I am excited to announce that you can see me working live at the MN State Fair this Sunday August 29. I am one of twelve artists invited to be a part of Studio: Here at the Minnesota State Fair.  Studio: Here is in it’s ninth year with the goal of giving the public a behind the scenes look at how artists create their artwork. Each artist has one twelve hour day to share their process at the fair.  I will be working this Sunday August 29 9am-9pm in the Fine Arts Building Studio: Here space. It is such an honor for me to be a part of the fair and last night’s preview night felt a little surreal. In MN the fine arts exhibit at the state fair is a really big deal and the MN State Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the country, so my head is spinning.

On Sunday 29 I will be doing live flame-working demos throughout the day, intermixed with occasional interviews and work on my sculpture pieces and jewelry. I am excited to get to share my process with everyone and I will also have work for sale at the state fair in the marketplace. Botanical Fantasies (pictured above) is also on exhibit at the fair at the Fine Arts Building in the Studio: Here gallery.

I have the bees’ approval! My recent work has focused on the symbiotic relationship between humans and bees. Inspired by a bee that kept photo bombing (above left) when I was taking pictures of my piece, Botanical Fantasies, I began researching bees and hives. I have always been amazed at the architectural beauty and stability of bee hives. I have enjoyed exploring a variety of methods of using glass to create bee hives, honey drippers, honey pots and vases to remind us of the importance of these small creatures to our own lives. We need to take care of them, because they help feed us. Our lives depend on them and their lives depend on us!

My work, including honey pots, honey drippers, jewelry, sculptures, vases and more, are available for purchase through Vandalia Glassworks (https://vandaliaglassworks.com/collections/all1?gf_260331=April%20Malphurs) where I work on my blown glass pieces, at the fair at the FOCI booth in the marketplace or by commission at aprilmalphurs.com

I hope to see you at the fair!

April Malphurs is a 2021 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.