Life as an artist can be tricky, there are so many seasons of change to witness and adjust to as I enter my 27th year in business. Markets change, my work changes, my buyers change, and sometimes injuries get in the way of what I want to accomplish! It all works out and I always say that I love change and the year ahead brings even more change and a little sacrifice.

I’ll give you all the good news first! The University of Northern Colorado has hired me to teach Metalsmithing! Working again with college students makes me happier than you can imagine. Metalsmithing at UNC is not a degree program, but rather an elective! I’ve been saying for years that we all need more electives… even us adults! So don’t worry, I will still be offering metalsmithing workshops in my shop on 4th Street and there will also be room for continuing metalsmiths to work on their own projects on Mondays. All evening classes will be held on Wednesday and Friday nights.

Murals will be put on the back burner. This year I painted my 44th mural and I think I’ve said it all in paint at this point (I might be wrong, but I’m saying it anyway). I have had the opportunity to paint about tools, paint spills, migration, suicide awareness, 2020, the opiate epidemic, swimming, play, flowers, rhythm and vibration, and community, community, community (the common theme throughout). I’m happy to put down my roller brushes and consult with those wishing to start a new mural practice. I’ve had the best career and I have learned a LOT!

Thank you all for following along and visiting me in my shop and at the Loveland Art Studio Tour and Sale! It is always my pleasure to share my skills and get to know you! If you haven’t tried metalsmithing, I promise you it is easier than knitting, you should do it!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram at JCMilnerMetalworks and JCMilnerArtworks for all the visuals updates. My work can always be purchased at Trimble Court Artisans in Fort Collins CO, Chemers Gallery in Tustin CA, and Abbey Lane Gallery in Creede CO.