Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Bonner.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a proud native of Pensacola, Florida and currently finishing up my B.F.A in Painting at the Savannah College of Art and Design. My passion for painting deepened in high school after creating a portrait of Grant G., a four year old family friend who passed away from childhood cancer. That experience opened my eyes to the emotional power of art and it continues to inspire my mission today. Always motivated to make a difference, I have donated proceeds from my paintings to the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research and have created dozens of works that support nonprofit efforts through fundraising and awareness. My work invites viewers to reflect on the impact of small, intentional moments and how art, empathy, and joy can create lasting change.
A big part of how I got to where I am today comes down to the support I’ve had around me from the very beginning. My family has always been my foundation, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to grow up surrounded by encouragement, not just from them, but from so many people in my hometown of Pensacola who have believed in me, my work, and the heart behind it.
One of the biggest influences in my life was my grandfather, Lewis Bear Jr., a respected businessman and philanthropist who helped shape Northwest Florida through both his leadership and generosity. As the longtime owner of the Lewis Bear Company, one of the oldest family owned Anheuser-Busch distributorships in the country, and founder of the Bear Family Foundation, he made a lasting impact on the region by supporting countless community initiatives, healthcare systems, and educational programs.
He and I shared a deep connection through our love for art, and that bond helped shape how I see my own purpose. Watching the legacy he built, both in business and in giving back, inspired me to follow in his footsteps. Not only as an artist, but as someone committed to creating meaningful work that uplifts others and gives back to the communities that have shaped me.
That’s why I paint. It’s more than just art. It’s my way of telling stories that matter, supporting causes I care about, and continuing a legacy rooted in purpose, connection, and lasting impact.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like most artists trying to turn their passion into a career, there have been moments of self-doubt, burnout, and uncertainty, especially while juggling school, commissions, and emotionally heavy projects. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance it all without losing the heart behind why I started painting in the first place.
Creating a senior collection that was deeply personal and focused on legacy and impact took a lot out of me mentally and emotionally. I’ve also had to advocate for myself in professional spaces, chase down invoices, and learn how to navigate the business side of art while still being a full time student.
At times, it’s been overwhelming, but every struggle has pushed me to grow. It’s made me more grounded in my “why,” more confident in my voice, and more committed to making work that actually means something. I’ve been surrounded by an amazing support system, my family, friends, mentors, and my hometown community, and I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am today without them walking through the hard parts with me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a fine art painter specializing in photorealistic and emotionally driven oil paintings that tell stories rooted in memory, legacy, and community. My work often captures real people and moments, transforming them into something lasting and deeply personal. I’m especially drawn to painting subjects that reflect human connection, impact, and purpose, whether that’s through sports, family, or causes I care deeply about.
A lot of my recent work has been tied to the Savannah Bananas and their growing Banana Ball world. In October 2024, I had two original paintings auctioned off on their Banana Land at Sea cruise, with 100% of the proceeds donated back to the Bananas Foster Foundation. I was later commissioned to paint custom ceiling tiles for the Party Animals locker room, and a one of a kind game table for the newest team in the Banana Ball league, The Texas Tailgaters. These projects have allowed me to blend storytelling with immersive, functional artwork while being part of something that brings people joy.
Outside of that, one of my proudest moments is currently in progress, I’ve been asked to create a painting for a U.S. Senator that will be displayed in their office in the United States Capitol. It’s surreal and incredibly meaningful to know that my work will hang in a space that represents national leadership.
What sets my work apart is the heart behind it. I don’t just paint what I see, I paint what’s felt. I want people to look at my art and feel something, whether that’s emotional memory, hope, connection, or purpose. And more than anything, I want my work to make a difference. My goal has never been just to make paintings, it’s to create something that lasts, something that matters.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is using my gifts to make a meaningful impact, whether that’s through art, community involvement, or simply showing up for others with intention. I’ve always believed that our purpose is bigger than ourselves, and I feel most fulfilled when my work becomes a vehicle for connection, storytelling, and positive change.
Art has never just been about creating something beautiful for me. It’s about honoring people’s stories, preserving memories, and using those moments to spark something in others. That’s why I tie so much of what I do back to causes I care deeply about, like childhood cancer research. If my work can comfort someone, inspire someone, or help make a difference in someone’s life, then I know I’m doing what I was meant to do.
I also carry the legacy of my family with me, especially my grandfather, whose life showed me the power of generosity and leadership rooted in purpose. That’s what I want to keep building on! A life and career that lifts others up, creates lasting memories, and leaves something good behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurenbonnerart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbonner.art/?igsh=MWhyM2kwanN5cWR6dQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: [email protected]
