Those who enter LARAC’s Lapham Gallery know Laura Colomb at least by sight—she’s the friendly face who processes membership, paints and maintains the gallery, and assists with hanging the gallery shows.  She’s the one serving wine at receptions, ringing up purchases during the holiday showcase, and painting banners for not for profit members. What many don’t know, however, is that she is a talented painter and is the focus of LARAC’s Summer Exhibitions that begin on July 11.

Laura Colomb joined the LARAC staff in the fall of 2000, first as a sales assistant during the holiday showcase.  She was later promoted to Membership Coordinator and Gallery Services Manager and served as the Director of Arts Services on an interim basis in the Fall of 2002.

Art has always been Laura’s passion.  She took art classes at Glens Falls High School with Tom Geyer, who taught her not only about drawing and painting, but that an art career was possible for those with the interest.  She later went on to study painting at the College of St. Rose, graduating in 2000 with a B.F.A.  Since her graduation she has maintained a studio in the Troy Shirt Factory, painting and participating in several regional shows.  She mounted two solo exhibitions in Glens Falls in 2001, had two, two-person shows in the area in 2002, and her painting "Warm" was exhibited in the 2002 Hudson Mohawk Regional and won a juror’s award.  She has also participated in LARAC’s annual Member’s Exhibitions and the NCAC Annual Regional show at Crandall Public Library.

Laura works primarily in oils; she is drawn by its historical nature and its timelessness.   She likes the juxtaposition of intimate subject matter painted on large canvases for public view.  Asked about her choice of colors, she states, “That is where the fun comes in; it is what affects the excitement of the piece and creates great impact.”   Laura Colomb:  Comfort Zones, on display at LARAC from July 11 - September 5, presents approximately twenty paintings completed within the past three years.  For Laura, this experience will allow her to do something she has not been able to yet experience—have her work arranged and hung by someone else.

“It will be the first time I have seen all this work hung together, and having someone else hang it teaches you about yourself,” she said. “You see your work through someone else’s eyes, you step back and learn more about the process of your work that you’re too close to see in the studio.”

And while Laura has enjoyed painting on her own in her studio and working with a community of artists at LARAC, she will be leaving Glens Falls to begin the Masters of Fine Arts program at Boston University in the Fall. “I feel like I can get something out of it that I wasn’t ready for before,” she states.  “I’ve enjoyed my time working without teachers but I feel I’m at the stage now where I need to be among graduate painters in order to move forward.” Laura hopes to become a member of the art faculty at a college after she receives her degree.

As for her current work, she encourages all to come in to LARAC and see her show, which promises to be a highlight of the 2003 exhibition schedule. “And bring your checkbook,” says Laura with a laugh. “My work is at cut throat prices for my graduate school fund.”