Laura Berendsen Hughes is an acrylic painter and graphic designer based in Durham, North Carolina. With a background in advertising and communication, she has spent many years working professionally in these fields before returning to fine art in 2014. Holding a BFA in sculpture from UNC-Chapel Hill, where she was honored with a Kachergis Scholarship, Laura specializes in abstract art and abstract-inspired equine works. Her journey as both a fine artist and graphic designer informs her unique artistic approach, blending creativity and technical expertise.
Artist Statements
My work explores the intersection of human experience and existential reflection through layered acrylic techniques. I use the abstracted horse form as metaphor for emotional and philosophical inquiry. Titles like Don't Try to Figure Out Those in Love and Be Grateful for Whoever Comes suggest explorations of relationships, acceptance, and existential wonder. These works transcend literal representation, using equine figures as vessels for universal human themes.
My acrylic paintings emphasize layered, textured surfaces that evoke depth and complexity. This approach mirrors the multifaceted nature of human experience. The titles and abstract forms imply a focus on capturing life's mysteries and transcendent moments. Works hint at introspection and the search for meaning, aligning with the idea of art as a medium for exploring existential questions.
Both non-representational and equine work draw from personal connections to nature and associations with freedom, strength, and vulnerability.
__________
The titles of my paintings are drawn from the poetry of Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, mystic, and theologian. His themes of transcendence and mystical unity with the divine resonate deeply with the essence of the artistic process. Rumi’s verses speak of the soul’s journey toward oneness – a journey toward connection, transformation, and the divine expression that transcends the boundaries of form.
Gallery Representation
Carlton Gallery, Banner Elk, NC
The Centerpiece Gallery, Raleigh, NC
Representation
Carlton Gallery, Banner Elk, NC
Centerpiece Gallery, Raleigh, NC
Current & Upcoming Exhibits
Greenhill Winter Show
New Collection
Mid January Abstract Showing, The Centerpiece
Past Exhibits
June - August 2012, Saladelia, Hock Plaza Durham, NC – Solo Exhibit
October 2012 - January 2013, Broad St., Durham, NC – Solo Exhibit
November 2012 - February, 2013 Mad Hatter, Durham NC – Solo Exhibit
February 2013 - Durham Arts Guild Sweet Art Festival – Participating Artist
February - Ongoing - Bull Street Gourmet & Market, Durham NC
April 2013, Urban Durham Realty, Durham NC – Solo Exhibit
April 2013 - Durham Art Walk – Participating Artist
May 2013 - The Carrack Modern Art – Painting Gone Wild Group Show
May 2013 - Durham Arts Council – Faculty and Student Show
June 2013 - Carrack Modern – Community Show
June 2013 - Broad Street Cafe – Co-show
June 2013 - Joe Van Gogh – Solo Exhibit
July 2013 - Saladelia, University Drive – Solo Exhibit
November 2013 - Mad Hatter’s Cafe – Solo Exhibit
December 2013 - Busy Bee – Solo Exhibit
February 2014 Joe Van Gogh – Solo Exhibit
February 2014 – Alizarin Gallery
July 2014 - Lillly’s Pizza – Solo Exhibit
Oct 2014 – Bank of the Arts Juried Show (Honorable Mention)
December 2014 - Busy Bee – Solo Exhibit
Jan 2015 – Hillsborough Gallery juried show RESOLUTIONS (Peoples Choice award)
March 2015 - Reflection Gallery at Church of the Good Shepherd – Group Exhibit
June 2015 - Carrboro Arts Center – Solo Exhibit
Oct 2015 - Art’s of the Albermarle Gallery – Solo Exhibit
Nov-Jan 2016 - Saladelia, Hock – Solo Exhibit
Jan 2016 – Hillsborough Gallery juried show RESOLUTIONS
March 2016 - The Kirby Gallery – Solo Exhibit
June 2016 - Busy Bee – Solo Exhibit
July 2016 - The FRANK Gallery – Group Invitational
Aug 24 – Sept 24, 2016 - Hillsborough Arts Council – Solo Exhibit
Sept. 16 – 2016 Pop-Up Gallery, Golden Belt Artist Studios, Durham
