Lauren Cook’s artwork is informed by her rural midwestern heritage, her deep appreciation of nature, an insatiable curiosity about diverse human cultures both ancient and contemporary, and how these interests converge as the world deals with environmental and civil sustainability. As an artist, she revels in finding the creative flow and interplay between these themes as expressed in her paintings and experimentations with materials in 2D and 3D forms. Her creative life is also strongly influenced by her work as an arts activist and educator, and in particular by the exchanges of teaching and learning she experiences with her inspiring students and colleagues. Her art is exhibited in group and solo shows. For more information on her art visit laurencook.com.
In addition to her personal work as an artist, Cook teaches visual arts including Advanced Placement Art and Design at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, Maryland. She also offers private art instruction, small group Summer Studio Sessions and custom Studio Nites events from her personal studio in Chevy Chase, Maryland as well as online. She is a committed arts activist and currently serves as chair of the board of the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Maryland. Cook has experience with independent curation, K-12 and collegiate level curricula and teacher training, serves as a jurist for competitive exhibitions and awards, and presents at regional and national conferences.
Cook holds a Master of Art in Art Education from Maryland Institute College of Art, a Master of Business Administration, Management of Science and Technology from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Philosophy from Grand Valley University. Cook is a member of the International Society for Education through Art, the National Art Education Association, the Maryland Art Education Association, the Yellow Barn Studio and Gallery, the Maryland Federation of Art, Artists and Makers Studios, Montgomery Art Association and presents at regional and national conferences.