07/27/2026
Meet Laura Dirk: Where Strength Meets Creativity 🎨💪
If you've attended Pilates during the week or Muscle Mania on Sundays at Lakeshore Recreation, chances are you've met Laura Dirk—artist, golfer, swimmer, hiker, grandmother, and one of our wonderfully creative members. For Laura, fitness isn't just about staying active; it's about continuing to do what she loves most: creating art.
Many people recognize Laura for her vibrant abstract paintings or her colourful wearable art, but few realize just how physically demanding painting can be. Working on canvases as large as 60" x 40", Laura spends hours reaching, bending, twisting, kneeling, lifting, and moving around the canvas. She paints with brushes, rollers, squeegees, scrapers, sponges—even sticks—using her entire body to create the energy and movement that have become her signature style.
"The energy has to come out of your body," Laura says. "You have to have motion while you're painting."
That is exactly why building strength has become such an important part of her life.
Laura is a regular in our Pilates classes, where she strengthens her core, improves mobility, and protects her back and shoulders. She also loves joining Ann MacKay's Muscle Mania class on Sundays, appreciating that she can challenge herself while modifying movements when needed. Whether she's carrying canvases, stretching across a painting, swinging a golf club, or swimming laps, staying strong allows Laura to keep pursuing the activities she's passionate about.
She sees a remarkable connection between fitness and creativity.
"Building strength is like creating a painting," Laura explains. "You start with a foundation, then build on it, layer by layer."
Laura's inspiration is everywhere. While golfing, she notices wildflowers, butterflies, dramatic skies, and the iconic pine trees that line our Lake Huron shoreline. Those moments often find their way into her paintings, inviting viewers to discover their own meaning within each piece.
Originally from London and now proudly calling Port Elgin home, Laura has created hundreds of original works since returning to painting after retirement. She also launched her Canadian-made line of colourful SPF wearable art, allowing people to literally wear her artwork on and off the golf course. Every garment is printed and sewn to order in Canada.
Her next major exhibition will run January through March 2027 at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, where visitors will experience a collection of her original artwork, including a special gallery of reimagined pieces with proceeds supporting a local charity.
When asked what advice she would give someone who says they're too busy to exercise, Laura's answer is refreshingly simple:
"Make it part of your day. The benefits far outweigh the trouble of finding the time."
And when asked what message she'd leave our members about staying active and following their passions, her response couldn't be more fitting:
"Just do it. Everyone has creativity and energy in them—celebrate it."
Laura reminds us that movement isn't just about fitness. It's about protecting the passions that bring us joy. Every Pilates class, every Muscle Mania workout, every round of golf, and every walk outdoors helps her continue creating the art that inspires so many others.
Your Community. Your Gym. Where Fit Happens. 💙
If you'd like to explore Laura's original artwork or her colourful Canadian-made SPF wearable art collection, you can find her:
Instagram: and
Facebook: Laura Dirk
Website: ldirkartist.wordpress.com
Just one more amazing member of the Lakeshore Rec.'s community staying active and strong!
