Sider graduated from the University of Michigan, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1982. She furthered her education, earning a master's and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Detroit in 1985 and 1992 respectively. She has continued her art education by teaching, speaking at events, and studying with top artists worldwide.
After 40 years of teaching art privately, directing community art projects, offering workshops, teaching high school, and a career as a clinical psychologist, Sider narrowed her focus in 2016 to pursue art full-time. Sider splits her time between her art projects, teaching, and commissioned pieces.
2024 Awards, Shows, and Presentations:
Mosaic Art International Exhibit, SAMA, 2024.
Limmud Conference Presentation, Sept. 2024.,
ArtPrize 2024, Sept. 2024.,
CMA2 Members’ Exhibition Mar. - Apr. 2024,
Photographing for Mosaic Artists, CMA 2, Conf., May 2024.,
Michigan Regional Glass Exhibit, May 2024.,
Perspectives Exhibit, May 2024.,
Creating Depth in a Mosaic Presentation, NEMS, April 2024.,
Ethereal Forms Exhibit, March 2024.,
Skies Exhibit, Colors of Humanity Art Gallery, Mar 2024,
WAABEL Start-Up Studio 2024 Artist Residency, Jan-Dec. 2024
Harbor View by Michelle Sider
Tell us a little about your artistic background:
Do you have any professional art training? Did you start with mosaic or did you work in other mediums before working in mosaic?
Yes, I have professional art training. I hold a Fine Arts degree specializing in painting, which has greatly influenced my approach to mosaics. My background in painting is evident in the way I use color blending, mimic brush strokes with glass, and structure my compositions. My work often explores themes of emotion, light, movement, spirituality, and meaningful conversations, with the goal of inspiring viewers.
Before working in mosaics, I had a diverse artistic journey. While pursuing my Fine Arts degree, I had a profound experience creating art with pediatric cancer patients, which sparked my interest in the therapeutic power of art. This led me to earn a master’s and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, allowing me to use art as a tool for healing. After working as a Clinical Psychologist, I transitioned to teaching high school art, where I continued to merge my passions for art and psychology. I also co-authored and illustrated two books on grief, end-of-life, and legacy issues.
In 2016, I decided to fully dedicate myself to mosaic art, studying with teachers worldwide and refining my skills. Since then, I have been creating mosaic works that reflect my artistic voice and focus on themes that are deeply meaningful to me.
Balancing Act by Michelle Sider
Do you have a favorite subject matter? What is it?
My favorite subject matter is the pursuit of light—both physical and spiritual. This fascination shapes my mosaics, where I use texture, andamento, reflections, value, and color to explore light’s ever-changing nature and tell meaningful stories. By incorporating rich colors, painterly depth, and carefully placed textured and reflective materials, I create a sense of movement that guides the viewer’s eye through each piece.
At the core of my work is a search for light amidst darkness, reflecting both personal experiences and the fractured world around us. Some of my pieces draw the viewer’s focus directly to light, while others feature cracks and fissures inspired by Kintsugi, symbolizing resilience and beauty emerging from brokenness. These elements serve as metaphors for strength, transformation, and the ways in which wounds can become sources of light.
While my work varies in subject matter—ranging from landscapes and still lifes to portraits and abstracts—this exploration of both literal and metaphorical light is a constant theme throughout my art.
Rippled Sunset by Michelle Sider
Where do you find inspiration for subject matter?
I find inspiration for my mosaics everywhere, constantly searching for the next spark that will shape my designs. I always have my phone with me to capture anything that catches my eye—whether it’s the way light interacts with an object, a fleeting reflection in a puddle, or the depth of emotion in a face. Nature and everyday moments often provide unexpected beauty, and my family has learned to be patient as I take dozens of photos of something as simple as a wineglass on a table or the shifting colors of a sunset.
Beyond specific subject matter, I am deeply inspired by the emotional and connective power of art. Creating allows me to process emotions, find meaning, and foster connections with others. My work celebrates resilience, renewal, and the enduring presence of light, even in life’s darkest moments. I believe art has the power to heal, to ground us in meaningful places, and to strengthen bonds between people. These values guide my creative process and the stories I seek to tell through my mosaics.
Evocative Sunset by Michelle Sider
What about mosaics resonates with you?
What resonates with me most about mosaics is the way materials interact with light to enhance my designs. I love experimenting with different textures, reflections, and transparencies to create depth and movement. The dynamic nature of mosaics allows the artwork to shift depending on the viewer’s perspective and the lighting conditions, making each piece a unique and evolving experience. This ever-changing relationship between material and light is what draws me to the medium and keeps me constantly exploring new possibilities.
After Hours by Michelle Sider
What is your favorite part of the mosaic process?
My favorite part of the mosaic process is the designing stage, where I translate the essence of an idea into a visual concept. Each piece begins with a moment of inspiration, and sometimes the idea comes to me quickly, while other times, it takes weeks or even months to fully develop. The process involves a lot of sketching, photographing, and refining, as I work to capture the vision in my mind and bring it to life in a design that feels just right. This stage of creative exploration is both exciting and rewarding as I figure out how to express my idea through mosaic.
Windblown by Michelle Sider
Tell us a little about your studio:
My Art Studio
My studio is a light-filled, spacious creative space designed for both making and teaching art. It’s housed in a section of my 1930s home, featuring plaster walls, a fireplace, cove ceilings, and large windows that flood the room with natural light. An attached covered deck overlooks the lush garden I’ve been cultivating for 28 years, providing a peaceful retreat and a source of inspiration.
Originally, my studio was dedicated to painting and drawing, but as I expanded into sculpture, clay, metalwork, photography, and glass mosaics, storage became a challenge. When I transitioned to working primarily in glass mosaic, I needed even more space to organize my materials. A few years ago, I expanded my studio to include dedicated storage, a teaching area for workshops and client visits, and a separate space just for my creative work.
My studio is well-organized, with plenty of storage for my glass and tools. While my workspace can get messy during projects, I have an efficient system that allows me to quickly find what I need. One of the most practical features is my attached bathroom, equipped with an industrial sink, wet saw, and grinder, which helps keep the mess contained in one area.
As I work, I often listen to music, an audiobook, or a podcast. My dog, Juneau, is my constant companion, usually lying nearby. She instinctively knows when to move out of the way as glass pieces scatter through the air. Somehow, she has never gotten a sliver of glass in her paws or collected any in her fur—a mystery I still can’t quite figure out!
The covered deck is another cherished part of my studio. It’s the perfect spot to take a break, connect with nature, and recharge. This thoughtfully designed space, filled with light and beauty, encourages me to create and share my passion for mosaic art.