Sept 17 - Nov 11 – 2016 Wild Horses of the Outer Banks, Carolina Artist Gallery, Morehead City (honorable mention)
Nov-Jan 2017 - Saladelia, University Drive – Solo Exhibit
Jan 2017 - Hillsborough Gallery “Resolutions” Juried Show
March 2017 - The Kirby Gallery – Solo Exhibit
June 2017 - Art’s of the Albermarle Gallery – Solo Exhibit
Sept-Oct - Group Show Carlton Gallery, Boone
April 2018 - Carrboro Arts Center – Duo Exhibit
July-Sept 2018 - Captain White House, Graham, NC – Solo Exhibit
October 2018 - Kirby Theater Opening Reception, Roxboro, NC – Solo Exhibit
Sept-Nov 2018 - Saladelia, University Drive – Solo Exhibit
Nov-Jan 2019 - Saladelia, Hock Plaza – Solo Exhibit
Jan-April 2019 - Yoga for Life – Charlotte, NC – Solo Exhibit
July 2019 - Art’s of the Albermarle Gallery – Solo Exhibit
Aug-Sept 2019 - Caldwell Arts Council – Lenoir, NC – 3 Artist Exhibit
Sept 2019 - Artist Spotlight Show, The Centerpiece Gallery, Raleigh, NC
Oct 2019 - Group Show, Arts of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City, NC (Best of Show)
March 2020 - Group Juried Show, “Abstracts Matter” 311 Gallery, Raleigh, NC
March 2020 - Art Room Abstract Show, (Merit Awards), online gallery Juried Show
March 2020 311 Gallery ABSTRACTS MATTER Juried Show
July - Sept 2020 Re-Awakening - Goldenbelt Durham, NC
Spring - Fall 2020 Solo Shows Saladelia, University Dr. & Hock Plaza, Durham, NC
Spring - Fall 2020 Group Show Carlton Gallery, Boone, NC
January 2021, Spotlight Show, The Centerpiece Gallery, Raleigh, NC
March 2021 - Art’s of the Albermarle Gallery – Solo Exhibit
May 2021 - Hillsborough Arts Council - Dual Exhibit
June-July 2021 - Carlton Gallery Spring Exhibition
Sept-Nov 2021 - Afterglow, Bev’s Fine Art - group show
March - May 2022 - Abstracts and Equines, Weslyan College – SOLO SHOW
May-Aug 2022 - Maria V. Howard Arts Center’s 64th National Juried Art Show
April-Sept 2022 - Spring and Summer Show, Carlton Gallery
June 2022 - Macon Arts Alliance Juried Show
July-Aug 2022 - Kirby Theater Solo Show
Dec 2022-Feb 2023 - Winter Show, GreenHill Center for NC Art, Greensboro, NC
Oct 2022 - demonstrating artist for River SPLASH retreat
Jan 2023 - Arts of the Albemarle Solo Show
Jan - Feb 2023 - Durham Arts Council Members Show, Durham, NC
Spring - Fall 2023 Group Show Carlton Gallery, Boone, NC
Aug 2023 - 17, Women Artist Group Show, The Centerpiece, Raleigh, NC
Dec 2023 - Jan 2024 - Solo Show, The Centerpiece, Raleigh, NC
Spring 2024 Group Show Carlton Gallery, Boone, NC
Summer 2024 Group Show Carlton Gallery, Boone, NC
Artist Statements
My work explores the intersection of human experience and existential reflection through layered acrylic techniques. I use the abstracted horse form as metaphor for emotional and philosophical inquiry. Titles like Don't Try to Figure Out Those in Love and Be Grateful for Whoever Comes suggest explorations of relationships, acceptance, and existential wonder. These works transcend literal representation, using equine figures as vessels for universal human themes.
My acrylic paintings emphasize layered, textured surfaces that evoke depth and complexity. This approach mirrors the multifaceted nature of human experience. The titles and abstract forms imply a focus on capturing life's mysteries and transcendent moments. Works hint at introspection and the search for meaning, aligning with the idea of art as a medium for exploring existential questions.
Both non-representational and equine work draw from personal connections to nature and associations with freedom, strength, and vulnerability.
__________
The titles of my paintings are drawn from the poetry of Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, mystic, and theologian. His themes of transcendence and mystical unity with the divine resonate deeply with the essence of the artistic process. Rumi’s verses speak of the soul’s journey toward oneness – a journey toward connection, transformation, and the divine expression that transcends the boundaries of form.
