Creating a mosaic capturing the essence of Las Vegas, to be displayed at Hyde Bellagio, was no simple task for the contestants of the 2017 Design ‘N Gather (DNG) Mosaic Design Competition. After a long yet thrilling process, DNG announcedLisa Darroh–Pouls as the winner, who will receive the grand prize of a trip to Paris for two. Her piece “Champagne Wishes” was selected as the mosaic that best represented the architecture of the space, the essence of Las Vegas, and the brand image of Hyde.
Artaic and Bostik, two companies which have stretched the boundaries of design using tile and grout, sponsored this annual event. From the many entries, the panel of expert judges selected 10 finalists whose values mirrored their innovative thinking. Using Artaic’s Tylist™ software, contestants were able to see their beautiful designs instantly emerge from paper to pixel.
More than 600 amped-up guests/partiers including top hospitality architects & designers were in attendance, as co-emcees Scott Banda, Bostik’s Director of Marketing and Business Development and Dr. Ted Acworth, CEO/Founder of Artaic, brought the late-night soiree to its crescendo. Finally, Architectural Designer Lisa Darroh-Pouls of Albuquerque, New Mexico-based Pouls Hospitality Design was announced as the Grand Prize Winner. Two stunning Vegas showgirls deftly pulled the cord and Lisa’s creation, “Champagne Wishes,” was revealed to the crowd as the larger-than-life glass mosaic backdrop for what is now referred to as the “World’s Most Focal Selfie Studio.” Joyen Vakil, Senior Vice President of Design & Development for MGM Resorts International, one of the ten DNG judges stated, “This project was ideal for Hyde. Clearly, it was beautifully designed and perfectly themed for the environment of our nightclub.”
According to Darroh-Pouls, “‘Champagne Wishes’ is a genesis of an alluring mythological goddess. She rules over the world of decadent, sparkling, golden libations. Her actions are playfully calculated as she inspires each fortunate guest by blowing a mesmerizing kiss ensuring ecstasy and pageantry befitting the Hyde Lounge. The Selfie Studio provides the perfect venue for guests to flirt with Hyde’s goddess while capturing her enticing beauty in a photograph preserving memories.”
Ted Acworth stated, “And now, mosaic murals such as Lisa Darroh-Poul’s ‘Champagne Wishes’ can be produced right here in America, by simply taking creative designs… and perfectly assembling them using cutting-edge, computer-driven, robotic technology. Together with Bostik, we’re letting the world know that ancient mosaic design production has morphed into becoming a space-age process.”
