Artist Statement
I’ve been an artist all my life, drawing, painting, weaving and I’d get bored very easily, changing from one medium to another and never finishing anything. I always loved putting puzzles together when I was a kid, it kept me focused and I always wanted to complete it to see the finished image. My father used to tile tables in our house in the 60’s and I remember loving that.

I remembered how durable our tables were growing up so my husband and I mosaic tiled one of our coffee tables and I got excited, my heart raced and I wanted to do more. Becoming a mosaic artist opened my creative mind to a three – dimensional world that excites me. I love texture, architecture and functional art, so mosaic fits my personality, it’s always changing with no limitations.

I partnered with my husband Don Patheal years ago, creating mosaic tiled topped furniture, which we still share, but currently I have been working on pieces that are unique to my personal interest and not so much of functionality but spiritual meaning and symbolism.

The work I do today comes from my desire to recycle. I can create usable, functional pieces of art or not, depending on what materials I have on hand. Mosaic can be themed or abstract and can be applied to almost anything. Now I’m creating more sculpture work with foam bases, not wood or cement. This allows me more flexibility and individuality.

About Teri Applegarth
Teri Applegarth began her mosaic artwork career part-time while working full time in advertising and marketing. Her intent was to be a gallery owner and full time artist by the time she turned 50. Both goals became true in November 2007.

After 15 years, she perfected her craft while experimenting with projects around her own home and researching methods that use the latest materials that hold up in any environment. Indoor and outdoor furniture is her specialty.

She has always wanted to open an art gallery and after visiting Sisters she knew it was the place to do it. The name Don Terra Artworks was created from her husband Don’s first name and Terra came from Teri and Terra (the earth and tile).

Don Terra Artworks represents over 300 artists from throughout the Northwest, all with compelling ties to Sisters, Oregon. Come experience our wildly unique arts and crafts.

Artist Code:  TA
Follow Teri on Twitter