Spotlight: Aurora Borealis Glassworks
In New Mexico, “turn up the heat” can mean a lot of different things. Head to Nob Hill for another way to do just that and take a glass-blowing class! Create vases, bowls, marbles, and more—or shop the website.
“Aurora Borealis Glassworks was established in 2002, and we focus on teaching people 8 to 80-plus with limited to no glass art experience classes in every glass art discipline,” says owner John Owen. “We do glass-blowing, stained glass, and fusing or kiln work.” The glass arts school, which is close to San Mateo at 5001 Central NE, also serves as a gallery space featuring work made by local glass artists.
Aurora Borealis offers discounts to healthcare workers and others; organizes private and corporate events; and regularly engages with the community through partnerships with UNM, high schools, and the nonprofit organization NM CAN, among others.
Celebrating Local Art: A Feature on Our Authentically ABQ Campaign
The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture partnered with Esparza Advertising to bring Authentically Albuquerque to life—a campaign celebrating the city’s vibrant creative community. Esparza brought in photographer Campbell Bishop to capture the essence of local artists in an iconic photoshoot, launching the campaign with striking visuals and compelling storytelling. This case study, written by Bishop, dives into the creative process, the challenges of the shoot, and the incredible results that showcase Albuquerque’s artistic talent.
5 Things To Do in April
Keys, Please!
Every Thursday in April, starting with April 3, learn to play the piano for free at the Singing Arrow Community Center, 13200 Wenonah Ave. SE. Hosted by CABQ’s Department of Youth & Family Services, the classes are from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, are open to all ages and abilities, and continue every Thursday night through July. Instruments provided.
Go Toward the Light
From April 5 until July 20, the Albuquerque Museum will host the Light, Space, and the Shape of Time exhibition, exploring how 16 artists have been inspired by or are connected to the Light and Shape art movement that started in the 1960s. See work by pioneering artists such as Larry Bell, Robert Irwin, and James Turrell next to work by artists relatively new to the genre. One such artist, Soo Sunny Park, will join the museum’s Assistant Curator of Art, William Gassaway, on opening day for a free talk that begins at 2:00 PM.
A Convention Wonka Would Be Proud Of
On April 5 and 6, step into the grind at Expo New Mexico for “the world’s largest festival for chocolate, coffee, and gourmet foods”—all delectably swirled together for the 15th Annual Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest. Try wine and chocolate pairings, get guided coffee samples, visit 200 vendors, compete in the Guittard baking contest, and check out a variety of free presentations throughout the weekend. For an even sweeter experience, sign up for a free pass for Sweet Week, which happens March 29 through April 6, and gain discounts for local treats and other great deals! Single-day general admission tickets are $15; kids 3–12 are $5.
View Life in Black and White
From Thursday, April 10, through Saturday, May 17, see a collection of black and white photographs and drawings presented by the nonprofit organization New Mexico Art League, which was founded in 1929 and is one of the oldest art organizations in America. Located behind the Juan Tabo Public Library, at 3409 Juan Tabo, the art league also offers a variety of classes, workshops, and studio sessions for a wide range of ages and skill levels. The opening reception is Saturday, April 26 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Free.
Get Some Beauty Rest
A classic rendition of The Sleeping Beauty, this performance by The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine featuring principal dancers Maria Lolenko, Ilona Baitler, Alexander Litvinov, and Sergei Zdanschi comes to the Kiva Auditorium on Saturday, April 12. The family-friendly show, with music by Tchaikovsky, starts at 7:00 PM. Tickets start at $35.
