Lauren Be Dear is an interdisciplinary artist based in Hartford, Connecticut. She combines video art, spoken word poetry, sculpture and performance to create immersive installations. Often hyper personal and autobiographical, her work touches upon significant life events, such as her bipolar disorder and PTSD. In placing a spotlight on such topics, she aims to dismantle the burden of stigma, encourage others to share their own stories, and create new pathways to healing. In 2020, Lauren released a spoken word poetry album titled, “Com•mit•tal.” She performed the album in its entirety at Real Art Ways in 2021, coinciding with her solo show, “Through The Veil.” In 2023, Lauren presented “infinitlovalie,” a multimedia installation and solo show at The Arts Industry in West Hartford, CT. Besides her talented, inspiring and supportive group of friends and community, some of her influences also include Miranda July, Andrea Gibson, Nick Cave and Pipilotti Rist. Currently, Lauren works as Front of House Manager & Membership Coordinator at Real Art Ways in Hartford, CT. She spends her free time stretching the boundaries of her creativity in her art studio, re-watching “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” or cuddling with her cat.