Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Hartley woman's art earns accolades at Clay County Fair
LaVonne Hansen shows off some of her award-winning art at her home last Friday. The Hartley woman took home six ribbons – three purples and three blues – at this year's Clay County Fair.
Hansen's artistic prowess isn't isolated to pen and paper. She also enjoys wood burning and carving. Pictured here is a holiday collection of Santas carved out of wooden spools.
A passion for art has led to a lifetime of rewards for Hartley's LaVonne Hansen.
Well known locally for her "Chalk Talks," Hansen has been honing her skills across an array of art media for decades. Recently, her hard work landed her three purple ribbons and three blues at the Clay County Fair.
2022 marked the 25th year Hansen submitted pieces of her work at the fair, making this year's haul extra special.
"There's very seldom a day that I don't do something, whether it's drawing or something else," she said. "Through the years, it's gotten really involved. It's something that I get a kick out of."
Hansen, 93, didn't get into art for the ribbons and other accolades. She's loved drawing since she was a kid, and got her first taste of formal art education when she was enrolled at Drake University in the late 1940s.
The hobby gradually morphed into a passion. While Hansen's favorite things are drawing and painting, she also likes to do wood burning and carving.
"I'm still learning," she said. "It's fascinating."
The time Hansen dedicated to creating art grew significantly when her late husband, Don, died in 2010.
"I was really determined to have a purpose, create and draw – to stay busy," she said. "Over the years it has helped me get out and meet new people."
Many area residents became familiar with Hansen's work through Chalk Talks. The 20-minute sessions at libraries and other locations featured the artist telling a story while she drew a scene on a piece of paper.
"It gets you out and helps you create," she said. "I love sharing something that people may enjoy."
Hansen's favorite things to draw are barns and landscapes. Oftentimes, they're local buildings, but sometimes she creates scenes from her imagination.
Hansen knows her limits, though.
"I'm no good at drawing people," she said with a laugh.
Hansen has no intention of slowing down. Her art is both a passion and a point of pride, and she's always eager to create the next piece.
"You do it for your own satisfaction," she said.
