Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie Hutton.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am President of Healing Arts Reaching Kids of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. We have 2 workshops at CHLA where we make art with the kids at or in the hospital. I love to paint and when we ask the kids what they want to do… (Do you want to color? Do you want to Draw? ) They pick paint as well, so we use painting as our medium.
Before CHLA I made art with very special adults at a school called Tierra Del Sol in Sun Valley for 7 years… I have always loved to paint and some paintings are better than others. I found my stride when I found I could paint and was motivated to do so by volunteering to paint with others as an exercise to relax and breathe or to be a kid again.
Painting is my meditation.
Please tell us about your art.
My art is motivated by personal experience. I like to paint my family, animals, places I love, visit or live in. I like to keep it small and somewhat real. When they are small They don’t take up too much room. I love oils, but at Children’s Hospital, we use watercolors and acrylics… I have learned to draw and paint fast. This requires commitment.
I sit down and start painting to show the kids and parents how to start.. Starting is the hardest thing and for me, it’s like lying on the beach on a summer day with your eyes closed. I can hear everyone around me talking and laughing but I am in my own zone… I have learned that daughters laugh when their fathers paint with them.
When everyone paints together it’s like sharing a meal… pass the paper towel, please. Oops, I spilled my water. Can I borrow some of your red? Fun happens.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
Actually, I think the role of art is and always has expressed emotions and views of artists always. It is why these great people who can make it do it. It is an expression of injustice as well as beauty. I admire their courage and abilities. I tried once to paint a portrait of an autistic child. When I showed it to his mother she cried… I can’t do that again.
My art reflects the lighter side of life. Painting at CHLA brings out many emotions with all of us. We come together here for the children with people from all over the world. We don’t speak the same language but we share a prayer for our children.
Children even in what may seem a dire predicament will paint a sun and a house and a flower and friends. They are so innocent. This is how they are feeling… saying I miss home. I just try to bring light and love to them and share time… painting together. I keep all politics and bad weather out of my head
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work is on the walls of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. It is a mix of kids, family and volunteer art which some of is mine. We sell our art at the Beverly Hills Art Show twice a year. The 3rd week of May and the 3rd week of October.
Also, we sell our art at our events. Our next big event is November 11 at Catalina Bar and Grill. Rita Wilson and friends will be performing and she too is a painter. All of our art by kids, family and volunteers will be for sale.
100% of the money we make goes back to buy art supplies for the children. The largest amount goes to buy supplies given in a box for the nurses to distribute when a child needs something to calm them. There are 15 boxes now reaching about 900 kids a month.
If you want to support you can donate on our website OR you can JOIN us! It’s more fun to paint together when you’re a kid!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.healingartsreachingkids.org
- Phone: 323 361-2367
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: Healing Arts Reaching Kids(HARK)
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
