Bethel Artist to be Featured at 'The Art of Caring'

Award-winning local artist, Laura McCormick, of Bethel, will be in the spotlight as the featured artist at "The Art of Caring," on Friday, June 10. The event, which is hosted by Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation at the company’s beautiful headquarters in Ridgefield, is a gala evening featuring art, entertainment and exceptional cuisine, to benefit the patients and families served by Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western Connecticut.

McCormick is well-known for her highly-detailed portraits and architectural drawings created in charcoal pencil and pastel pencil. Her work has won many awards at "The Art of Caring" and other area events.

“We are thrilled to recognize Laura’s exceptional art and her commitment to 'The Art of Caring,'” said Cynthia Roy Squitieri, executive director for Regional Hospice and Home Care. “Laura’s artwork captures touching moments in time. Her images fit well with Regional Hospice and Home Care’s message of hope for those facing advanced illness and those who love them.”

A longtime resident of Bethel, McCormick grew up in an artistic family that owned a printing company, but she discovered her unique skill unexpectedly.

“After I had children I needed a creative outlet,” she said. “I decided to create a picture of our house for a Christmas card, and then did a picture of my daughter, Megan. People started asking me to draw pictures for them too."

McCormick said quickly became much sought after for family portraits, pet portraits and architectural drawings: “I have never advertised—I don’t have a website. All of my commissions have been through word of mouth.”

Along with her busy scheduled creating commissioned pieces, McCormick teaches art classes in Bethel, Redding and Ridgefield and also offers private lessons. “I will teach anyone from age 9 to 90,” she said. “I love to teach—it is rewarding to see people satisfied with themselves and the art they are creating.”

When she isn’t drawing or teaching, McCormick is volunteering. She joined the organizing committee for "The Art of Caring" eight years ago and continues to chair the art subcommittee that coordinates the artists for the event.

“I have stayed involved with 'The Art of Caring' because there is no end to what Regional Hospice and Home Care can do—there are still more people who need hospice care,” she said. “My commitment to 'The Art of Caring' is reinforced every time I hear someone talk about the wonderful care they received from Regional Hospice and Home Care. They say what a difference it makes—they smile when they think of their loved one. You don’t hear that anywhere else.”

McCormick is also an active volunteer with The American Cancer Society serving as the nationwide co-chair for the Relay Advisory Team. Her involvement has taken her across the globe as she works with other countries to establish new Relay for Life events.

You can view and purchase McCormick’s artwork at "The Art of Caring" on June 10, 2 hosted by Boehringer Ingelheim at 900 Ridgebury Road in Ridgefield. 

Admission is $150 per person and includes a cosmopolitan buffet provided by 20 of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers, with wine, champagne, dessert and coffee. Six musical groups will provide entertainment and guests will be able to view and purchase paintings, photographs, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and other items from 120 artists.

To view McCormick’s work, and for a list of artists, restaurants and sponsors, visit www.RegionalHospiceCT.org/art_of_caring_2011. For reservations or more information, call (203) 702-7412 or pay online at www.RegionalHospiceCT.org.

At Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT, the agency’s Caring Continuum--Hospice, Home Care, and The Healing Hearts Center for Grieving Children & Families--provides care, comfort and compassion for those touched by life-limiting illness and loss. Serving the towns of Danbury, Ridgefield, Wilton, Redding, New Milford, New Fairfield, Bethel, Newtown, Brookfield and Southbury, the agency offers patients and families help with any stage of end-of-life care.