Glass Lily Garden exhibit by April Wagner

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - July 15, 2015 - PRLog -- The award-winning glass artist, April Wagner, has gathered a group of vibrant glass lilies in a rainbow of colors for the exhibition Glass Lily Garden this summer at NCRC. The exhibition is a continuation of the active and ongoing arts program presented by NCRC Art for the University of Michigan community and for the general public.

Wagner studied art and glass at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, New York Experimental Glass Workshop in Brooklyn, Alfred University in Alfred, New York and at Interlochen Arts Academy in northwestern Michigan. As an artist, she has been committed to this elegant material since attending college. She opened epiphany studio in Pontiac, Michigan in 1993. Here she makes both functional and sculpture works in glass – bridging both fine and decorative art.

“In college I discovered molten glass as a material. It was love at first sight and in the 24 years since, nothing has changed. Glass captivates me with its seductive allure. In my work I try to capture the fluidity and grace of the glass without over-tooling and marring it. The physical act of creating glass, taking raw material and breathing life into it, defines my place in the universe. Using this material requires skills that take years to master and I am somewhere in the middle of my journey,” shares Wagner.

Her work has been featured in Detroit Home Magazine and she made the 40 Under 40 list of the most talented, driven and dynamic professionals under the age of 40 in Crain’s Detroit.

When making a series in glass, Wagner explains “I am intrigued by the process of blowing glass into linear and organic shapes. Then I play with them in space. By turning, twisting, or repeating the shapes I investigate their relationship to the floor, wall, or tabletop. In creating multiples and assembling the shapes together, almost like “found objects,” I create large scale pieces. I use color to push and pull the eye around or up and down the piece.”

Visitors are welcome by appointment at epiphany studio in Pontiac, Michigan, where Wagner makes a range of functional glass, as well as sculptural works.

Closing Reception (in tandem with the exhibition Abstract View: Detroit):

September 9, 2015 from 5 pm to 7 pm

At NCRC, Building 18 Lobby

Exhibition Dates:

June 10 through September 16, 2015

Public Hours:

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm

Location:

2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2800

http://ncrc.cms.si.umich.edu/contact/mapsdirections/building18

North Campus Research Complex (NCRC) is a research facility within the University of Michigan Health System. In keeping with the spirit of research, NCRC Art aims to generate an environment of innovation and inspiration through the display of art and through arts programming.  Scientists and artists share a common ability – abstract thinking.  Developing a dialog between the two is our main objective.

The intention of the art program is to introduce visual and performing arts in the form of educational experiences that are dynamic and thought provoking for the members of the NCRC community, as well as the larger U-M community and general public.

epiphany glass,www.epiphanyglass.com, is a state-of-the-art, 4,000 sq. ft. glassblowing studio and gallery located in Pontiac, Michigan.  Since 1997, epiphany’s distinctive look has been created by artist and owner April Wagner.  Wagner adds a contemporary twist to the traditional fazzoletto technique, which originated in the Venini factory of Murano, Italy, during the 1930s and was later popularized by Seattle glass artists. Her work is found in many public and private collections, including those of GM, Pfizer, Strategic Staffing Solutions, Vladimir Putin, Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson. For more info. or to make a studio appointment, call (248)745-3786 or email mary@epiphanyglass.com.