Cathleen Newsham, Owner and Design Director of Modern Mosaic, earned her B.F.A. in Graphic Design from Louisiana State University in 1983, and began her career as a broadcast designer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Involved in the creation of commercials for various retail and corporate clients, she was voted Art Director of the Year in both 1987 and 1988 by The Mississippi Gulf Coast Advertising Association. Re-locating to Washington, DC in 1988, then to New York City in 1991, Ms Newsham continued working in television and film, until opening her own design firm, CN Design, in Manhattan, in 1995.  The cable television industry was expanding rapidly at that time, and Ms. Newsham and her staff of artists and producers helped to promote and brand some of the most recognizable names in the industry;  A&E, The History Channel, The Food Network, and The Discovery Channel.

Wanting to devote more time to her two small children and the renovation of her home in Westchester County, New York, she closed her offices in Manhattan in 1999.  Very involved in all aspects of the design and construction of her home, Ms. Newsham had a vision of a sink for her powder room. Colorful, luminous and liquid in appearance, she began her search for the perfect sink. As the renovation on her 1979 contemporary home progressed, Ms. Newsham grew frustrated.  Unable to find a suitable sink to complete her vision, she decided to construct a sink herself.  After months of experimentation with adhesives, grout, and various glass basins, she installed her powder room sink.  Art directing and lighting many film shoots during her broadcast design career, she used her knowledge of stage lighting to create a glamorous and dramatic backdrop for sink  Lighting it from underneath and below the onyx countertop, she created a sanctuary of light and glass in what had been an ordinary, neglected space.

Before long, Ms. Newsham's sink drew the attention of the local press, and eventually clients began calling and ordering sinks for their own homes.  Wanting to perfect her technique and learn more about the art of mosaic, she began apprenticing with other mosaic artists and tile setters, then traveled to Europe to view the various styles and techniques of both the ancient and modern masters of the art-form.  Equipped with the technical expertise she felt she needed, Cathleen opened Modern Mosaic, and the addition of lighting, back-splashes, floors, fireplace surrounds, mirrors and tables were added to her growing list of products.