CULLMAN – Meet this week’s Citizen of the Week – Laura Walker. Laura is married to Ryan Walker, owner of Walker Timber Frames and is the mother of three wonderfully creative kids. She limits her work hours so she can be home with her children in the evenings. Family is extremely important to her and Laura is the type of person who will never lose sight of where she comes from.
“I come from the independent Willinghams and the supportive Persalls, which are two large families in the Cullman area,” Laura smiled. “My mother is a professional artist and my dad is a professional musician. I was raised in an encouraging, creative environment. Art was in my soul from birth. Mom and I now run the Art Shop Around the Corner, an art gallery and studio.”
Laura is the daughter of well-known artist Pam Willingham, and together the two have formed quite the artistic force here in town. The mother/daughter team has given local citizens the gifts of imagination and creativity. They have taught their students how to express themselves in very positive and beautifully unique ways.
“At our shop we have weekly art class for adults and for kids,” Laura explained. “We also offer weekly pottery classes for adults and children. Our most popular program is the Extended Day Art program, where we pick up students from school for daily art classes, help with their homework and play time,” she smiled warmly.
“We do arty birthday parties and have summer art camps and summer pottery camps. All of our teachers are kind, talented people. Our class and camp schedule can be seen at CullmanArtShop.com.”
Laura is an extremely talented artist and her work has its own look and feel.
Over a year ago you guys helped me brain storm a fun photo booth for the art shop. It is finally up!!
Posted by Shop Around the Corner on Thursday, May 14, 2015
She has the ability to capture just about anything in her work. Whether the subject matter is a local landmark, a simple farm animal or the woman down the road, Laura’s artwork captures the essence of the scene.
“My art is about expressing emotion, typically the love of family, joy in faith, sometimes sadness but never shock art,” she smiled.
“I might have a poignant watercolor like ‘Hear My Prayer, Lord’, using Bible pages in the art or a more playful oil painting like ‘Betsy and Birdie’.”
Everyone has something they do to either focus on their work or just to relax. Artists definitely have to be in the right frame of mind to accomplish their desired work. Laura has several things she does to keep her mind and creativity sharp.
“My creativity is grown by singing, taking classes from other creative people, playing with plants, praying, and spending time with intelligent people,” she continued.
“My spiritual life is very important to me. I worship with the South Cullman Church of Christ. I practice yoga regularly at Santosha Yoga studio, where my mind can get quiet and meditative. Also, just being quiet and still helps with my spiritual paintings.”
Laura Walker has more talent in the tip of her little finger than many people dream about.
Through her love and dedication to the art community, she is forever promoting fellow artists and their work.
“We have some amazingly talented people in Cullman! I post art events, craft shows and photos of our students on my FB page, Facebook.com/LaurasShop. I encourage other artists to post events and quotes on there too,” she said. “To see some great art from local artists, go eat at the Red Door Cafe.”
The Art Shop Around the Corner is located at 908 2nd Ave NW, Cullman, AL 35055. Their phone number is 256-775-1775.
