A multi-media artist known for her rich use of color and unique sculpting techniques, Angi Graham has a signature style that showcases her unusual and intricately decorated glass beads.
Her artistic journey began with life as a respiratory therapist and United States Air Force wife. She started out as a full time art student at Cal State University in 1985, then went on to pursue her art education at the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas where she concentrated on painting and drawing.
In 1993 while living in Sacramento California her talents first focused on sandblasting and fusing at a local glass store where she was hired to teach classes. She then found herself learning from one of the best in the business, Loren Stump, who has been featured in “Bead and Button Magazine” and “New Glass Review.” From there, Angi moved to Alaska where she became President of the Alaska Glass Bead Makers group, and the North West Regional Director for the Society of Glass Bead Makers.
Angi’s work has been displayed at the International Society of Glass Bead Makers international conference each year, the George Ohr Museum in Biloxi, Mississippi, and at the Bead Museum in Glendale, Arizona. She was also the first bead maker to win a “Best of Show” award at the George Ohr Arts and Crafts Show, where she took second place. She has been mentioned in articles of several different publications and is in the book “1000 Best Bead Makers” published by Lark Books.
Although her talents in glass bead making are amazing, Angi’s talents go far beyond sandblasting and fusing today. She uses a rich choice of colors and a unique sculpting technique to design all her pieces, from painting images for large church windows and art pieces for many galleries, to the tiniest and most delicate of glass beads.
A glass instructor for the past 12 years, Angi enjoys teaching others and helping her students develop that same excitement for glass that she found almost 20 years ago. Angi and her husband are currently building a new teaching facility in Hico, Texas. The Bead and Bunk House will sit on 185 acres of beautiful Texas land and include an 1100 square foot working studio. The facility will allow Angi to Teach, bring in guest artists, and offer weekend beading retreats.
Angi lives in Texas with her husband, several dogs, an unusual cat, parrots, horses and many more of God’s creatures. She maintains a studio behind her home and travels extensively across the U.S. teaching and attending art shows.
