Meet Laura Thomas | Laura Thomas The Denver Artist / Owner & Creator of I Chalk Arted

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, how does your business help the community or world?
I have always believed art can, has and will continue to change the world. I created a product that allows literally anyone, of any age to be able to create chalk art, without any drawing skill needed. I Chalk Arted helps people spread the gift and beauty of chalk art in their neighborhoods and communities. As a professional chalk artist myself, I have personally experienced the power chalk art can have on an onlooker. To have created a way this amazing art form can now be spread and shared all over the world is my greatest gift and proudest moment. Chalk art can lift people’s spirits, help people feel connected, and be a fun outdoor activity for everyone! Now we can color the world!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art has been a part of me in one way or another my entire life. I learned at a young age art was something I needed to feel complete, whole, myself. I have been a professional tattoo artist for 14+ years, and professional chalk artist for 9+ years. I have yet to find a medium I do not love, although chalk has and will remain my most desired medium of choice. Looking back through my art career, it definitely was not easy to get where I am today. For many years and still to this day, I put my art, business and professionalism ahead of everything. I do also feel that as a woman, and as a black woman, I have had to work harder in many instances to prove myself as an artist, in some cases just to be seen. Which I am thankful for…that helped feed a driving force inside of me to always do my best, do better, be the best I can be. I have a mindset of an artist that is only competing against herself. I can honestly say I am proud to stand in the shoes I stand in today. I believe its that very driving force that enabled me to come up with the idea of my business, I Chalk Arted. At the time, I had lost all 3 of my jobs when the Covid shut down occurred. I took action and started creating chalk art for other small businesses. But I was also allowed the time to think, and come up with the idea of a way for everyone to have fun creating chalk art. When I think about all the set backs and hurdles I overcame while bringing my idea of creating reusable large chalk stencils into reality I am proud. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. And now seeing people of all walks of life having fun, creating, spreading art with my product, well, its something I have always dreamed of. A way to spread art, teach, and be an entrepreneur!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take a visiting friend to a Red Rocks show hands down! Dinner at Jax for crab legs. A road trip up to Nederland to see my childhood stomping ground along with some fly fishing for sure, hikes, maybe even some horse back riding. A day trip to Hot Sulfur Springs. cocktails on rooftop patios downtown. Have to hit a First Friday Art Walk on Santa Fe as well!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want go give a shout out to Sister Bear at The Blue Door tattoo for introducing me to chalk art, and all my close friends, family and especially my fellow chalk artists for their encouragement, support and inspiration over the years!

Website: www.ichalkarted.com
Instagram: @ichalk_arted  @lthomasthedenverartist
Facebook: @ichalkarted  @LauraThomasTheDenverArtist
Email: laurathomastattoo@gmail.com and info@ichalkarted
Other: www.LauraThomasStudios.com