Art can also be a source of comfort. Soon after Lainey came to San Antonio 20 years ago, she found herself the single mother of two. During that difficult time, she discovered that beautiful art works made her smile. Then one day, while waiting to meet friends for lunch, she wandered into a gallery and met Hope Kaplan, who showed her a ceramics piece by Linda Duncan.

From then on, Lainey was hooked. "I started off slowly, collecting ceramics with unusual forms and bright colors. It made me happy, and on the lonelier days of my single life, I felt very good being surrounded by my special pieces."

Kaplan became a valuable tutor. "She started teaching me about art," Lainey says. "She told me how each piece was created, and sometimes I met with the artists. Some people are afraid to talk to artists, but I love to talk about shapes, styles, the meaning and interpretation. When you learn all of this, the piece becomes more valuable to you. It’s not only an investment but an enjoyable experience."

Later Lainey was introduced to Lisa Ortiz of Galeria Ortiz in the city’s Market Square. Ortiz became a mentor as well as a friend. "Lisa and I meet once a month now and visit galleries," says Lainey, who co-owns The CE Group: Communications and Events, a public relations and marketing company.

For Ortiz, that friendship goes both ways: "Lainey has tremendous passion and that comes through in her art collection. She and Michael have a varied collection from humorous pieces and folk art to very valuable glass art, but each work has their enthusiasm behind it. She’ll display a $50 piece she loves just as prominently as an artwork worth thousands."
Lainey’s most important partner in collecting art is Michael, whom she met on a blind date 14 years ago. "I knew right away that I had found my soul mate," she says. "He has a kind spirit, is an amazing cook and has always loved art."

The couple went to art shows on dates, and during their 13 years of marriage, their enthusiasm for art has continued to grow. Three years ago, the couple built a new home in a small, upscale neighborhood. Their goal was to design the house around their art collection.

"We spent as many hours planning the house as we did looking for art all these years," says Lainey. "Every piece was measured and had a designated place to go."

The home has an open layout with soaring ceilings, yet the rooms have an intimate feel. There is art in every area, on the tables, sinks, walls and shelves. Each part of the house offers a different view, from a neon art piece wrapped around a tree in the back yard to a gallery wall of glass pieces.

"I’m a storyteller by nature," says Lainey. "Our house tells a story that is filled with memories, personality and the souls of the people who designed the art, as well as those who interact with it."

The complete article "Texas Bold and Bright" can be found in the Winter 2003-2004 issue of AmericanStyle.