Energetic, generous, and motivated by joy: this is the spirit of an artist, and it is one that Laura Cutler of La Porte, Indiana fully embodies. As co-owner of the Thaddeus C. Gallery, as well as a city councilwoman, Cutler has become a powerful artistic force in La Porte, finding and grasping every opportunity to share her passion with her community.
Originally from Michigan, Cutler has always had a knack for the arts. She began her career, however, in the California fitness scene, managing and promoting health clubs in the area. Nevertheless, her desire to pursue art persisted, so she applied, and was accepted, to the Otis College of Art and Design.
After receiving her B.A. in Ceramic Sculpture and Painting, attending the New York Academy of Art, and working in the fashion industry for a stint, Cutler and her husband, Thaddeus, decided to move back to her husband’s hometown of La Porte, Indiana in 2004. They have been there ever since and are most known for the establishment of the community’s cultural hub, the Thaddeus C. Gallery.
“‘[The gallery] seemed like a fun thing to do, so we thought we’d give it a shot!” Cutler said. “We represent a lot of different artists, some local, some regional, some national, and a few international artists…and it’s really neat to show a lot of variety of art alongside local artists as well.”
She and her husband are the ultimate duo. At performances or other philanthropy events, they will often volunteer their talents to create a painting onsite that is then auctioned off to raise funds for the organization they are serving.
“It’s just a nice way to be engaged with whichever group or community is involved with something because it’s interactive. The people watch and they’re a part of it as they watch it come to life before their eyes,” said Cutler.
Cutler has been determined to increase these opportunities for artistic interaction during her time on the La Porte City Council. In partnership with the City Planner, Beth Shrader, Cutler has helped launch projects like the installation of musical sculptures downtown and a mural for Plaza 618. These initiatives play an integral role in developing the city, connecting citizens, and building community.
“It really does come down to a quality of life and a sense of place. People tend to have a sense of place where there’s an element of pride, a certain sculpture or a mural or something that they see every day that kind of makes them smile,” Cutler said. “It’s vital to your positive mental health. It’s vital to your quality of life, that sense of joy.”
This perspective makes up the core values that motivate Cutler to remain actively engaged with her neighbors and to continue creating art. She’s deeply principled, making sure that she is using her talents for good.
“I try to make sure that when I’m saying yes, it falls within my mission for the quality of life...I like to get involved because I just like to see people have fun. I like to enjoy life, and I really do enjoy people,” said Cutler.
Her love for life can be seen in everything she creates, whether a single painting or an entire community program. She lives in the present and takes joy in organic interactions; these, in fact, are moments where real art is made.
“It’s amazing because when [people] see [art] in-person...it’s very different. Having a human interaction and a tactile interaction with visual art, to see the texture of the paint...and to think about someone actually creating that with their hands.”