Meet Malori Plush | artist and community builder

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

Hi Malori, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The inspiration for starting the Pop-Up Art Café originated from a personal desire to make more art, which seemed to always take a backseat due to lack of time and other commitments. The idea emerged from a simple thought: “Wouldn’t it be neat to have a communal space where people could create art and connect with others?” My passion for fostering community played a significant role in shaping the idea. I read once that loneliness is more detrimental to your health than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, and that struck me. So this idea combined two of my greatest loves, art and community. The overarching goal of the pop-up is twofold: to integrate art into everyday life and, more importantly, to offer people a welcoming space to come together and meet new people.

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.
Growing up, like many others, I loved art. I would sit for hours at the kitchen table drawing with a pencil and paper, but somewhere along the way, I picked up the notion, “you can’t make money doing art,” so I stopped. I never took a single art class and went on to earn a degree in International Business. Years later, I was taking one of those career questionnaires that were supposed to help you find passion and direction in your work. The question was, “what did you love to do as a child?” It was then I remembered all those hours at the kitchen table and decided to commit to making more art. The first time I sat down to draw again, I was amazed at the thoughts that bombarded my mind. “You’re not an artist.” “This is a waste of time.” “What’s the point?” At this time I had been practicing meditation and was able to witness the thoughts instead of becoming overtaken by them and pushed past them. Eventually, my mind calmed and I was able to finish the drawing. The interesting thing about that day is I was shocked by the drawing I created, I didn’t know I was capable of that – and had I listened to those thoughts, I never would have known.

From this experience, my Intuitive Art and Meditation Classes were born. I teach people through meditation and breathing exercises how to calm their analytical, critical mind and access their natural and intuitive creativity. I believe everyone has access to creativity, it’s just a matter of getting out of the thinking mind.

My newest project, the Pop-Up Art Café, is about to launch next Sunday. This idea stemmed from the desire to weave more creativity into everyday life and create an environment where people can connect and meet new people. The Pop-Up Art Café partners with local businesses and serves up a menu of art projects you can do right on the spot. Select an art project from the menu and receive a thoughtfully curated kit with all the supplies you need to spark your creativity. Imagine ordering your drink of choice, an art packet, and choosing a cozy spot to let your creative juices flow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Experience the Garden of the Gods at sunrise Breakfast at Adam’s Mountain Cafe
Walk around Cottonwood Center for the Arts and check out local artists
Enjoy a Spanish-inspired lunch at Tapateria
Stop by Edenology and relax in the salt cave
Sample a wine flight at the Upstairs Wine Bar
Dinner at 503W

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My community. My friends and family who continually encourage me to take risks and try something new. I’m so blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in possibility and living above the status quo. It matters who you surround yourself with, and I have friends who remind me, “just do it!”

Website: https://www.maloriplush.com/

Instagram: @popupartcafe @conscious_thingsnthesprings