About Sara Baldwin

Sara Baldwin grew up on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. She trained as a fine arts painter and received both a bachelor and master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. While at the university, Sara found herself increasingly drawn to the ancient craft of mosaic, an art form that is as practical and lasting as it is beautiful. Her first mosaic design was a mural of Eve in the Garden of Eden, which she submitted as her master’s degree thesis project.

In 1991, Sara returned to her birthplace and founded New Ravenna. With a $5,000 loan from her parents and an empty house on their farm, Sara started assembling mosaic designs on her kitchen table. Her first installation was a swimming pool border for Mrs. Smith of Mrs. Smith’s Pies. More installations followed, and Sara’s designs were presented to distributors and showrooms across the country. Within two years, New Ravenna mosaics were being marketed in more than 20 showrooms around the country.

In 1994, Sara won a contest for the most creative new business sponsored by New Woman magazine and the National Association of Female Executives. She was one of 1,700 applicants. Sara took home the top prize of $25,000 and was featured in the November issue of the magazine.

Today, New Ravenna is housed in a block of preserved historic buildings in Exmore. The company now employs more than 100 people and has become one of the largest employers in Northampton County.

The company name pays homage to Ravenna, an Italian town renowned for mosaics, and to Sara’s dedication to updating this classical craft. She has created mosaic designs for clients like Tom Hanks, Madonna and the DuPont family, among others. Her breathtaking designs can be seen in luxury homes, hotels, restaurants, casinos and resorts around the world.

Sara continues to introduce new product lines each year. Clients can request custom designs or select from the company’s extensive design portfolio. Today, New Ravenna mosaics are sold through 200 independent showrooms across the country.

Metamorphosis is the introductory collection for her signature series, Sara Baldwin Design. The series captures Sara’s inspiration from her home on the Chesapeake Bay and nature’s ever- changing patterns, textures and hues. The collection transforms organic patterns and textures into the timeless craft of mosaic art.