Visiting artists host programs in Mesa

Two visiting artists will host special programs for the public this weekend in Mesa.

On Saturday, Dominic Benhura, a 41-year-old sculptor from Zimbabwe, will greet visitors to his exhibition at Arizona Museum for Youth.

Called "Dominic Benhura: Stone Sculptures from Africa," the show features primarily springstone forms selected especially for their appeal to children. Springstone is a hard Zimbabwean stone with a reddish brown outer layer that polishes to a high shine.

Later the same day, acclaimed glass artist Charles Lowrie will demonstrate his craft at Mesa Arts Center. During the presentation, Lowrie, an Oregon native, will sculpt molten, glowing glass. It's an art that requires precise attention to timing and detail.

Benhura began sculpting at age 10. Nature, family and his relationships with his children are Benhura's main inspiration for his sculptures.

He will host two more events - a meet-and-greet with local college art students and an evening hors d'oeuvres reception, talk and tour of his exhibit that is open to the public - in early February.

Benhura's events are co-hosted by Scottsdale's Zuva Gallery.

Lowrie's glass demonstration will be followed in early February by a one-day glass sculpting workshop. Participants will get to mold hot glass into hearts, flowers or other small, paperweight-type shapes. There is a $90 fee and registration is required. For information, call (480) 644-6520 or visit www.joshdopp.com/other/mac/glasslove.html.

Meet a stone artist from Africa

What: Dominic Benhura, a sculptor from Africa with an exhibition at a Mesa museum, visits the East Valley.

When: Children can meet the artist 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday; a meet-and-greet session for ASU, MCC and SCC art students is 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, and an RSVP is required by Monday; a special presentation, tour and hors d'oeuvres reception with the artist, called "From Africa to Arizona: An Evening with Dominic Benhura," is open to adults and children 12 and older from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 6. Reservations are required.

Where: Arizona Museum for Youth, 35 N. Robson St., Mesa

Cost: The Saturday event is free with paid admission to the museum; admission is $5.50 per person age 1 and older. College art students get in free Tuesday, provided they have called to register. The Feb. 6 evening reception is $30-$35; reservations are required.

Information: (480) 644-4129 or www.arizonamuseumforyouth.com

Watch a sculptor mold hot glass

What: Master glassblower Charles Lowrie demonstrates how he makes art from molten glass.

When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St.

Cost: Free, but donations will support the center's Glass Studio programs. $15 is suggested.

Information: (480) 644-6520 or www.mesaartscenter.com