Friday night opening at Mystic Arts Center

Mystic Arts Center
9 Water St., Mystic, (860) 536-7601
Mundy Hepburn: Luminosity
MAC Members Exhibition
Jan. 15—Feb. 27, 2010.
Opening reception: Fri., Jan 15, 5:30—7:30 p.m.

Press release

The Mystic Arts Center will host the whimsical illuminated glass creations of Old Saybrook artist Mundy Hepburn in the upcoming sculpture exhibition, Luminosity, from Jan. 15 through Feb. 27.

Hepburn's unconventional work features brightly colored gases swirling within unique large-scale glass sculpture. Each piece provides a moving kaleidoscope of patterns and hues using high frequency static electricity. Unlike most sculpture exhibits, Hepburn's work can be touched. This interaction between art and viewer actually alters the light displayed and makes the exhibition especially fascinating for children.

The Luminosity exhibition will include new works by Hepburn, who explains that he has been "working wildly" since replacing a broken furnace that kept him away from glass work for over a year.

"This is really my inner dream-world," says Hepburn of the exhibition. Hepburn's art grew from mischievous beginnings. When he was eight years old, he began secretly melting light bulbs over the gas stove of his family's kitchen after seeing artist Paul Geyer create glass animals at the Guilford Handcraft Fair. Hepburn's fascination grew with every bulb that bent, bubbled or changed color.

His parents, upon discovering this risky experimentation, actually encouraged his curiosity and allowed him to continue the exploration—now properly supervised. The rest, as they say, is history. The self-proclaimed "mad scientist" has spent decades refining his techniques and craft, incorporating rare gases such as argon, krypton, xenon, helium and neon to create new and imaginative compositions. He has invented new types of glass, transformers, and techniques to create the work he loves.

Hepburn's work has been featured in solo exhibitions at the Florence Griswold Museum, New Britain Museum of American Art, Habatat Galleries in Pontiac Michigan, Bradley International Airport and dozens of other locations. His creations are permanently installed in a variety of museums and educational centers in Connecticut and across the U.S., including the New Britain Museum of American Art, The Museum of Neon Art in Los Angeles, the Greater Hartford Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Science Museum of Connecticut. The Luminosity exhibition runs simultaneously with the Arts Center's annual Members Exhibition and is sponsored by the new luxury downtown residence New London Harbour Towers.

The Opening Reception for the exhibitions will be held on Fri., Jan. 15 from 5:30—7:30 p.m. in partnership with neighboring Courtyard Gallery. This is the fifth annual joint reception showcasing both galleries' annual member shows. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be served and information about New London Harbour Towers will be available at the reception, which is free and open to the public.