Journeys: Inward and Outward
by Sue Giannotti
Exhibition Dates: February – July 2026
Location: Ticketing level of Terminal 1
Journeys: Inward and Outward is both an exhibit of contemporary mosaic art rooted in tradition and a lesson on the process of mosaic making. In the U.S., mosaics are primarily known as either ancient artifacts or assembled pieces of broken tile; this exhibition offers a new perspective for viewers to explore.
The base of the left vitrine shows the fundamental steps in the process of mosaic-making: the artist’s sketches, the traditional mosaic materials of stone and Italian mosaic glass, the tools used to cut each tessera (piece in a mosaic),and the setting of the pieces one at a time, along with two completed mosaics—a classical reproduction fragment and a contemporary art work.
Contemporary mosaic sculptures are featured in all three vitrines. Dating back at least 5,000 years, the art form continues to evolve while still utilizing the same tools, materials, and techniques that were used to create ancient mosaics. Inspired by the artist’s travels, writings and introspection, the works explore some of the reasons we travel and what can be discovered when we go across the country, abroad, or within ourselves.
About the Artist: Sue Giannotti
Sue Giannotti is a classically trained mosaic artist and the founder of Mosaic Opus Studio near St. Louis, Missouri. She creates fine art and architectural mosaics, often grounded in meditation and introspection using a subdued palette. She has been creating mosaics for twenty-five years and focuses on works of minimalism, quiet and peacefulness– inviting the viewer to discover the calming presence of silence.
Originally trained in Venice, Italy, she is a strong advocate for preserving the roots of this millennia-old language while simultaneously exploring its present-day expression. She has shared her passion for classical and contemporary mosaics as a visiting artist instructor at The Chicago Mosaic School and across the U.S. for twenty years.
Her art has been exhibited and collected in the USA, Italy, France, Australia, and Japan, and her architectural commissions are part of homes, offices, and liturgical sites in St. Louis, Indiana, and New York City.
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