The genesis of the NEW IDEAS exhibition project was the not-for-profit organization, New Approach, Inc. The purpose of New Approach, Inc. is to promote emerging artists and curators, as well as to encourage public awareness of unconventional medallic art.

Mashiko Nakashima is the founder and director of Medialia ... Rack and Hamper Gallery, and New Approach, Inc. In addition to her life as a professional artist and curator, she is a Master Lecturer at The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, where she teaches stone carving and medallic sculpture courses.