When Nora Robertson is creating, she finds herself in her “art zone.” She becomes so focused that the passing of time is secondary to finishing her project in just the right way.
The 12-year-old artist from Springfield, MO, has always loved to paint and draw. Nora sees art as a fun way to express herself, and she particularly finds inspiration from animals and landscapes. Her dad, David, tells the story of their trips to the Magic House from a very young age:
“After spending time enjoying the science and other interactive exhibits, she would then retreat into their art rooms on the lower floor on her way ‘out.’ Her creativity would soar there, due to their endless art supplies. Most children would spend 20-30 minutes on art. If we were lucky, we would actually leave a couple of hours after Nora first said she was ready to go.”
Nora has also taken an interest in painting furniture – and transforming it into a work of art. She first dabbled in this when she decided to paint an old chair her family had at home. “She really loved that project and decided that she would like to blend her loves together and do other ‘furniture art’ projects that she could sell at a craft fair,” said her dad.
Her family has ties to the St. Louis area, and they often stop by the Miriam Switching Post during their trips to town. On one such trip last year, she was choosing picture frames and a small bench to paint, and staff overheard her talking about her projects. Roy Wunsch, Switching Post Manager, also gave Nora a chair to work on.
And that was the beginning of a beautiful – and creative – partnership. When he discovered her talent, Roy invited Nora and her family back to the shop and gave her a china cabinet, a wine table, a bench, a magazine rack, bar stools, multiple chairs and a small table. The agreement was that Nora would work her magic on these pieces, and return to display and sell them at the Switching Post.
In May, the public had the opportunity to see this young artist’s amazing work, when the Switching Post hosted “Nora Robertson: Reimagined Inspiration.”
Nora has always enjoyed using her work to benefit others. She and her friends have often hosted bake sales and donated their proceeds to charity – sometimes to buy toys for children in the hospital, and other times to animal rescue facilities. She is also moved by Miriam’s mission, particularly as she has an autistic brother.
“I am excited to have this opportunity to share my art and honored to be able to contribute to the mission of Miriam’s Switching Post,” Nora said.
Nora, who is nearly finished with sixth grade, also enjoys swimming, Orange Leaf frozen yogurt, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, dogs and koalas. Her favorite colors are blue and sage green.
