/catalogue), March 13 – August 28, 2020
Luminaries – A Celebration of Women, Luna Fine Art Gallery, Hilton @ Pensacola Beach, FL, May 10 – June2, 2019​
First City Juried Show, Quayside Art Gallery, Pensacola FL, January 28 – May 19, 2019
Mosaic Arts International – In conjunction with Society of American Mosaic Artists, Parthenon Museum, Nashville TN, April 19-May 27, 2019
​Simposio Internazional del Mosaico, Ploaghe Sardinia Italy, 30 Luglio – 15 Agosto, 2018
Animated Shards, Solo Exhibition, April 19 – May 27, 2016, Artel Gallery, Pensacola FL
Face To Face, Mosaic Portraits Solo Show, Courtyard Gallery, Fairhope, AL, May 1 – 30, 2015
Mixed Elements, 3 person show, Quayside Gallery, Pensacola FL, January 31 to February 28, 2014
Body of Work IV, 3 person show, Artel Gallery, Pensacola FL, January 21 – February 28, 2014

Gila’s artworks can be found in these books:
Portrait Revolution (2017)
Guide to Mosaic Techniques (2015)
Edible Bits & Pleasing Pieces (2014)
Mosaic Fine Art Portraits (2011)
Breakout! Your Pathway to Success (2011)
Mosaic Renaissance: Millefiori in Mosaics (2009)