Art Connects Us

Since 2021, Laura Petrovich-Cheney has been the art teacher at Johnson School. She is an interdisciplinary artist and writer with an MFA in Studio Art (Moore College of Art & Design), an MS in Fashion Design (Drexel University), and a BA in Fine Arts and English Literature (Dickinson College). Before moving to Marblehead, Laura was a National Board-Certified art educator in Lakewood, New Jersey, from 2001 to 2014 and taught at Ocean County Community College from 2014 to 2016. She also served on the executive board of the Art Educators of New Jersey, presenting to both state and national audiences. Laura has been published in School Arts magazine, and excerpts from her memoir have also appeared in print.
In addition to teaching, Laura is a full-time artist. Her sculptures, which incorporate discarded materials, explore themes of personal history, identity, and the environment. Drawing inspiration from feminist ideas and traditional women’s crafts like needlework, weaving, and quilting, Laura’s work has been exhibited nationally, including a 2023 solo show at the Boston Children’s Museum. She has been recognized with fellowships from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (2017) and the Massachusetts Cultural Council (2021).
Outside of her artistic practice, Laura enjoys cooking, working as a Master Gardener at Newhall Field Farms and the Peabody Essex Museum, and caring for her dog and cat.