The Holladay Arts Council selected Lauren Smart to receive the honor of July 2025 Holladay Artist of the Month in recognition of her talent and skill as a Realist Impressionist painter. While Realist Impressionist is not formally recognized as a distinct style of art, Smart’s artwork incorporates elements of Realism, portraying realistic subjects, but with the loose brushstrokes and emphasis on light and color characteristic of Impressionism.  

Smart discovered her passion for art from Annie Lemings, a teacher in the art department at Juan Diego Middle School. Lemings immediately recognized Smart’s talent and, over the course of seven years, gently nurtured it while encouraging Smart to explore her artistic potential. Lemings had a gift as a teacher where she could provide constructive criticism that encouraged a growth mindset, helping Smart view challenges as opportunities to learn and develop her skills. After studying with Lemings for many years, Smart went on to receive a five in her AP art drawing course. This score, the highest possible, signifies that artistic work is considered to be “extremely well qualified” and demonstrates a mastery of the skills and knowledge assessed in the exam. 

“My teacher Annie Leming’s attitude towards art and creating what I wanted to create was one of the biggest confidence boosters of all time. It made me really
admire her,” Smart said. “She always gave good feedback and made me feel so loved. I wouldn’t have gone on to college if it hadn’t been for her.” 

Now a graphic design student at the University of Utah in the Department of Art and Art History, Smart will graduate with a BFA in Fine Art in 2026. She says, “After college, I think I might dip my toe in advertising and marketing. I’m scared to choose a creative focus for my job because I fear it will make me like art less. I love to paint with acrylics. I’m not sure how I’d feel about it if it were something I had to do.”

“My favorite art piece that I’ve created is my smile painting,” Smart continued. “I painted it in high school when I was trying to figure out what to do for my sustained investigation for AP art. Once I started working on it, I couldn’t stop until I was done. It was all I thought about. I think it represents my character really well, because I love to laugh.”

Smart draws inspiration from several artists on Instagram.  One acrylic artist who has influenced her is Caroline Condie, also a student at the University of Utah, who enjoys exploring the juxtaposition of images and the new meanings that can arise from them. Whether it’s scrolling through the artwork of inspirational artists or picking up a paintbrush to create, art is a quiet time for peaceful reflection, creation and accomplishment.

“Art is a way for me to dedicate my time to improve myself. I’m able to lock in on something and quiet my mind. The quietness that art gives me is so relaxing, and it’s the only time I have to turn off my brain and not have a million things to think about.”

Smart has completed several pet portraits for family and friends, as well as gifts for birthdays and Christmas. Her future plan is to take on more commission work. When asked if she enjoys selling her art, she says, “I do, but I think my heart would break a little bit if for some reason all of my art sold.”

To learn more about Lauren Smart’s art, email her at [email protected] or visit her on Instagram at @Lsmartart.

Smart’s artwork will be on display through July at Holladay City Hall, 4580 S. 2300 East.

To nominate a Holladay resident for Artist of the Month, visit holladayarts.org/events/artist_of_the_month. λ