Connie Chantilis's passion for the Mosaic Medium was a natural progression from her love of collecting. This is represented by her work both in the Fine Arts and Commercial commissions. Collecting vintage pottery, found objects, glazed and unglazed ceramics, antique china and glass, shells, petrified wood, rocks and anything else that speaks to her intuition is a daily joy. Mosaic Art became an instant source of expression. Through technical study with Artists such as Sonia King and Sherry Warner Hunter, Connie's ability to express her creative gift continues.

In recent years, Connie has actively explored urban archeology. Locally, she has unearthed amazing turn of the century objects such as: oxidized glass and bottles, metal bike pedals, buttons and coins. By weaving these items into Fine Arts pieces, Connie conveys a story that translates into her contemporary works.

Connie creates truly individual works for exhibition, commercial use, both interior and exterior, and private commission. She utilizes her creative skills, technical ability and the finest materials resourced locally and around the world to produce these timeless expressions.

Being a successful working artist is a fulfillment of Connie's constant pursuit of self expression. Large scale installations for clients such as: Balanced Approach Holistic Health Spa, Shell Grotto, featured in The Dallas Morning News, Shell & Pebble Spa - a private commission and a commercial installation of a Kitsch Kitchen Wall allow for a larger canvas to create, share and be a part of the community.

Connie gathers inspiration from both nature and urban environments and blends them into pieces that translate her unique and intuitive understanding of color, texture and form to create both personal and universal stories in her works. This is evident in her 2 and 3 dimensional objects and installations. Connie's recent works have transcended mosaic to a form of organic sculpture and collage.

Connie Chantilis is the creative force of CAC Designs.

INDEPENDENT STUDIES

Concrete Camp with
Sherri Warner Hunter, Bell Buckle, Tennessee
www.sherriwarnerhunter.com

July 2007
Connie received comprehensive instruction in large-scale concrete formation, including foam, polymer fortified and carved hyypertufa form in armature or simple cast form. The creation of a base for substantial armatures in interior and exterior works.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

June 2008
Camp Parish Episcopal
Grades 3-6

Connie gave over 10 hours of instruction to kids on mosaic design. The class used hands-on learning to teach priniciples of color, pattern and repetition while incorporating the use of nature in art. Projects included paper mosaics, Italian Millifiori crosses, shell picture frames, and memory slates.

Spring 2008
Parish Episcopal School
Class Projects 2008, Grades 1 and 3

Connie worked with students to create mini mosaic pieces that were incorporated into larger projects. The larger projects were then sold at auction to raise funds for the school.

August 2007
Mosaic Summer Art Camp at CAC Mosaic Designs Studio

Connie offered studio education in the basic techniques of the mosaic art form. There was special emphasis in the education of natural elements. The goal was to provide an environment for children, ages 8-12, meant to enlighten each student to the wonders of their daily existence.

ORGANIZATIONS

Society of American Mosaic Artists
Creative Arts Center of Dallas
Irving Arts Center Arts Connection
ArtLiaison
Texas Sculpture Association

PUBLICATIONS

December 2009 The Advocate "Think Outside the Gift Box" "Who doesn't want to see something pretty when they look in the mirror? The recipient of a CAC Mosaic looking glass will see beauty even on a post-party, pre-makeup morning. Little Forest Hills artist Connie Chantilis uses glass, shells, rocks, minerals, fossils, vintage pottery and 'anything else that speaks to me' to craft wall art, sculpture and furniture evocative of a mysterious underwater world." Read the rest of the feature

September/October 2009 D Home Magazine "Décor for a Cause: The DIFFA Wreath Auction Makes Shopping a Good Deed" Connie Chantilis and Adrienne Morgan collaborate on a wreath for the Slocum Street Style event. View a PDF of the D Home feature

April 2008
The Dallas Morning News, Home, The Green Issue
"Relaxed, Recharged, Released"
Profile of Connie Chantilis and her Earth-Friendly Lifestyle and Home
February/March 2008
People Newspaper Homes & Estates
"Redefining the Treehouse: One Homeowner Asks Nature to Come Right In"
Profile of Connie Chantilis and Her Home
View article on the Dallas Morning News website

December 2006
The Dallas Morning News, Design
"Catch a Wave"
Editorial: Editorial for a Commercial Installation
Shell Grotto
View video on DMN website

January 2005
2005 Advocate Home Design
Urban Living Dallas
"The Missing Piece"
Profile of Mosaic Artists LeAnn Wooten, Connie Chantilis and Sonia King

April 2004
The Dallas Morning News
"An Artful Cocoon"
Editorial: Editorial; "Favorite Objects and Plants Reflect the Creative Organic Passions of Connie Chantilis" - comprising mosaic works and home