Artist Mindy Burton’s goal is to make life a little bit brighter.
“Art makes people’s day more enjoyable. To see something they didn’t expect to see in a space...That’s my intention, to brighten up a space and bring a smile to someone’s face,” Burton said.
Her work is on display at the Crete Public Library through the end of April.
The library gallery is curated by the Blue River Arts Council, which recognized Burton’s past work with the “Birds of a Feather” project in 2019, a fundraiser for the Isis Theater renovation.
Burton has also created for a dozen similar sculpture projects, including decorating large hearts, stars and the “Serving Hands” in Lincoln.
She coaches sports and has taught art to students for more than 30 years at Milford Public Schools.
She said finding time to work on her own art can be a challenge.
“My works are very, very time-consuming,” Burton said. “When I do get some time, it’s just really relaxing.”
Over the past four years, Burton has been a member of the Burkholder Project in Lincoln, where she exhibits art year-round and has her own show once a year.
Her show is coming up in July.
She said community projects and preparing for exhibitions is what keeps her motivated.
“Those give me a reason and a deadline,” Burton said. “I need the requirement of ‘You have a show, and you’re going to need new works to put in it.’”
She currently is trying new techniques on several works in progress.
“Right now I’m just in a trial phase where I’m trying to explore new things and learn things through my art,” Burton said.
She works largely with found objects, which give her work texture and uniqueness.
“I have so many details in my works because I love patterns,” Burton said.
She grew up loving fabrics, earned a master’s degree in fiber art and even spent time designing patterns for fabric.
Her goal is to create art that makes viewers feel upbeat and blessed.
“Not all art is fun and lighthearted,” she said, “but mine is.”