Gallery Representation
Carlton Gallery, Banner Elk, NC
The Centerpiece Gallery, Raleigh, NC
Representation
Carlton Gallery, Banner Elk, NC
Centerpiece Gallery, Raleigh, NC
Current & Upcoming Exhibits
Greenhill Winter Show
New Collection
Mid January Abstract Showing, The Centerpiece
Past Exhibits
June - August 2012, Saladelia, Hock Plaza Durham, NC – Solo Exhibit
October 2012 - January 2013, Broad St., Durham, NC – Solo Exhibit
November 2012 - February, 2013 Mad Hatter, Durham NC – Solo Exhibit
February 2013 - Durham Arts Guild Sweet Art Festival – Participating Artist
February - Ongoing - Bull Street Gourmet & Market, Durham NC
April 2013, Urban Durham Realty, Durham NC – Solo Exhibit
April 2013 - Durham Art Walk – Participating Artist
May 2013 - The Carrack Modern Art – Painting Gone Wild Group Show
May 2013 - Durham Arts Council – Faculty and Student Show
June 2013 - Carrack Modern – Community Show
June 2013 - Broad Street Cafe – Co-show
June 2013 - Joe Van Gogh – Solo Exhibit
July 2013 - Saladelia, University Drive – Solo Exhibit
November 2013 - Mad Hatter’s Cafe – Solo Exhibit
December 2013 - Busy Bee – Solo Exhibit
February 2014 Joe Van Gogh – Solo Exhibit
February 2014 – Alizarin Gallery
July 2014 - Lillly’s Pizza – Solo Exhibit
Oct 2014 – Bank of the Arts Juried Show (Honorable Mention)
December 2014 - Busy Bee – Solo Exhibit
Jan 2015 – Hillsborough Gallery juried show RESOLUTIONS (Peoples Choice award)
March 2015 - Reflection Gallery at Church of the Good Shepherd – Group Exhibit
June 2015 - Carrboro Arts Center – Solo Exhibit
Oct 2015 - Art’s of the Albermarle Gallery – Solo Exhibit
Nov-Jan 2016 - Saladelia, Hock – Solo Exhibit
Jan 2016 – Hillsborough Gallery juried show RESOLUTIONS
March 2016 - The Kirby Gallery – Solo Exhibit
June 2016 - Busy Bee – Solo Exhibit
July 2016 - The FRANK Gallery – Group Invitational
Aug 24 – Sept 24, 2016 - Hillsborough Arts Council – Solo Exhibit
Sept. 16 – 2016 Pop-Up Gallery, Golden Belt Artist Studios, Durham
Sept 17 - Nov 11 – 2016 Wild Horses of the Outer Banks, Carolina Artist Gallery, Morehead City (honorable mention)
Nov-Jan 2017 - Saladelia, University Drive – Solo Exhibit
Jan 2017 - Hillsborough Gallery “Resolutions” Juried Show
March 2017 - The Kirby Gallery – Solo Exhibit
June 2017 - Art’s of the Albermarle Gallery – Solo Exhibit
Sept-Oct - Group Show Carlton Gallery, Boone
April 2018 - Carrboro Arts Center – Duo Exhibit
July-Sept 2018 - Captain White House, Graham, NC – Solo Exhibit
October 2018 - Kirby Theater Opening Reception, Roxboro, NC – Solo Exhibit
Sept-Nov 2018 - Saladelia, University Drive – Solo Exhibit
Nov-Jan 2019 - Saladelia, Hock Plaza – Solo Exhibit
Jan-April 2019 - Yoga for Life – Charlotte, NC – Solo Exhibit
July 2019 - Art’s of the Albermarle Gallery – Solo Exhibit
Aug-Sept 2019 - Caldwell Arts Council – Lenoir, NC – 3 Artist Exhibit
Sept 2019 - Artist Spotlight Show, The Centerpiece Gallery, Raleigh, NC
Oct 2019 - Group Show, Arts of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City, NC (Best of Show)
March 2020 - Group Juried Show, “Abstracts Matter” 311 Gallery, Raleigh, NC
March 2020 - Art Room Abstract Show, (Merit Awards), online gallery Juried Show
March 2020 311 Gallery ABSTRACTS MATTER Juried Show
July - Sept 2020 Re-Awakening - Goldenbelt Durham, NC
Spring - Fall 2020 Solo Shows Saladelia, University Dr. & Hock Plaza, Durham, NC
Spring - Fall 2020 Group Show Carlton Gallery, Boone, NC
January 2021, Spotlight Show, The Centerpiece Gallery, Raleigh, NC
March 2021 - Art’s of the Albermarle Gallery – Solo Exhibit
May 2021 - Hillsborough Arts Council - Dual Exhibit
June-July 2021 - Carlton Gallery Spring Exhibition
Sept-Nov 2021 - Afterglow, Bev’s Fine Art - group show
March - May 2022 - Abstracts and Equines, Weslyan College – SOLO SHOW
May-Aug 2022 - Maria V. Howard Arts Center’s 64th National Juried Art Show
April-Sept 2022 - Spring and Summer Show, Carlton Gallery
June 2022 - Macon Arts Alliance Juried Show
July-Aug 2022 - Kirby Theater Solo Show
Dec 2022-Feb 2023 - Winter Show, GreenHill Center for NC Art, Greensboro, NC
Oct 2022 - demonstrating artist for River SPLASH retreat
Jan 2023 - Arts of the Albemarle Solo Show
Jan - Feb 2023 - Durham Arts Council Members Show, Durham, NC
Spring - Fall 2023 Group Show Carlton Gallery, Boone, NC
Aug 2023 - 17, Women Artist Group Show, The Centerpiece, Raleigh, NC
Dec 2023 - Jan 2024 - Solo Show, The Centerpiece, Raleigh, NC
Spring 2024 Group Show Carlton Gallery, Boone, NC
Summer 2024 Group Show Carlton Gallery, Boone, NC