“The Mosaic Market is a place where anyone can go to be engulfed in art and
engage in the community”
The Mosaic Market Offers Handmade Jewelry, Art, and Décor
ABOUT MY ONE MINUTE DOCUMENTARY
By Amanda Aldridge
Since they were 10 years old, Melina Wikoff and Derith Armbruster have been
friends and have shared a passion for creativity and community. With Melina’s
background in sociology and human kinetics, she wanted to continue to serve the
Arlington community. Derith came back to her creative roots to open The Mosaic
Market, since her time spent in advertising in college. Their friendship got them through
the hardships and challenges to making their market dream come a reality, and provide
a space for art lovers, like themselves, to thrive in. Together, the owners provide an
artistic and unique space for local artisans and small businesses to showcase their
talent and knick-knacks.
Shoppers are welcomed by the owners, along with the sight of handmade local
items that catch your eye. Local vendors have offered their support as well as products
to the owners. Shelves of jewelry, home décor, fashion accessories, furniture, pottery,
textiles, gourmet snacks and natural skincare products fill the market, offering
something for everyone. Derith and Melina emphasize the importance of being a place
in Arlington that can provide the opportunity for local artists and craftsmen to sell their
Work.
The Arlington Museum of Art is dedicated to championing creativity and providing
access to art for the educational enrichment and cultural development of the
community. The Mosaic Market follows the same code, by wanting to be a creative
shopping destination that fosters support to local artisans, and small business owners.
Their mission is to foster a thriving community of creatives and entrepreneurs. Like the
AMA, The Mosaic Market is a place where anyone can go to be engulfed in art and
engage in the community. They both focus on wanting to continue the next generation
of art, because the market is a place for new artists to showcase and sell their work,
and the AMA is actively providing community artist the chance to display their creations
as well.
Meet Amanda Aldridge
I’m Amanda Aldridge, and I’m a Journalism major and a Pop Culture Sociology minor, at the University of Texas at Arlington. I’m originally from Anchorage, Alaska, but I’ve lived in Texas for most of my life. I always have a book in hand, and I keep up with other hobbies like crocheting and playing the guitar.
About AMA+UTA CreateCollab
Throughout the Fall 2024 semester, the Arlington Museum of Art is partnering with The University of Texas at Arlington and a senior-level digital storytelling class to explore a wide variety of contemporary themes inspired by the museum’s mission, values, and exhibitions.
Class projects include photo essays, one-minute documentaries, and one-minute podcasts about themes as broad as creating detailed flower arrangements, a life saving cat cafe, everyday heroes, and environmental art.
Associate Professor of Communication Erika Pribanic-Smith, who teaches the class, values opportunities to bring real-world experiences to her students.
“My goal is to give my students real-world experience in all of my classes, creating real stories using real sources,” said Dr. Pribanic-Smith. “Creating stories that will be published for the public to see, not just submitted for a grade, gives students extra incentive to put forth their best effort. Furthermore, working with professionals gives the students another layer of feedback to reinforce what they’re learning in the classroom. I prefer to work with organizations like the Arlington Museum of Art who will benefit in some way from the students’ content so that we are providing a service to the community.”
