Artist Profile: Denise Murphy

On occasion, MVAAC posts short profiles featuring local artists. Written by Aleasa Robinson

Denise Murphy is one of the many artists who have made their home in Mount Vernon, IA, a community that encourages artists to thrive and grow. Born in Port Byron, Illinois, Denise moved to Mount Vernon in 2011 to be closer to family and now owns Mount Vernon Creates on Main Street, an event center and a gallery that promotes area artists. The impressive space was designed and renovated by Denise and her husband, Robert. Denise has some of her own pieces on display, several of which have won awards. She began her artistic journey with childhood arts and crafts; later a high school instructor taught her that art can be whatever she wanted. She began with realism but now concentrates on abstract paintings. Her current works are alcohol ink paintings, a technique that allows the canvas to have a mind of its own. In her words, “The inks really flow and it feels good to let it do what it needs to. With the ink, it’s good to have those happy surprises.”