John Laurent

American, (active 1921–2005)
Laurent was born in Brooklyn on November 17, 1921. His father was the noted sculptor Robert Laurent and his mother was Mimi Caraes. The senior Laurent was first brought to Ogunquit by Hamilton Easter Field, when Field moved there in 1902. Field eventually opened the Ogunquit School of Painting and Sculpture in Perkins Cove and Robert got involved there as well. Field died in 1922 and named Robert as his sole heir, leaving Robert the Adams House, among other things. Robert taught at the art school in the 1940s and 1950s. Later, John worked with Robert at the school, with John teaching painting and Robert sculpture. John took over the school when Robert died. The school closed in the mid 1950s.

John served in World War II and returned to begin his formal education in art. He earned a bachelor in fine arts degree from Syracuse University and a master's degree from Indiana University. He began teaching art at the University of New Hampshire in 1954 and continued on the faculty for most of his career. He became an established artist in his own right.