Blog - Laurie Smithwick

ArtPop Charlotte – Class of 2020

By Laurieannouncing, art, news, public artNo Comments

You guys. I have news. Really big crazy amazing news. A gelatin monotype print of mine, Wall Dive, has been selected for the ArtPop Charlotte class of 2020! Starting in mid-January, Wall Dive will be displayed on billboards, newsstands, airport charging stations, shopping center digital kiosks, and more all year! The first billboard location will be on I-77, just north of the LaSalle St. exit. I believe it will be on the left side of the highway, but visible to northbound traffic. Here’s a map link for you, and I’ll share photos as soon as I can! It is currently being shown…

January 13, 2020

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Oh How Bright the Path Grows

By Laurieart, public art, save the world, thought provokingNo Comments

I created this piece with the fabulous Helms Jarrell for the Art of Recycling Public Art Initiative. It features street prints pulled from Enderly Park neighborhood streets, on top of collages Helms created with pages from her husband Greg's book about Enderly Park, A Riff of Love: Notes on Community and Belonging. We chose our street print locations from stories shared at Hannah Hasan's Muddy Turtle Talks. Each canvas is marked on the back with its specific location. The finished work hangs in the Bette Rae Thomas Center on Tuckaseegee. I loved working on this project with Helms and meeting folks...

November 15, 2019

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Gone Dogs is here

By Laurieannouncing, books, design, make somethingNo Comments

You guys. I have news. One of the most biggest projects I've ever worked on, Gone Dogs, is available for purchase. Like, now. Like, right this second. Gone Dogs is a coffee table book featuring 50 stories and photos of beloved dogs from around the world. My good friend, Jim Mitchem and I have been working our butts off for literally years to produce this collection, and I'm here to tell you – it is stunning. If you have ever loved a dog, you will love this book. I promise. Visit the Gone Dogs website to order your copy. I can't wait for...

August 19, 2019

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Wrapping Plaza Midwood

By Laurieannouncing, art, design, go outside, public artNo Comments

I am so thrilled that my recent signal box wrap project with the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association and Plaza Midwood Merchants is complete! You can now see art from eight amazing Charlotte artists (plus me!) on the traffic signal cabinets along Central Ave. and The Plaza. Let's take a walking tour, shall we? Start at the corner of Hawthorne and Central for Holly Spruck's Charlotte skyline: Head up to Clement, in front of Bistro la Bon, to see Annada Hypes' adorable illustrations: At the corner of Pecan and Central, you'll find Mo Wineman's homage to Plaza Midwood: My piece is...

July 12, 2019

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Archie the Cat

By Lauriecats, family2 Comments

For 20 years, our cat Archie craved attention, loved to be held, and spent every possible moment with us. He was more dog than cat. We loved him fiercely.

November 6, 2018

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Amplify the Signal

By Laurieannouncing, art, design, go outsideNo Comments

I am so proud to announce that Amplify the Signal, my recent Creative Lab grant project with Historic South End, is complete! You can now see public art from eight amazing Charlotte artists (plus me!) on the traffic signal boxes along South Blvd.

September 26, 2018

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Signal Cabinet Wraps

By Laurieart, color, design, public artNo Comments

Charlotte is just beginning to dip its toe in the world of Signal Cabinet wraps and I’m so proud to have created the first ones on display! The first one is in South End, on the corner of South & East Boulevards, right next to Grace Covenant Church. It’s called Intersectional, to pay homage to the crossroads where it is located. Where East meets West, South meets North, haves meet have nots, etc. The art is was created with watercolor and ink. The second one is on the corner of Thomas and Central Ave, next to Workman’s Friend. 2…

May 22, 2018

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Going through hell? Keep Going.

By Lauriedesign, quotes, thought provokingNo Comments

Need advice for how to keep your head up when times get tough? Look no further. This unattributed quote is both affirming and also optimistic. Keep going.

January 30, 2018

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Cloud Bread

By Lauriefood, make something6 Comments

If you discover that there’s something in the world called Cloud Bread, you pretty much HAVE to try it. I did, and now you can too.

January 27, 2018

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Never Stop Doing Right

By Lauriebooks, quotes, thoughtsOne Comment

Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right. Quote from THE HATE U GIVE, by Angie Thomas.

January 3, 2018

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