'Modern Funk: Funk Is Form' Performative Glassblowing with Cedric Mitchell

Los Angeles-based artist Cedric Mitchell returns to his home city and takes viewers inside his “Modern Funk” process, featuring bold colors, playful geometry, and clean craftsmanship rooted in Afro-Postmodernism. The demonstration at Tulsa Glassblowing School, where Mitchell got his start, explores how narrative and color theory drive form, while showcasing techniques such as color exploration, hot assembly, and clean finishes that transform utility into design. Expect an energetic walkthrough of shaping and design decisions in real-time, along with Q&A on material, processes, and storytelling. Special musical guests include DJ NONAME and The Rowlands Band. Refreshments will be provided.

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A musician who fell in love with studio glass, Cedric Mitchell is no stranger to sampling a wide range of influences in his practice. His 'Modern Funk' series combines the bold attitude and eclectic style of 1970s and ’80s funk music, the playfulness of Memphis Milano furniture, the aesthetics of 1990s toys and street art, and the minimalism of modern design into one-of-a-kind sculptures and vases. He forges each geometric component with precision and dedication in a saturated candy-colored palette. Mitchell then mixes and matches the pieces into stacking whimsical tabletop sculptures. He also makes functional wares that similarly engage color and shapes. Mitchell navigates his growing career while developing a social practice as an organizer and educator with dexterity. For the past ten years, he has actively supported emerging artists and disseminated knowledge about making glass art through his involvement with youth organizations in underserved communities that have historically not had access to art education. He is also on the leadership team of Crafting the Future, an artist-run organization that provides scholarships for young artists of color to connect with craft-based educational opportunities. Mitchell is looking to shatter the glass ceiling of the art world for generations to come.

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Tulsa Artist Fellowship’s third annual Open House, taking place from October 3-5, 2025, embodies our commitment to nurturing Tulsa and its visionary artistic practitioners. Programs foster interconnectedness through community care and collaboration.

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