Artist Statement: "I create art that is detailed, yet calm, brightly colored, yet gentle. In a world that encourages cynicism, sarcasm, and hard edges, my art offers an alternate proposition where kindness is valued, and the restorative properties of the natural world can offer a soothing respite. I draw and paint the places where I find calm: my family farm and environs in Vermont, where I grew up and return to as often as I can; the Emerald Necklase and conservation lands in the Boston area, where I go when I need an escape; Greece, the homeland of my husband's family, where I am in awe of the beauty of the land, the architecture, and the sea." Bio: Laura Gatzos has been creating art for as long as she can remember, using pastels, oils, watercolors, and acrylics. Born and raised on a dairy farm in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, Laura is inspired by nature and seeks to capture the beauty and restorative properties of the natural world. Professionally, Laura combines creativity and her love of science, technology, and her previous experience as a medical technologist to support research computing endeavors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, finding solutions which promote…