October 24, 2020

“Pie as Art, Volume 1” was released on July 10, 2020 at a pie‐themed community event in Lindsborg, KS. Laura Baker, the author, baker, and illustrator of the book was the artist‐in‐residence at the Red Barn Studios where the event took place.

There was a pie baking contest, pie auction and a homemade pie and ice cream picnic surrounding Baker where she released her first of two cookbooks and displayed her pie paintings for sale. The Red Barn has been a peaceful, productive, and inspiring place for the ‘Pie Baker Lady’ to work on her painted images for the cookbook. Laura is a regular artist invited to study and work at the Red Barn Studio and museum since the year 2000.

Baker has assembled 32 classic pie recipes, savory and sweet, that will inspire the seasoned baker along with the novice. Her recipes are simple and very accessible; each one accompanied by a charming story centered on the pie recipe or the illustration technique. Each recipe also has a unique illustration painted in a realistic/folksy‐ style using watercolor, acrylic, watercolor pencil or colored pencil as her media. This is a unique book where the author is also the baker, photographer and illustrator! The reader will also enjoy reading about Laura’s journey to create Pie as Art while working full‐time as an interior architect and caring for a family of five.

“Recently, people have had to cook more of their meals at home. Of all the things that can come out of the home kitchen, nothing is more satisfying than pie. In her new book, Pie as Art, Vol. 1, Laura Baker (perfect name) will take you by the hand and show you that pie‐making is nothing to be afraid of. The book is a delight, and, personally, I appreciate Laura’s emphasis on the classics, like pure rhubarb pie. Laura’s pie illustrations make the book an explosion of color and joy that will lift your spirits, even if you don’t make a single pie. But don’t worry, you will. Resistance is futile and you’ll soon be setting pies to cool in the window, like Aunt Bea on the Andy Griffith Show.” Patrick Neas Editor, KC Arts Beat; Classical Music Columnist, The Kansas City Star; Podcast host, Choral Conversations

Pie as Art, Volume 1 may be purchased at her website, www.piebakerlady.com or at her Etsy shop, Pie Baker Lady. On Friday, February 12, 2021 from 6pm‐8pm, Laura will be hosting an art reception and a book ‐ signing event at the George Schlegel Gallery inside the Roeland Park City Hall building at 4600 W. 51st Street. She will be serving up an assortment of pies from the cookbook, autographing books, selling paintings that were used in the cookbook, and premiering some new pie paintings that are to be included in Pie as Art, Volume II. Subscribe to Laura’s website email to be included on upcoming events on her calendar and read‐up on baking adventures on her Baker’s Blog @ www.piebakerlady.com.

Laura is busy scheduling book signing events around Kansas City and at Lake Lotawana, however due to the pandemic, some venues are not currently open and scheduling events. But, until that time when we are free from the virus, if you are looking for a unique gift for the holidays, that supports a local girl, please visit www.piebakerlady.com. Books are available now and will get to you in plenty of time, before you start planning your Thanksgiving dessert menu!