DNG 2014 Winners Announced

From 200 registrants and 50 submissions, one winning design was produced by Artaic and permanently installed at MassChallenge.

Boston, MA – Creativity, collaboration, and innovation were key elements in the Design ‘N Gather (DNG) Mosaic Design Competition organized by Artaic. Those themes were carried through the competition and were clearly presented by the winning entry.

Artaic uses unique technologies to design and fabricate custom architectural tile-work. Through the DNG competition, they provided designers and artists from all backgrounds with the tools to create their own mosaic murals. The mural designs could then be submitted for the opportunity to be produced and permanently installed in the entryway of the new incubator space of MassChallenge, the world’s largest startup accelerator.

MassChallenge recently moved into Boston’s innovation and Design Building, a floor below Artaic’s studio. After a successful DNG competition in 2013, Artaic approached MassChallenge to host DNG 2014 in their newly renovated space. MassChallenge Founder and CEO John Harthorn welcomed the opportunity to have an Artaic mosaic in their entryway.

“As a 2011 MassChallange finalist, Artaic is a prime example of the unique companies we help foster in our program. Having a mosaic in our space that they produced – especially one designed in such a unique way – can be an inspiration for everyone who comes through.”

Through the blind judging process, 50 submissions were narrowed down to four finalists. From those four, Jillian Welenc’s “Anatomy of an Idea” was selected as the mosaic that best represented the architecture of the space, characteristics of the MassChallenge brand, and the qualities of Boston’s Innovation District. Welenc describes her design as “a snapshot of the complexities of developing an idea.”

Vince Pan, Principal of Analogue Studio, the firm responsible for the planning and design of MassChallenge, took part in the selection of the winning entry.

“‘Anatomy of an Idea’ brought together the bold graphic elements of the architectural design with a great narrative that fit perfectly with our vision for the space.”

Upon selection, the 200 square foot glass mosaic of Welenc’s design was produced in two days by Artaic and installed by Port Morris Tile and Stone with Bostik grout and adhesives. The installed mosaic was revealed at the DNG 2014 Awards Ceremony at MassChallenge on November 13. The other outstanding finalists recognized at the Awards Ceremony included Lindsay Story, Rebecca Ayerst, and a collaborative piece from Dan Huffman Architecture, based in Ralaigh, North Carolina.

If you missed your chance to compete, Artaic Cofounder & Creative Director Paul Reiss mentions “After a successful competition in 2013 and amazing submissions this year, the DNG competition will become an annual event – all we need is another location that will facilitate the creativity central to the competition.”

Full list of DNG 2014 Finalists:

“Anatomy of an Idea” by Jillian Welenc – First Place