New York artist Laura Loving returns to her Southern roots to exhibit her paintings, prints and art objects in a five-city art tour she has dubbed “Laurapalooza.”

Loving, originally from Fayetteville, Ga., received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia. She describes her work by saying, “I take everyday images and recreate them into my own animated version of the world. I consider my art to be an invention of reality rather than purely an exact imitation. I exaggerate color and shape to create art that is humorous, alive and uplifting. Without question, I consider making a connection with someone through a painting the best part of being an artist.”

Painting with oil enamel on canvas, Loving has developed a distinctive style consisting of bold lines, dramatic surface patterns and pure color that result in vibrant paintings with a certain poetic energy. Laura has exhibited in solo and group shows throughout the United States and abroad. In New York, Loving has shown at Lincoln Center’s Cork Gallery, Pratt Institute, Strut Gallery and Anthem Gallery. In 2005, she was hired to create the artwork for the Fall Cabaret Convention at Jazz at Lincoln Center. In Europe, she has shown with the Wonderwall Gallery in Cirencester, England, and Chaleurs du Sud in Nice, France. In Atlanta, Loving was commissioned to create an outdoor mural in Centennial Olympic Park and the official serigraph for the 1998 Music Midtown Festival. The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Fla., has just acquired several of her paintings for their permanent collection.

“Laurapalooza” kicks off May 6 in Tifton, Ga., where Loving will participate in their annual Fine Arts Festival, appropriately titled, “The Love Affair.” This premier South Georgia festival, hosted by Tifton for 25 years, is a celebration of both the visual and performing arts. This year’s show is slated for Saturday and Sunday (May 6-7) in Fulwood Park. The next stop is Fitzgerald, Ga., on Thursday, May 11. Loving will join 300 students from Fitzgerald High School for an art show and auction featuring the students’ work, as well as her own. Part of the proceeds will go to a selected autism charity chosen by the school’s Anchor Club. The artist will host a talk for students and parents about pursuing a creative career. Local papers and WALB news from Albany, Ga., are expected to attend.

The next stop brings the tour back to Loving’s hometown for the annual Fayette County Old Courthouse Art Show on the courthouse lawn. Loving will be at booth No. 11 on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other stops on the tour include Nashville, Tenn., and Lancaster, S.C. Patrons of the artist are sponsoring private events in these two cities. For invitations, please contact Laura directly at lauraloving@lauraloving.com. For a preview of the artist’s work, visit her Web site at www.lauraloving.com.

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