Refraction: capturing joy through glass

This is your last week to view my exhibit at the Hopkins Center for the Arts http://www.hopkinsartscenter.com. Stop by to view their beautiful space full of windows perfect for showing off glass artwork. I love the way the sunlight shines through my pieces. While you are there also check out the installation work by Fawzia Khan – it is a powerful look at women – Becoming Visible!

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.

I smell terrible, but I feel fantastic!

Today was my first day back in the hotshop since covid started. It is amazing how rejuvenating something so hot and physically tiring can be! I didn’t go in with any goals except to explore, play, have fun and see what happens. Muscle memory is an amazing thing and I was pleased to see that after a year it all comes back. While I didn’t save much, I worked in clear glass mainly and got back into the swing of things. I also played around with my stamps a lot. I hardly spoke and was in my head problem solving and seeing what I could do, then improve on or try a different way. It was just what I needed! Heading back next week.

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.

Color Me Crazy

It has been so long since I have been into the hotshop or had an exhibit. I recently purchased equipment with my MN State Arts Board grant so I can get back in the hotshop and this month I am part of an exhibit with pieces I already have made at Vandalia Glassworks in South St Paul.

The show is called Color Me Crazy! And I can’t think of a better title for an exhibit of my work. With my colorful patterned beadwork and brightly patterned blown bases, this show was made for me!

In the area? Stop by to see socially distanced glass blowing demos from several artists and a chance to chat in person, masked of course. Saturday April 24 Noon-5pm

Grant!


I wanted to share that I was notified this week that I received a MN state arts board creative support grant.  It will provide me with funds to purchase hotshop rental time and glass blowing tools and equipment and I will be providing some virtual guest artist visits to schools, virtual mindfulness classes with some mental health groups helping women and adolescents and creating promotional videos for my work on social media, in addition to creating my glass sculptures and mixed media work.  I am excited and honored.