NEDERLAND —  From Salto to Crosscut, you can find Laurence Delaunay's work gracing the walls of local establishments. Head to the heart of downtown Nederland on East 1st Street and you'll find her own studio and gallery, Lolo’s Atelier.

The eclectic shop turns three next month, and Delaunay will be marking the anniversary with an April 4-5 celebration.

"It’s been three years—I just can’t believe it,” she said. “It’s a good opportunity to celebrate something positive in this crazy world."

Stepping into Lolo's is its own form of respite, Delaunay said. “It’s a place where you’re safe, you’re at peace, and you can breathe for a minute."

A Saturday reception from 5-7 p.m. will kick things off. Great music, snacks, and a little wine will help liven things up, and a raffle—new this year—could see one lucky winner walking away with a Delaunay original painting.

“I want to send my thanks to all the people who supported me the past few years, even before I opened this, because, you know, I did my first show 20 years ago in this town," Delaunay said. "What a journey!"

That journey is one she often shares with patrons as they browse her work, see her toiling in her studio, and ask her that inevitable question, “Where are you from?”

Just a few words with Delaunay reveals her strong French accent. She met an American who whisked her away to Nederland, where she worked as a teacher for many years. COVID showed her she should be embracing her true passion: painting. 

Three years in, Delaunay has big plans for the gallery. Eventually, she wants to display local artists of all kinds, from fellow painters and local sculptors to artisans in unique mediums, including hatters and jewelry makers.  

Art lovers of Nederland will be welcome to immerse themselves into Delaunay's work all weekend. Two series among her work play off each other: one of serious bears and wispy hummingbirds is titled “You’re beautiful…no, you are,” while some of her latest work features more infamous wildlife, including coyotes and a “bad bunny." She calls the new series, “You’re bad…no, you are.”

Laurence Delaunay's expressive and frenetic painting style is shown here in full force, highlighting the majesty of local wildlife.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

“I’m trying to send messages through my paintings,” she said. "I like to show people that they can find poetry in simple things; to be kind and enjoy a simple life and find beauty where it is.” 

Lolo's Atelier, located at 25 East 1st Street in Nederland, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. For more information on the gallery and Delaunay’s work, visit LaurencedelaunayART.com