Support the Arts. Laura Jean Needs New Knees

 Hi friends, my name is Laura Jean McLaughlin and I have been a full-time artist for over 20 years, maintaining the Clay Penn studio in the Garfield community of Pittsburgh. I create large, heavy clay and mosaic pieces, but my body is starting to poop out on me! My knees can no longer continue to support me lifting these heavy ceramic pieces regularly. I have to have both of my knees fully replaced starting with my left knee on February 7th, followed by the right knee after the left knee heals. After each knee replacement surgery, I will need physical therapy and lots of rest while my knees heal. The doctor said I will not be able to work for at least 3 months, 6-8 weeks per knee, due to the physical nature of my studio practice. I have held off as long as possible for the surgery but have reached a point where I can't handle the pain any longer. I am shyly asking for donations to help cover my loss of income and out-of-pocket medical expenses and to help pay for food and medicine to care for the many creatures that have found a safe haven at the Clay Penn and my home. My working practice includes creating clay sculptures, tile murals, and functional clay pieces that I sell through galleries and to the public. Over the years, I have worked with well over 100 schools and communities to create collaborative mosaics. One of my newest commissioned pieces is a 10’ x 15’ porcelain tile mural on the Andy Warhol Museum. Another large piece that I collaboratively created is “Southside Schlumpy Funk,” a 77-step mosaic steps mural created with the Southside Slopes community. Two additional community mosaics include a 107-foot bench for the Carnegie Library in Carnegie, Pa., and the Octopus Garden in Friendship, where Octavia and Doris, two large mosaic sculptures reside. These are just a few examples illustrating my work's physical nature, which requires me to lift heavy things regularly. It is very difficult for me to ask for financial assistance, but I sincerely appreciate your compassion and generosity in helping me through this difficult time. Sending you all of my love and sincere gratitude. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Laura Jean