Even as a child, Lacey Jade Champagne was drawn to art and creativity. “Around age 3 or 4, my parents said I was always coloring,” she says. She also loved doing puzzles and studying butterflies and butterfly wings. “Art has been with me my whole life.”
While in the fourth grade, she was admitted to a program called Talented Artists in her then-home state of Louisiana. “The curriculum was pretty advanced for that age, and that’s when I really started painting.”
Champagne sold her first painting to a neighbor at the age of 16, and after that, she knew she had found her passion. She wanted to share and inspire this passion in others, too, so at the age of 20, after studying at the University of New Orleans, she opened her own gallery just outside the city.
Later, she and her husband, Paul, decided to relocate, and after a road trip to Bend about 12 years ago, they fell in love with the town. They have been here ever since.
While enjoying her new hometown, Champagne noticed a real need for an art supply store, and in 2016, she opened Layor Art. “We started as a dedicated art supply store, and it was amazing,” she reflects. “We used to have many shows for the high schools and did so much community work. It brought me so much joy to give back in this way.”
Unfortunately, when COVID hit, obtaining art supplies became difficult. She had been thinking about transitioning the supply space to a full-on gallery, and this situation spurred that dream. “It was tough for me, though, because the supply part of the business was my pride and joy.”
But, Champagne was also excited to provide a platform for artists. “We have such beautiful artists here, and we don't have that many galleries, so artists started coming to me to show their work.”
It was important to her to showcase only local and regional artists in this new gallery. “We have enough talent here to really have a dedicated gallery to showcase their art,” emphasizes Champagne. “Every day I'm meeting more and more people, and they’re bringing in their work. It just blows me away, and I really enjoy having the community share their art.”
There are various types of art on display. “We really focus on contemporary art and are also very dedicated to having everything be non-digital in terms of AI. I believe it's important to have that human touch in terms of art.”
In February, Layor Art is exhibiting Kurt Olson's creations. “He recently moved from Hawaii, and I absolutely love his work,” Champagne shares. “He has a very interesting technique that he incorporates into his work. Right now, he's working on a floral piece, a modern acrylic, and we recently sold a koi fish he did. Kurt is such a cool artist, and we're so happy to have him.”
While many people come in to purchase art, many others come in to gain inspiration for their own artistic endeavors. “We might not have the supplies anymore, but we still have people coming in who enjoy soaking up what other people are doing. That really makes me happy.”
Champagne, who delves into both landscape photography and painting, showcases her artistic works in the gallery as well. She also finds inspiration from the artists she represents.
“I would love Layor to be a place where people can have lively conversations about how they feel about art, and that right there is really bringing in that sense of community and connection, which is what it’s all about.”
Layor Art also offers affordable and fun classes to foster talent in others, whether beginners or more seasoned artists. These classes range from block printing and watercolor to various acrylic painting styles.
In February, Sondra Holtzman, an amazing watercolor teacher based in Bend (and who also teaches at the Sitka Center for Art), will be leading some classes. “I believe she's going to be teaching predominantly classes in watercolor.”
Champagne has watched students become accomplished artists after completing these classes, and she often presents their work in the gallery. “That's been really special,” she says.
Her husband, who is also a creative (all the candles in Layor Art were made by him), and her brother, Bo Morris, are a huge support system for her. Morris has helped her tremendously with the gallery layout, and he taught her staff how to hang paintings. He's contemplating moving back to Oregon, so he might start working at Layor this spring.
“It's just really fun to be able to have such a passion and share it with my family and the community,” states Champagne. “Art for me is just one of the most connecting things. Plus, being able to have roots here in Bend and for people to feel this is community-based when they walk in, that's really the goal.”
Champagne invites everyone to stop in to Layor Art and immerse themselves in a beautiful artistic experience while supporting the local art community. And, she encourages others to discover their creative sides by signing up for classes that fit their passions.
LayorArt.com
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