“I have always had a deep respect for the creative process. Regardless of our age or experience, we can't help but create something phenomenal if we are truly engaged. There is so much wisdom to be gained from being both participant and witness. Technique goes a long way toward creating a worthwhile piece of art, but the self esteem and joy we can gain through the explorative process of trial and error I find to be absolutely magical.â€
Mosaic Forest Art was created by Jill Cunninghis after years of experience teaching elementary and middle school art in a Montessori environment, and woodworking to elementary school children in an after-school enrichment program. Her work about children and their development has been published and earned her an award for original research in 1992. She holds degrees in Commercial Photography and Professional and Technical Communications, with emphasis in Fine Art Photography and Women's Studies. She has formally studied many media, including Photography, Furniture Making and Wood Sculpture, Fiber Arts, Ceramic Tile Mosaic, Acrylic, Colored Pencil and Oil Pastel. Her work has been commissioned for private residences and exhibited in galleries in Florida and California. Between 2002 and 2005, Jill served as co-curator of an annual public art show in Old Oakland of over 400 pieces of student work. Jill currently teaches multigenerational art and woodworking at the Randall Museum in San Francisco.