Meet Lara Venema, this year’s Festival of the Arts Featured Artist

The Lakeview East Festival of the Arts is Chicago’s premier art festival, with over 150 juried artists from all over the nation coming together in the heart of Lakeview, showcasing their original artwork. September 19th and 20th, is the years 21st festival! Each year, one participating artist is selected as the Festival’s Featured Artist, with one of their pieces serving as the inspiration and visual theme for the event. This year, the spotlight shines on Chicago-based mixed media artist Lara Venema, whose vibrant piece Disco Dreams was selected as the 2026 Featured Artist print.

Known for her unique mixed media style, Venema draws inspiration from a variety of influences to create colorful and expressive works that invite viewers to see the world from a different perspective. We sat down with Venema to learn more about her artistic journey, creative process, inspirations, and the story behind Disco Dreams!

“I grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and later attended Columbia College Chicago, where I received my BFA. I took many fine art classes while I was there, although my degree was in graphic design.

I always continued painting on the side and eventually transitioned to becoming a full-time artist. I realized that sitting at a computer all day wasn’t fulfilling me creatively, and I wanted the freedom to work with my hands, experiment with different materials, and create without feeling limited by a screen.

I now split my time between Chicago and Florida with my husband and our three Pomskies. Outside of art, I love boating and being around the water, dogs, traveling, spending time with friends and family, fine dining, and watching documentaries.”

“Ever since I can remember, I was always drawing or painting. Being an artist was always my dream. Creativity came very naturally to me, and I always knew I wanted to pursue a career where I could create and express myself.”

“Creativity definitely runs in my family. My mom is an amazing artist, although she ultimately chose a career in interior design. She always encouraged my creativity and supported me in following a creative path. My grandma and aunt were also artists, so I grew up surrounded by creative women who had a big influence on me.”

“Mixed media has been part of the way I create for as long as I can remember. I was always taking found objects and figuring out ways to incorporate them into paintings or other artwork.

My distinct style developed naturally over time rather than all at once. I love taking unexpected materials and turning them into something completely different. Adding dimensional and sometimes moving elements allows the artwork to extend beyond the traditional canvas and really come to life. I think that sense of playfulness and experimentation has become a huge part of my style.”

“Disco Dreams, the featured piece, is actually one of my favorites. I have always loved disco balls and what they represent in my work—the idea of celebrating life and finding moments of joy.

Usually, though, my favorite piece is whatever I’ve completed most recently. I feel like my work continues to evolve and get stronger with every piece I create, so I’m always excited about what I’ve just finished and where it might lead next.

Another favorite is Flock Off. I love the confidence of the woman in that piece, while the birds symbolize freedom, growth, and resilience. I especially love how the birds physically protrude beyond the frame. That dimensional element makes the piece feel like it can’t quite be contained, which ties perfectly into the meaning behind it.”

“The featured piece, Disco Dreams, was painted using both oil and acrylic before being transformed with layers of mixed media. The woman is embellished with vinyl, hand casted resin molds, pendants, ribbon, disco balls, and other dimensional elements that bring the piece to life. The piece was then sealed with resin and studded with swarovski crystals.

The meaning behind the piece is really about finding joy in the simplicity of life. It’s meant to remind us that, no matter how old we get, we are all still children at heart. Some of the happiest moments can come from something playful, unexpected, or seemingly ordinary.

Disco balls are a recurring element in my work because, to me, they symbolize a celebration of life. They take something simple—light—and turn it into something exciting and beautiful. I love that idea of creating our own moments of joy and choosing to celebrate them.”

“I actually paint in complete silence! When I’m creating, I get so focused that I completely zone in on what I’m doing. I can paint for hours without even realizing how much time has passed. I think the silence allows me to get completely lost in the creative process.”

Follow Lara Venema on her social media channels to keep up with her latest pieces, shows, and more!

Instagram

Facebook

She also has a website she updates regularly, where you can shop her work, and contact her.

See Lara’s artwork in person, along with more than 150 talented artists from across the country and around the world, at this year’s Lakeview East Festival of the Arts!

Join us Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, as Broadway transforms into an outdoor art gallery, stretching from Belmont Avenue to Hawthorne Place. Browse one-of-a-kind paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, and more, all while meeting the artists behind the work.

And the art is just the beginning! The festival will feature two stages of live local music, a kids’ entertainment zone, and plenty of delicious food and drinks to keep you fueled as you explore.

The artist booths will be open 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday, with live music continuing until 10 p.m. On Sunday, artist booths will be open 10 a.m.–6 p.m., with live music from noon–6 p.m.

Ready to plan your weekend? Visit the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts website to virtually meet this year’s artists, check out the full music schedule, and start planning your festival adventure!