By Jillian Locke

There’s a saying that’s been playing a very large role in my life as of late, and I think it pertains perfectly to the art work of Worcester native Julie Smith: “Create your own sunshine.” One look at Smith’s art work brings this phrase to life. Vibrant, spiritual, and nature-based subjects, coupled with an acute child-like essence, make Smiths’ paintings shine with their own light, and Smith has a very strong and equally bright source of inspiration.

“My son is my life,” Smith says of her seven year old son, Sebbie, whom she affectionately calls her “Sebbie Sunshine.” “I try to capture the fun aspects of life in my art,” Smith shares. “Kids are just like that ~ they bring out happiness in you. They’re vibrant, very alive human beings…and teachers of patience,” laughs Smith. Her acrylic paintings certainly reflect that joyful, care-free nature that makes us all want to be single-digit-midgets again. Her paintings are organic and unique, a combination that gently reaches out and touches that sensitive, gooey part in the very pits of our bellies. It certainly made my heart smile. And with no formal fine arts training save a few classes at the Art Museum when she was younger and some time in interior design school, Smith’s work truly emanates from a very personal, very natural place.

Children not only inspire her art, but she makes sure her art gives back to them. A regular on the charity circuit, Smith donates the proceeds from her art work to children’s charities. “I just held my first annual event, ‘A Creative Cause,’ at the Jumpin’ Juice & Java on Valentine’s Day.” With the help of her son’s principal and art teacher at the Main Street School, Smith enlisted the help of her son’s class to contribute work to the show. “I had my art work there on display for auction, and the main thing was to do a children’s art show.” The event raised $428 for the Mass Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Smith always donates half the profits of her work to charities like the MPCC and the Children’s Aide Society, an organization that advocates for neglected and abused children.

Raising money for children isn’t all that she does ~ that’s actually just the tip of the iceberg. Education is Smith’s next mission. “I just finished my early childhood degree, and I’m getting into art therapy. I definitely want to work with kids,” Smith attests. “Art is a fabulous outlet, which is why I want to get into the whole art therapy aspect of it. It makes a difference in my life and I want to make a difference in other peoples’ lives. How much more fulfilling can you get with your work? Plus it gives my son good values and makes an impact on his life and how he sees things, and how his morals and values will be when he grows up.”

Smith’s work has also been displayed at Starbucks in Auburn and The Acoustic Java in Worcester. Coming this September, Smith will participate in the StART on the Street Festival on Park Avenue, where local artists, performers, and crafters will display and sell their work. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for Smith’s next showing, and remember to always, ALWAYS, create your own sunshine!

www.myspace.com/juliesmith76, www.startonthestreet.org/start-street, www.jumpinjuiceandjava.com