Laura Petka
Laura Petka’s four children have been the driving force behind her community involvement.
Her service to Ronald McDonald House of Dallas honors the incredible support her family received at the Cincinnati House during the most difficult time in their lives. The Petkas’ twin boys had been born prematurely and one of them, Hayes, had a critical illness and was unable to eat.
After multiple unsuccessful surgeries in Dallas, the Petka family sought out the best care possible and took Hayes to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. There, one of the country’s leading pediatric surgeons for intestinal resection freed Hayes from a life dependent on tubes. Today, he is a thriving kindergartner at Hyer Elementary.
“It was an experience I never want to endure again, but it also gave me a profound perspective on resilience and gratitude,” Petka said. “I now see, with deep compassion, what so many other families go through on even longer and more difficult journeys, and I carry that awareness with me every day.”
Since joining the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas board in 2023, the professional artist has co-chaired a concert fundraiser and annual gala. She is executive board chair for fund development.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was at a sub shop in Austin. I started working at a young age, since I knew I needed to earn my own money for things I wanted to do and buy. That early experience instilled a strong sense of drive and perseverance — qualities that have stayed with me throughout my life.
Looking back, those formative years played a significant role in helping me push through the challenges of marketing myself as an artist, even when quitting would have been the easier path. The creative world can often bring comparison or self-doubt and there were many times I questioned whether to keep going. But ultimately, I knew my story was worth sharing. Art has the power to open doors to conversation and vulnerability, and I realized that people want to collect art they connect with, art that has meaning.
Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?
As my children grow older, I look forward to having more time to paint, further evolving my work and expanding my collections. The support of my art from this community has been incredible and I’m excited to explore new opportunities beyond my local reach. Having my paintings at Blue Hills Barn in Round Top has been a incredible experience and I’m eager to continue pursuing unique opportunities like that.
With my background in the gallery world before becoming a full-time artist, I’ve come to realize that being in a gallery doesn’t have to be the ultimate goal. For me, it’s about connecting people with original art that truly resonates with them. The highs and lows of life that inspire my work are universal and it brings me so much joy when others see their own stories reflected in my paintings. I hope to continue sharing that connection with new communities, embracing every opportunity as a gift. I trust that God will guide this journey, opening the right doors for me and my art — I’m excited to see where it leads.
What’s on your bucket list?
We’re entering a new stage of life as our children grow older, allowing me more flexibility to travel with my husband apart from the kids. His career takes him to incredible destinations, and I used to join him on many of those trips before having twins. Now that our kids are a bit more independent, I’m excited to start again.
This past March, we visited London, Paris, and Normandy with his clients, and we have a trip to Palm Beach coming up in May. Being able to share these experiences together again is something I truly look forward to and I’m embracing this new season of life with gratitude and excitement.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
If my younger self had been told that I would one day be a mother to four incredible children — including twins! — and have a successful career as an artist, I never would have believed it. It still feels surreal when I take a moment to reflect. For me, it’s not about a single accomplishment but rather the journey as a whole. The resilience I discovered in myself while overcoming Hayes’ illness, the grace God has given me in transforming as a wife and mother — these experiences have profoundly shaped my vision as an artist. Without the challenges, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Sometimes, it’s through adversity that we uncover the strongest, most authentic version of ourselves, and I truly believe that was God’s plan for me all along.
How do you motivate yourself and others?
After experiencing Hayes’ critical illness, my life was forever changed by Christ. He is my ultimate source of strength, motivation, and guidance, and I turn to Him every single day. I strive to lean on Him in all things — seeking His wisdom, help, and direction — but I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not always easy. It’s a daily journey, one that requires faith and trust.
What brings me peace is knowing that this life isn’t meant to be lived for the world, but for God. That perspective lifts the weight of pressure and replaces it with purpose, reminding me that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
What was your “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career?
After Hayes regained his health, I found myself struggling to process the trauma we had endured and uncertain about how to step back into a “normal” life. In that struggle, I came to truly know Christ and learned to trust Him to guide my path. I longed to start painting again, but nothing I created felt meaningful — until one night, I saw it.
The vision for (her series of paintings) Connecting Points came to me as a way to reflect the moments in life that connect, with space in between. The highs and lows — whether joy or sorrow — took shape as clusters of coarse texture on the canvas, representing life’s toughest moments, while the surrounding smoothness symbolized the calm that follows. That was the turning point when I realized what I truly wanted to paint: life itself.
Bringing the vulnerability of real-life experiences into my art opened the door to deeper conversations with my collectors. In this neighborhood, it can sometimes seem like everyone’s life is perfect, but I can say with all honesty — mine isn’t. Life is tough, beautiful, messy, and an incredible blessing all at once. Translating that into art that not only captivates but also anchors a space and telling a story is what gives my work meaning.
What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?
I have always loved horseback riding and wish I had more time for it. Growing up, I rode both Western and English — never as much as I would have liked, but enough to develop a deep passion for it. If I had extra time in my life right now, I would love nothing more than to get back into riding again.
What would you tell an 18-year-old you?
Never give up on your dreams, and don’t let comparison or self-doubt take root in your life. At 18, I struggled with both, and looking back, I wish I had found my confidence and purpose in the Lord rather than seeking validation from the world. When you build your life on faith, comparison and self-doubt begin to fade, replaced by the peace and assurance that comes from knowing who you are in Christ.
If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?
With so many young families in our neighborhood, I highly recommend Parenting by Paul David Tripp. This book truly reshaped me as a mother, providing both practical guidance for navigating tough moments and a deeper understanding of faith-centered parenting. It has been an incredible resource, and I couldn’t recommend it more!
What advice do you have for other young professionals?
Follow your passion, work hard, and stay persistent. Success takes time, so embrace challenges as learning opportunities. Surround yourself with inspiring people, seek guidance, and stay true to your purpose. Lastly — keep going — even when it’s tough.
What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?
Our children were the driving force behind our involvement in the community. After moving to University Park, I wanted to connect with other families and create opportunities for our kids to build friendships. That led me to joining the Hyer Preschool Association, where I took on various board positions over the years. It was an incredible way to meet people quickly, and being a part of their events was such a fun experience. When my oldest started at Hyer, I became involved there, finding ways to serve on committees and chair opportunities that were a fit for me. It has been such a meaningful way to contribute, connect and make lasting memories for our family.
