Celebrating Osceola’s creative spirit

Few people in Osceola embody the arts like long-time resident Laura Haines. She’s been an art teacher for more than 26 years, currently teaching with the I-35 district, and she’s had work on display in the area since she was a child.

“Not only is she a local girl, she’s a real professional,” said Board Member Mary Ellen Kimball. “Many of us own her artwork.”

Haines also has a studio behind her home, where she gives private lessons in painting, drawing, photography and multimedia. Since the ‘80s, her work has been on display, from being featured on campaign materials here in Osceola to hanging in private collections throughout the country.

When selected as the CCAC Artist of the Year in 2006, Haines held painting classes for the entire arts board in her studio, supplying them with all of the materials needed. She’s also been active in photography in the area, taking pictures during weddings and other special events.

Haines’ work is featured at the CCAC artist exhibit area, located on the left wall of the Lakeside Casino and Hotel’s event lobby. The collection is comprised of watercolors, acrylics and mixed media. Her favorite piece?

“This has two separate entities going together,” Haines said of the centerpiece, which is a combination of copper ribbon and handmade paper set against a stark black and gold background.

What does the council think of Haines’ art?

“It’s large. It’s colorful. It emotive,” Kimball said. “She is very creative and very expressive.”

Haines attended school Osceola through high school and then received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Arizona State University in 1983. She completed her K-12 teacher’s education at Simpson College in Indianola, then returned to Osceola to teach and raise her family. She has four children: Bret, Austin, Britteny and Blakeless.

Her crowning achievement?

“I’m most proud of building my own studio,” Haines said.

The building, constructed behind her home in 1998, serves as a creative space for all of her projects, as well as classes she’s held for CCAC and private students.

Learn more about Haines and her work at the Lakeside Casino and Hotel, now through the end of December.