Newsletter

Newsletters are published monthly, except during the summer months. If you are an LAG member and would like to see an earlier newsletter, please contact us.

Holidays Celebration Issue

Laurel Art Guild Holidays CelebrationSaturday, December 13th, 2025 1200PM at Chidos Tex Mex Restaurant in Laurel 14600 Laurel Pl, Laurel, MD 20707



2025 LAG Yearly Luncheon: A Networking Opportunity You Won’t Want to Miss

Efrain Montanez – President Laurel Art Guild

Dear Laurel Art Guild Members,

As we approach the end of the year—quickly, it seems—our hopes and expectations for the future continue to grow. Excitement is building as new ideas and events begin to take shape. The Laurel Art Guild is entering a fresh season of creativity and, as your president, I want to hear from each of you.

I know many of you have wonderful thoughts on how we can strengthen our artistic community, enrich our creative processes, and enhance the way our organization serves its members. This new season will be defined by connection—members connecting with one another, sharing knowledge, showcasing artwork, and expanding opportunities for creative growth.

I warmly invite you to share your proposals and ideas: projects you would like to lead, classes you want to teach, workshops you envision, or initiatives you hope to see. My commitment is to listen closely and explore every possibility that aligns with our mission and supports the growth of the Laurel Art Guild. It’s time to bring those ideas to life.

We also have exciting news on the horizon. Through our partnership with the Laurel Arts Council, we are collaborating on a major project that will offer our members a meaningful opportunity to shine and be recognized throughout the city of Laurel. Stay tuned for updates—there is much more to come and we encourage every member to be actively involved.

Looking ahead, our annual Open Juried LAG Exhibition is returning next year. Prepare your artwork and be ready to submit once the prospectus is released. As always, we look forward to experiencing bold, fresh creativity from our talented community of local artists—whether expressed through two-dimensional or three-dimensional works.

As this year draws to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to all Laurel Art Guild artists—professionals, hobbyists, amateurs, and seasoned creators alike. May the joy of creativity fill your heart, may the warmth of the holidays surround you, and may 2026 bring abundant opportunities and unending inspiration.


December 2025 Newsletter

How Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping the Future of Visual Art

As the creative world continues to evolve, many visual artists are discovering that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a replacement for human imagination, but a powerful tool that can support and enhance the artistic process. AI is opening new pathways for inspiration, helping artists work more efficiently, and expanding how artwork is shared with the world.

A New Source of Creative Inspiration

AI can serve as a virtual creative partner, offering fresh perspectives on color, composition, and form. With just a few prompts, artists can explore a variety of visual ideas—testing styles, lighting, or textures that may not have been considered before. This kind of experimentation helps break through creative blocks and encourages new artistic directions.

Streamlining the Concept Stage

Developing concepts often requires time, patience, and many drafts. AI can speed up this process by generating quick visual references or variations of an idea. Whether preparing for a painting, an illustration, a sculpture, or an exhibition, artists can review multiple options in minutes, allowing them to refine their vision with greater clarity.

Supporting Both Traditional and Digital Artists

AI is not limited to digital artwork. Traditional painters, photographers, sculptors, and mixed-media artists are using it in practical ways—such as planning composition, exploring color combinations, or creating lighting references. Artists can upload sketches or photographs and experiment with different possibilities before committing to the final piece.

Enhancing the Artist’s Workflow

Behind every finished artwork is a long list of small tasks, from cleaning up photos of artwork to organizing digital files. AI tools can now assist with background removal, upscaling images, writing artwork descriptions, and even managing social media posts. By taking on these repetitive tasks, AI helps artists reclaim more time for creating.

Expanding Visibility and Accessibility

AI can help artists reach wider audiences by improving online presentation and accessibility. Automatic translations, descriptive text for exhibitions, and enhanced portfolio tools allow artists to share their work more effectively with diverse communities—locally and worldwide.

Encouraging Innovation and Exploration

A growing number of artists are integrating AI into their creative practice, experimenting with hybrid techniques that blend traditional craftsmanship with digital generation. From interactive installations to new forms of digital expression, AI invites artists to explore uncharted creative territory.


A Tool for Today’s Artist

AI cannot replicate the emotion, perspective, or personal story an artist brings to their work, but it can support the artistic journey in meaningful ways. As we look forward to a new season of creativity at the Laurel Art Guild, AI stands as a resource that can inspire, assist, and empower artists of all backgrounds and skill levels.

Past Newsletters

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