Power of Community: Highlights from the 2023 Mosaic Event
On a crisp November morning, the theaters of Celebration! Cinema North were buzzing with energy as 445 students from 17 West Michigan high schools gathered for the 12th annual Mosaic Event. More than a conference, the annual event is a catalyst for change, empowering underrepresented youth to harness the power of storytelling to open doors to creative and emergent careers.
“We are committed to empowering students at the intersection of education, diversity, and innovation, all through the powerful lens of storytelling,” said Skot Welch, founder and president, Mosaic Film Experience. “Our annual Mosaic Event fosters a space where creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and career preparedness can flourish. This year's event theme celebrates the power of community — acknowledging that when we come together, the stories we share reflect our diverse paths and propel us towards a bright future.”
Each featured speaker translated their unique journeys into messages of inspiration and opportunity for the students.
Phillip Boutte Jr. is a distinguished Concept Artist and Co-Founder of 9B Collective returned for his eighth year at the event. Phillip’s impressive portfolio includes work on Hollywood blockbusters such as 'Black Panther,' 'Once Upon A Time in Hollywood,' and 'Captain Marvel.' His credits also extend to 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' 'Man of Steel,' 'Mission Impossible,' 'Inception,' among others. During the event, he highlighted the critical need for authentic representation in film. Phillip’s trailblazing role in establishing the first Black-owned concept art studio – along with co-founders Aldis Hodge and Mike Uwandi – stands as a testament to his commitment to representation. The work of 9B Collective serves as a powerful example of the way inclusive narratives can profoundly enrich our world.
Elizabeth Polk, an Entertainment Attorney at Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole LLP in Los Angeles (formerly with Netflix), traced her professional trajectory from a passionate art teacher to a champion of artists' legal rights. Her story is an example for the importance of taking the initiative, seizing opportunities, and remaining open to life’s unforeseen paths.
Cass Taylor, the former head of sports marketing at Adobe and a current strategist at Sixteen Twenty, shared his journey from a tech-minded artist to an industry visionary, underlining that forging connections is fundamental to professional achievement.
"My path was paved with connections made, and it's those connections that have shaped my career,” Cass said. “Remember, closed mouths don't get fed. You need to speak up and ask for things.”
Carlos Rosas, Chief of Production at experiential media firm MUV in Mexico City, made his in-person debut at the Mosaic Event. After years of virtual participation, Carlos finally was able to share his transformative journey from engineering to animation with students in person. His story encouraged West Michigan students to persistently pursue their passions, a reminder of the limitless potential within the creative sectors. He encouraged students to, “never stop chasing your dreams.”
Lohanne Cook, Manager of Public Engagement for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, discussed the multifaceted world of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and her role in ensuring that the history and future of film are inclusive and accessible to all.
Mariah Barrera, a City High alumna and two-time Mosaic Mobile film competition winner, has continued her film studies at Columbia University. Returning to Grand Rapids, she shared her experiences with the next generation, illustrating how one can turn personal disadvantages into advantages. Her success is a testament to the unique and compelling storytelling that distinguishes her in the competitive world of film festivals.
Complementing the inspiring speaker lineup, five workshops hosted practical, hands-on experiences. The topics represented a range of careers in the creative sector:
The Power of Prototyping by Casual Simulation demystified digital tools, helping students materialize their ideas into prototypes.
The Power of Design by La Fleur Marketing and Leslie Parks Design, shed light on design thinking and the vital contributions of women in the design industry.
The Power of Story by WMCAT focused on the art of crafting captivating narratives.
The Power of Curiosity vs. Control by The Delta Project explored the importance of community engagement.
The Power of Your Voice by NextGen Media GR introduced students to the influential world of podcasting.
The Power of Technology by Code on Wheels taught students about open source software and how to connect with other developers.
The event culminated with the Mosaic Mobile short film competition, celebrating the innovative storytelling of student filmmakers utilizing mobile technology. The award-winning films showcased genuine, expressive, and personal storytelling. The 2023 Mosaic Mobile winners are:
1st Place ($1,000): "Tell Me More" by Nuha Hussein, East Kentwood High School
2nd Place ($500): "Script of Complaint" by Kai Stuive, City High Middle School
3rd Place ($250): "The Use of Bags" by Jeremiah Davison, The Potter's House High School
Rick Wilson Memorial Award ($250): "Mr. Know-It-All" by Toby (Rachel) Okhuysen & Brayde Kietzman, Byron Center High School
The 2023 Mosaic Event has created a rich environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and career readiness. It empowers students to use their unique stories as springboards for professional growth and to drive meaningful change in society.
Our story, as an innovative educational platform that empowers underrepresented youth to explore emerging and creative careers through the power of storytelling, continues with each student who now views their world through a lens of boundless possibilities.
