Laurel Joy is an artist from the Denver area living and working in Durango, Colorado. Specializing in painting, Laurel produces in acrylic and oil. She excels in portraiture, realism, and touches on the surreal nature of emotions. The goal of her work is to impact others. Growing up taking art classes within and outside of school, Laurel’s passion for art led to her receiving her Bachelor of Arts for Studio Art at Fort Lewis College. She has received awards thus far, Honorable Mentions in 59th & 61st Juried Show at FLC and a Scholastic Gold Key in 2018. Exhibitions around Colorado have held her work: MCA Denver, Scholastic Exhibitions, Senior Artist Show at her highschool, several showings at Fort Lewis College, and the Durango Public Library. In addition, Laurel is a big participant in the communities she has impacted. She created works in FLC’s Springboard Fellowship in 2022, taught others in her workshop Creative Encouragement Devotional in 2022, and led a faith-based art group called Creative Kingdom Collective. Furthermore, Laurel enjoys the medium of chalk pastel. She has participated in chalk festivals and led a workshop at Fort Lewis College. Recently graduated, she is participating in the local art scene of Durango. Catch her at Makers Market at Chanel 37 June 24th.