We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Thurbon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I absolutely loved art since I was a child I was mesmerized by the artwork created by renowned artists. I use to carry around my art books instead of fairy tales. I loved creation, so I had no doubt when I chose to pursue an art career. It was slways my passion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is Laura Thurbon (Ortega), I am originally from Lima, Peru. I have worked for more than 25 years as an artist, representative, educator and independent business owner. My motivation has always been to fulfill the needs of beauty, color, creation in this world,, as it is my highest call and I inspire the new generations to be capable of understand their
most inner selves motivated by the common denominator in our humanity: creation, truth and beauty.
I have created multiple pieces
art throughout the US, South America, Europe and India of throughout the years. From large scale murals public and private and canvas art for home and businesses, public and private, to t-shirts
and book illustrations. I bring to the table my marketing skills, project management /coordination, and knowledge of cultural diversity, applying these as vehicles with which to engage clients and the community.
I have been the curator and host of public fund-raising events, Art exhibitions, media
events, in parallel to being an art educator for all ages, in school, private and college, and Fine Artist. It is always challenging to be an artist, but I can’t see myself doing anything else. Sometimes it has been hard surviving as an artist, economically speaking, but I’ve learnt that to be able to be happy we have to be true to ourselves, and if passion ignites our hearts, and we are feeling joy at work, then sooner rather than later success will come.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love art galleries, and museums…also nature. The first time I saw the grand canyon I was so overwhelmed by its beauty!, it made me feel so small, but so special to share the incredible beauty that surrounds us. There are many hiking trails that are absolutely breathtaking. I love Sedona, and that would be my first choice to visit

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many people that have trusted me with their artistic projects. The new foundation, child help arizona and child help California, scottsdale leadership, keep Scottsdale beautiful, scottsdale rotary club, el chullo peruvian restaurant, paiute neighborhood center, kmc phoenix, city of glendale, nick Lowery foundation, fox 10 news, million dollar mingle charity events, million dollar pageant, and great hearts to name a few of organizations.

Website: Www.laurathurbon.com

Instagram: @lauramuralist

Linkedin: Laura Thurbon

Twitter: @lauramuralist

Facebook: Laura thurbon art

Youtube: Laura thurbon art and art lessons

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.