Laurie VanBalen is a visual artist, instructor and advocate for human rights. Her career spans 40 years of exhibits, commissions, illustration and community organizing for the arts.

Laurie and her husband, Tom work as co-directors of The Columbus Crossing Borders Project. This project is an art exhibit and documentary film supporting understanding and compassion for the world's millions of refugees. The Columbus Crossing Borders Project visits galleries, schools, community centers and places of worship.