Laurie MacKenzie, a Westerly native, has been painting her entire life, and teaching Oil and Watercolor painting to all ages for over 40 years. Laurie has also sculpted portrait busts.

Laurie owned an art instruction and retail business in downtown Westerly for 16 years.

Predominantly self taught, she has also studied under various artists and attended training programs across the US. She has been published as a "convention" artist and has taught up and down the East Coast from New Hampshire down to Florida. She has taught at conventions in Ohio, Las Vegas and as far as Seattle. Currently semi-retired, Laurie teaches at the Westerly Senior Center. She instills confidence in her students, provides guidance and inspiration and shares her vast knowledge of products and  techniques.

Laurie's paintings have sold locally, and she has been in numerous regional shows. She has received many awards over the years.

A little known fun fact about Laurie is that she has a couple of painted ornaments which are catalogued and in a permanent collection of the Smithsonian Festival of Christmas Trees.

Laurie accepts commissions, including Pet portraits.