NWT Arts

Laurie Young began painting over 25 years before her passing and later expanded her practice by taking classes. She enjoyed working with acrylics and watercolours and was particularly drawn to impressionist styles. She embraced colour freely in her work, often moving beyond realistic tones to create vibrant, expressive paintings. Her style evolved over time from intricate small pieces to larger canvases and eventually to bold abstract works that reflected her emotions.

She found inspiration in many places, including her own photography and the natural world, but believed strongly that artists should feel free to express whatever inspired them in the moment. Laurie was deeply committed to learning and attended many workshops over the years to strengthen her skills and expand her creative understanding.

Creating art brought her a strong sense of purpose. She often became fully immersed in the process, sometimes working for hours at a time. While the act of creating could be intense, it was something she loved deeply and felt she needed in her life.

In 2011, Laurie purchased North of 60 Books and transformed it into The Rusty Raven in Fort Smith. The building, originally constructed in 1950 as a medical and dental clinic, had long served as a bookstore and community space. Laurie was determined to preserve it, recognizing its importance to the town. Under her care, it became a beloved local gathering place that showcased books, coffee, framing services, and artwork. She supported local artists by selling their work alongside her own and operated a custom framing shop within the store.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Laurie made Fort Smith her home for many years. She was known for her creativity, her support of the arts community, and her passion for sharing knowledge. She also taught art workshops, encouraging others to explore their own creativity.

Laurie’s legacy continues through her artwork, her contributions to the arts community, and the welcoming space she created for others to gather, learn, and be inspired.