Meet Morgan Bukovec | Artist, Educator, Collector of Things

We had the good fortune of connecting with Morgan Bukovec and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Morgan, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking has played an impactful role in my life and art career! Many years ago, I took a massive risk by deciding to switch my major (very late in my college experience) to a dual degree in Fine Arts and Arts Education. This decision and “risk” changed my life and propelled me on a path forward toward my career as an artist. Taking risks (alongside leaning into fear) has been something that I haven’t turned away from. For me “taking risks” means putting myself and my work out there, applying my work to galleries and opportunities, and experimenting with new mediums such as: textiles, installation, sculpture, podcasting, website building, event planning and more! Taking risks (big or small) has built my confidence, given me the opportunity to learn more about myself and ultimately believe that I am capable of anything I put my mind to.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an artist who works and experiments across mediums with found objects and storytelling. I am most proud of my “are you on the menu” series that tells my story of working a decade in the service industry. This work is about reclaiming the words said to me by my male customers and highlighting the normalization of harassment in this industry. This work was recently awarded a 2024 Emerging Artist Solo Exhibition at the McDonough Museum of Art in Youngstown, Ohio and invited to participate in a group exhibition at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center titled ‘Unsavory,” which highlights the food and service industry. It was also featured by Teen Vogue this past year! I am proud to see this work continue to grow and grateful to the Kanyer Art Collection that supported the completion of this 100 work series. I love how this work acts as a bridge to talk about deeper issues within the industry! It has not only allowed me to share my own story, but has given others the opportunity to share theirs, building empathy and community along the way. I am looking forward to making more impactful and meaningful work, while staying true to my own journey.

I also recently started an online art community called “Lava Lamp Lounge” where I host free art meet-ups, support groups, and share creative resources. I love how this space has grown into a beautiful community of creatives who show up for each other and their own creativity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am living in Columbus, Ohio and would take my pals my favorite coffee and bakery shop: “Fox In The Snow!” We would then walk across the street and explore a two story vintage shop called “Flower Child,” which is filled with curated pieces from the 50s-80s. In the evening, we would check out to see what “The Dallas” is up to – this is a community art space that hosts weekly events and that I am a proud member of!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to two of my art mentors who have not only encouraged me creatively, but who have offered great insight, love, and support along my art + education journey: Dr. Darden Bradshaw and Emily Sullivan Smith. Without your words, critiques, thoughtful questions, and encouragement, I would not be the woman and artist I am today – thank you, I love you!

Website: https://morganbukovec.com/

Instagram: @morganbukovec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morganbukovecart

Other: Join my FREE online art community Lava Lamp Lounge: https://morganbukovec.substack.com/