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.
October 2008, Granbury, TX
Tarleton State University's Langdon Cultural Center
12th Annual Rio Brazos Art Exposition
Message In A Bottle # 9
September 27 - November 30, 2008, Graton. CA
Art Honors Life - The Gallery at FUNERIA
4th International "Ashes To Art Scattered" Juried Exhibition
Featured on the Exhibition Invitation and Guidebook
Piece chosen for the Cover of the Exhibition Catalog and featured on the Exhibition Invitation
Message In A Bottle # 17
September/October 2008, Fredericksburg, TX
Artisans at Rocky Hill - A Gallery of Fine Works
Magical Mosaics Juried Exhibition
Upheaval
August 2008, Irving, TX
Irving Arts Center
Art Connection 2008
Cosmic Crab
Message in a Bottle #9
July/August 2008, Dallas, TX
Texas Visual Arts Association
3-D & More Show
Message in a Bottle #14
Message in a Bottle #16
May 2008, Dallas, TX
500X Annual Open Invitational
Message In a Bottle #14
Message in a Bottle #17
May 2008, Dallas, TX
44th Annual Lakewood Art Show
Message in a Bottle #9
Message in a Bottle #11
July 2007, Galveston, Texas
Galveston Arts Center
Texas Juried Glass Show II, The Use of Glass as an Artist's Medium
Message in a Bottle #8
May 2007, Dallas, Texas
The Dallas Contemporary
Summer Blast Member Exhibition and Hallworks Selection
Upheaval
May 2007, Dallas, Texas
43rd Annual Lakewood Art Show
Honorable Mention - Sculpture
Message in a Bottle #8
October 2005, Dallas, Texas
Art Exhibition and Receptions to benefit Ronald McDonald House of Dallas
An Exhibition of five Texas based artists in various mediums
Neptunian Alchemy and Upheaval
March 2005, Washington, D.C.
Society of American Mosaic Artists
A More Perfect Union: Mosaic Aspirations Juried Show
Strand of Pearls
February 2004, Dallas, Texas
Bath House Cultural Center
El Corazon, Jose Vargas Juried Show
El Corazon
Publications
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
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
ArtLiaison
Society of American Mosaic Artists
Creative Arts Center of Dallas
Irving Arts Center Arts Connection
Texas Visual Artists Association