Rainforest Art Foundation to Honor Local Glass Artist Minor Vinck on his 99th Birthday

SHREVEPORT, La., May 13, 2014 —The Rainforest Art Foundation will honor Minor Vinck for his artistic accomplishments and 99th year of life with a birthday celebration on January 22, 2015 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. His artistic works will be featured amongst other local artists work at the preview party and grand opening of the Rainforest Art Foundation and Marlene Yu Museum. The preview party will be Dec. 18, 2014 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the grand opening will follow on Dec. 21, 2014 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at 710 Travis Street, Shreveport, LA 71101.

Vinck is a well-known glass artist whose works include copper wheel engravings, glass sculptures, and carved glass murals influenced by his love of nature and flight. Vinck harnessed skills including beveling, wheel cutting, sand carving, leaded glass, and copper wheel engraving at a home studio throughout his life.

Vinck was born on January 22, 1916 in Texarkana, TX where he grew up. Vinck’s family was employed by the local glass factory leading him to take interest in glass at age 16. His family encouraged his interest by presenting him with a set of stone engraving wheels, beginning his lifelong endeavors of translating his love of nature and beauty into glass.

Vinck also took an interest in flying. He formed an aerial daredevil team with Texarkana pilot, Henry Ray, and became known as the “Daredevil Youth of Texarkana” or “Mile-High Vinck”. His interest in flying is reflected in many of his glass sculptures and murals.

Vinck’s wife, Ruth, brought him to Shreveport where he settled down. After 35 years as a cutter and inspector at Libbey Owens Ford, Vinck began working as an artist full time in 1972.

Vinck’s lifelong work has been recognized through various awards including the Beaux Arts “Living Legend” Award, LA Visual Arts Hall of Fame, Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau Honoree, and Red River Sculptor of the Year. His work can currently be found at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport.

Contact:

Iris MacLean

Public Relations Intern at Rainforest Art Foundation

(318) 840-5213

irisrainforestart@gmail.com

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