Laurie Smithwick is an abstract painter, printmaker, muralist and public artist. She was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, studied art and creative writing at Duke University, and graphic design and photography at Parsons School of Design. Laurie was the founder and creative director of LEAP Design, and is a partner in the Alt Summit creative conference. Her design work earned her a Grammy nomination, and she has delivered a TEDx talk on the genesis of ideas.

Laurie has exhibited throughout the US and the US Virgin Islands, taught printmaking and painting, and created murals and public art for many businesses and organizations, including Charlotte City Center Partners, Blumenthal Performing Arts, Novant Health, AARP, and the
VAPA Center.

Her abstract art, steeped in formalism, uses color, texture, and composition to illuminate the human experience of transition and explore the world of possibility.