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About Laura...her artistic side

About Laura...her artistic side

A principal in the award-winning architectural firm of Penza Bailey Architects, Laura has always enjoyed pursuing artistic projects beyond her architectural work. A lifelong collector of handcrafted jewelry, functional ceramics and many other forms of art, her appreciation of craftsmanship inspired her to learn about artistic media she loves. 

 

Through an exploration of various artistic techniques, most recently ceramic and metalsmithing, she continues to develop an expression of her own artistic voice. Her artwork is inspired by the geometry of architecture and nature and her love of texture and colors.

 

Giving back to communities has been an important part of Laura’s life, and she is grateful to be able to support non-profit and professional organizations by sharing her architectural expertise and her artistic creations to help fulfill important community missions. 

Artistic Statement

My artistic work is an expression of my love of architecture, and my passion for hand-crafted art for everyday use.  Inspired by the geometry of Architecture and Nature, I enjoy combining different materials and textures in my artwork - and color adds joy.

Architecture is the tangible result of thoughtfully connected materials, resulting in functional spaces that bring shelter, efficiency and even smiles.  Art is very much the same - form follows function at a much smaller scale. 

 

 

Miscellaneous Art Education

AaHaa School for the Arts,

Telluride, CO

   Silver Ring Basics

The Artist Corner, Baltimore, MD

   Stained Glass

Cincinnati Art Museum, OH

Spitzmiller Art Studio, Cincinnati, OH

Baltimore Clayworks

Since 2009, I've enjoyed learning about many different techniques from wonderful instructors:

Kyle Butler

Deborah Bedwell

Patty Bilbro

Amy Carnahan

Jim Dugan

Peggy Fowler

Yoshi Fuji

Tim Sherman

Gary Slavinsky

Pamela Theis

Education

University of Cincinnati,

Design, Art, Architecture and Planning (DAAP)

      Cincinnati Ohio

Bachelor of Architecture, 1982

Six Year Co-Operative Program

 

Architectural Registration,

      Maryland, 1985

LEED Accredited Professional, 2009

Summit Country Day High School

      Cincinnati, Ohio

Graduated 1976

 

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)

Foundations Painting I, II

Oil Painting, Watercolor

Advanced Lighting Applications

      Bruce Dunlop, Glenn Shrum

Lighting Applications

      Bruce Dunlop

Intro. to Lighting Applications

      Glenn Shrum

MICA Jewelry Certification

2013, Summer Introductory

     April Woods

Baltimore Jewelry Center

2020

Industrial Color, Elliot Keeley

2019

Production, Jenn Parnell

2018

Precious Metal Clay, Erica Bello

Materials Refresh, April Wood

2017

Raw Stone Settings, Jenn Parnell

Radical Jewelry Makeover, April Wood

Granulation, Beth Pohlman

2016

Repetition, Beth Pohlman

Professional Development Workshop, Heidi Lowe

Color Applications, Jenn Parnell

2015

Introductory, Beth Pohlman

Professional Development, Rachel Timmins

3D Enameling, Jenn Parnell

Cold Connections, Kirsten Rook

Anodizing, Shana Kroiz

2014

Introduction, Earrings, April Wood

Die Forms, Shana Kroiz

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