Sharon Ritz
website: http://sharpartsmosaics.tripod.com
email: sharparts@comcast.net
Cherry Hill, NJ

Sharon has played the string bass since she was 10 years old. She attended the New York State Summer School of Orchestral Studies when she was in high school and was chosen for the all-state orchestra during that time. Since then, Sharon has played in college and community orchestras in New York, Connecticut, Chicago and New Jersey. She is currently on hiatus from the Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey as she pursues her passion for mosaic arts.

While exploring new creative paths, Sharon began studying mosaics with artist Jackie Stack Lagakos in 2005. She became addicted to this medium and has created many different types of smaller pieces, combining art and function. Among her repertoire are sun catchers, judaica, photo embellishments, and trays. In September 2006, Sharon was asked to submit a piece for a mosaic exhibition, “Homage to Isaiah Zagar” at the Perkins Center for the Arts in Collingswood, N.J. Her piece, “Klara’s Dream” was well-received and this encouraged her to submit the design for “Dualing Violins” for the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s “Tune Up for the 115th” celebration.

Sharon lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey with her husband and her three sons. New Haven has a special place in her heart, as Sharon is a 1985 graduate of Southern Connecticut State University and it is where she met her husband, a 1984 graduate of Yale.