Tile Heritage Foundation (THF) and the art tile community will have an invigorated presence at Coverings 2026. Tile Heritage Foundation is looking forward to a week of storytelling, history, and new faces. This year’s presence in Las Vegas marks a significant milestone for the Foundation as it continues its 39-year mission to preserve the history and promote the future of the ceramic tile industry.
Meet Karim Motawi, Executive Director of Development
Karim Motawi, who has recently joined the THF team as the Executive Director of Development, will be available throughout the show to chat about the Foundation’s direction and how the industry can better utilize its vast historical archives.
In addition, Motawi will present a talk entitled “Connecting Past and Future.” Scheduled for Monday morning, March 30, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., in room N250 Motawi’s talk will share a look into the THF’s digital library—a collection that now spans over 44,000 images and 140 years of American tile history. For the last four decades the Foundation has been collecting historical information and now it is time to work to share this treasure trove.
The talk focuses on a practical, grounded approach to history:
- Finding Inspiration: How looking back at historical context can spark new ideas for contemporary projects.
- Building Authenticity: Using THF’s free resources to add depth to your business storytelling.
- Creating a Legacy: Helping companies link their current work to the archives to ensure today’s best installations are preserved for future generations.
“It’s about seeing where we’ve been to better understand where we’re going next,” Motawi notes.
He also will address the gathering at LATICRETE’s 70th Anniversary party on Tuesday night, March 31. For more information on the party, contact Ron Nash at [email protected].
THF Booth #4238, Artisan Showcase #4721, and Women’s Panel
All showgoers are invited to visit Tile Heritage Foundation’s booth in the North American Pavilion, booth #4238, to meet and talk with Karim Motawi, as well as founders Sheila A. Menzies and Joseph A. Taylor.
Menzies will also be a featured panelist on the “Artisan Women Talking: Connecting History, Artistry & Industry” panel on Wednesday morning, April 1, from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. in room N246. This exploration of the different facets of the tile industry also features THF Board Member Katia McGuirk, Executive Director of the TileWorks of Bucks County, mosaic artist extraordinaire Angie Ré of Unique Mosaics and NTCA Five-Star Accredited Contractor Member Jan Hohn of Hohn & Hohn, moderated by TileLetter Editorial Director and THF Board Member Lesley Goddin.
In addition, THF will have a presence at the 2026 Artisan Showcase in the TCNA pavilion, booth #4721 next to the Coverings Lounge. The showcase will include:
- Artisan Showcase Wall Gallery
- Mosaic Coasters Workshop
- Tile and stone mosaic mural presentations
- Moravian / Mercer-style traditional tile making demonstrations
Please connect with Tile Heritage Foundation at Coverings and learn how the Foundation is supporting the industry with history, vision, resources, and growth.
