(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Gallery491 presents Urban Fragments, an exhibition featuring Monique Sarfity's breathtaking mosaic artistry from March 13 - June 27, 2025. Known for channeling the vibrancy, unpredictability, and beauty of New York City into her work, Monique brings a unique and dynamic perspective to the timeless medium of mosaic art. The show promises an unforgettable exploration of contradiction and transformation.
Monique Sarfity’s artistic journey began with a formal degree in painting, but her creative curiosity soon led her to experiment with unconventional mediums. From painted paper collages to intricate glass and found object mosaics, Monique has embraced the labor-intensive process of deconstructing materials and reassembling them into stunning works of art. Her mosaics are a testament to the power of transformation—melding beauty and chaos, rustic and refined, broken and whole.
Monique’s inspiration is deeply rooted in her lifelong observations of the people and spaces of New York City. Her works embody the energy and contrasts of urban life, where elegance meets grit and tradition collides with innovation. This perspective allows her to craft mosaics that are as unpredictable as the city itself, incorporating reclaimed and recycled materials that imbue her pieces with history and new purpose.
In 2009, Monique was awarded the prestigious Geraldine R. Dodge Artist Fellowship, which took her to Ravenna, Italy—the historic birthplace of mosaic art. Immersing herself in ancient and modern techniques, she found the experience transformative, shaping her career trajectory and deepening her passion for the medium. More recently, in 2023, she received an Individual Artist Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, enabling her to continue pushing the boundaries of mosaic artistry.
Beyond her studio, Monique holds advanced degrees in Fine Arts and Art Education. As an art educator in New Jersey’s public school system, she inspires the next generation of artists. Her work has been widely exhibited across the Tri-State area, which continues to captivate audiences with its innovative approach to fine art and functional installations.
Monique Sarfity’s solo exhibition at Gallery491 will highlight her use of reclaimed and recycled objects to create intricate, thought-provoking mosaics. This show celebrates Monique’s journey as an artist and her relentless pursuit of innovation within a centuries-old art form.
Vault491, located in the heart of Montclair’s award-winning downtown at 491 Bloomfield Avenue, is an innovative adaptive reuse of a historic 92-year-old bank building. Surrounded by over 90 restaurants, various shops, and several renowned art venues, Vault491 is in Montclair’s central business district.
Gallery491 is a contemporary art space in Montclair, NJ, dedicated to showcasing the work of emerging and established artists. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 7:00am – 7:00pm.
