Paint Happy ! by Lorie ’ s sister Vickey L . Kearns
‘ Use the talents and resources you are blessed with ’ has been a very meaningful life mantra to live by for Lorie ( Bonville ) Smith .
Lorie grew up in a large family where a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility was instilled at an early age by parents who were creative and not afraid to think outside the box . As early as age 15 , she was gifting her artwork to family and friends for wedding and housewarming gifts .
As a child of 10 , Lorie ’ s passion for art was recognized by her parents who enabled her to train as a protégé of the late Verna Hedrick of Presque Isle . For seven years during after school lessons , Lorie trained with Mrs . Hedrick . As well as the techniques of oil medium painting , Mrs . Hedrick also shared her love of art and infused her students with joie de vivre . To this day , it is Lorie ’ s motto ~ Paint Happy ! She truly believes that being at peace with herself and the world around her is key to creating her best art .
Owning her own studio / gallery has been a lifelong dream ~ but life along the way , life happened ...
While raising her three children , she attained her nursing degree in 1994 from Northern Maine Technical College , now known as Northern Maine Community College . Upon graduation Lorie was employed by The Aroostook Medical Center ( TAMC ) as a Registered Nurse . During the same time , she moved to Canada and was a student at the ‘ School of the Spirit ’ bible school . With completion of four more years of school , she received a Diploma in Ministry . She attended classes during the day in Canada and worked at TAMC in Fort Fairfield , Maine during the 3-11 shift . By the seven-year mark with TAMC , she had earned the position of Senior Manager for the psychiatric inpatient and outpatient departments .
Lorie ’ s last three years with TAMC were spent in Presque Isle working on the development of the Electronic Healthcare Record System . In 2007 after thirteen years crossing the border everyday to work , Lorie transferred to the New Brunswick Healthcare IT Department and the newly opened Upper River
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Valley Hospital just 15 minutes from home .
Lorie ’ s final positions were a remote online instructor for the Maine Community College System , and finally , an independent contractor for the State of Maine . After 21 years of working in the healthcare field , it was time to follow her heart ’ s desire ~ painting .
In 2002 Lorie was married to Pastor Dan Smith , she has three adult children who all reside in the state of Maine .
The opening of the Mustard Seed Art Studio in Greenfield , NB , Canada has been the fulfillment of a passion credited to a God-given , creative spirit . Much of her current artwork is inspired by images of photographers who love the beauty that is so prevalent in this part of the northeast , both in Maine and Canada . You will see original photo credits given to photographers on artwork when applicable ( examples in photos ). During the first six months of completion of the studio , Lorie produced 100 paintings . At this point she recognized what style and types of paintings she considers her best work . To view Lorie ’ s work in person , her studio hours are 10 a . m to 3 p . m ., Monday through Thursday at 402 Greenfield Road , Greenfield , NB , Shallie ’ Place ( Mars Hill , ME ), Lighthouse Bookstore ( Fredericton , NB ) and Noah ’ s Ark Café ( Oakland , NB ). Work can also be viewed on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .
Lorie describes herself ‘ like a tree ’ planted on the border with roots and branches reaching into both countries ~ equally loved .
Opposite Page , Lorie Smith ’ s paintings with original photos . Clockwise From Top : Greg Gallant , Charlie Cormier , David Shaw and Jean Verret .