How artist Lori Demand is building community in her studio

In Lori Demand’s studio, the work of other artists lines the walls alongside her own paintings. For a creative who values connection, community and relationships, being surrounded by pieces made by her peers feels fitting.

Although she has been painting since 2018, Demand still identifies as a “new artist.” After retirement, Demand took painting classes at a local framing store and soaked up wisdom from renowned artists’ YouTube channels. She says the transition from her background in petroleum engineering into the art world felt easy and natural.

Demand’s first foray into sharing her art with the public was through donating pieces to local charity auctions and raffles. Now, while running a studio and selling prints and originals, giving back to the community is still part of her business model.

Demand opened In Demand Art Studios in 2023 with longtime friend Beth Williams. The pair built the space to be more than a one-artist gallery. Since opening, In Demand has shown work from over 35 creatives.

As a self-taught painter, Demand knows that it is not always easy to gain access to traditional galleries. So she wanted to offer an alternative while also fostering community in the local art world, which she recognizes can often be an isolating space.

“As artists, creating is personal and independent,” she says. “But surviving, learning and finding support require community, so I wanted to make this a safe, non-judgmental space.”

The owners of In Demand want to reach far into the community to foster these relationships. Along with exhibit opening receptions, the studio hosts The Creative Exchange workshops, which feature expert guest speakers and give artists a space to share wins, losses and challenges.

“[Organizing events] is so much work, but it is like oxygen to me,” Demand says. “When things get really rough, and I get really discouraged, I have that moment where I think I’m just going to close the doors, and I’m not going to pick up another paintbrush. Then we have an event, and to see the artists’ friends and family appreciating the art—this is why we do this.”

In the future, Demand says she and Williams envision hosting outreach events for the mental health and wellness community. In Demand is located above a physical therapy clinic, and the two businesses have already collaborated on women’s wellness and self-care events.

​Combining art with science and psychology is a practice that Demand is well-versed in. She says she’s eager to marry these two worlds that seem to be at odds.

“I think the science world is starting to wake up to the fact that art isn’t just frou-frou or a pretty thing to look at,” Demand says. “There is scientific evidence of how it changes the brain for good, and you don’t even have to do it. You can just look at it and get some positive energy.”

This article was originally published in the June 2026 issue of 225 Magazine.