“L loves M” by Laura Patchen (Courtesy of Laura Patchen)
“The Christmas Teapot” by Laura Patchen (Courtesy of Laura Patchen)
For Laura Patchen, every completed painting represents more than a finished work of art. It is a reminder that creativity can flourish even when living with a progressive disease
Patchen’s exhibit, “Scenes From a Joyous Life,” will be on display July 31-Aug. 26 in the Elaine Biondi Gallery Space at Monroeville Public Library. The collection features 28 acrylic paintings inspired by her travels, cherished memories and the beauty she finds in everyday moments
The Monroeville resident, who is self-taught, said the exhibit reflects her belief that joy can be found in ordinary scenes if people take the time to notice them
“I just want them to feel good, to feel happy, to recognize that you can live a full life and be joyful regardless of circumstance,” Patchen said. “There are always little things around us that sometimes we don’t take the time to appreciate — the color of flowers, the texture of a barn or a quiet field. They’re always there. We just have to open our eyes to them.”
Although she began painting later in life, the hobby became especially meaningful after multiple sclerosis forced her to end her career as a speech-language pathologist
Because of the disease, Patchen typically can paint for only an hour to an hour and a half before fatigue affects her arms and hands. Finishing each piece often takes weeks or months
“Having a progressive disease means things keep getting taken away or becoming more limited,” she said. “Painting has become very healing for me. To go from deciding what to paint, beginning it, working through all the challenges and then producing something that evokes happiness is a huge accomplishment.”
The paintings are rooted in memories and emotions rather than technical perfection. Bright colors and familiar subjects — rustic cabins, landscapes, flowers and treasured household objects — are intended to capture moments that have brought her joy
One of her favorite works in the exhibit is “Tranquility,” which depicts a cabin beside a pond
“I find instant relaxation whenever I look at that one,” she said. “I hope visitors take the time to pause with it.”
Another favorite, “The Christmas Teapot,” features a poinsettia, ornament and a holiday teapot she has displayed in her home for about two decades
“When I pull that teapot out every Christmas, it immediately makes me smile,” Patchen said. “Painting it brought back so many wonderful memories.”
This marks the first time Patchen has displayed an entire collection of her work rather than a single painting or two. Earlier this year, she was selected to exhibit in the juried Westmoreland Art Nationals, an accomplishment she described as an honor
“My art isn’t meant to be a technical masterpiece,” she said. “It’s meant to evoke emotion. These paintings represent the things that bring me joy and happiness.”
The exhibit also coincides with Disability Pride Month, something Patchen hopes encourages visitors to reconsider assumptions about disability
“I want people to know that people with disabilities can do many things,” she said. “I may not be able to sit at a canvas for eight hours, but I can still create something meaningful.”
Most of the paintings in “Scenes From a Joyous Life” will be available for purchase, along with notecards featuring her artwork
For those who might not consider themselves “art people,” Patchen said visitors don’t need artistic training to appreciate a gallery
“Art is really about self-expression,” she said. “You don’t need to know the technical aspects of painting. Just come and see what you feel.”
The exhibit is free to view during regular library hours at Monroeville Public Library. The Friends of the Monroeville Public Library manages the Elaine Biondi Gallery Space as part of its mission to connect local artists with the community
About the Writer
Angelina Jones is a TribLive staff writer. Reach her at ajones@triblive.com
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If you go What: “Scenes From a Joyous Life,” an exhibit of 28 acrylic paintings by Monroeville artist Laura Patchen…
If you goWhat: “Scenes From a Joyous Life,” an exhibit of 28 acrylic paintings by Monroeville artist Laura PatchenWhen: July 31-Aug. 26Where:Elaine Biondi Gallery Space at Monroeville Public Library, 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd.
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