People don't always see exactly what Valerie Lorimer has in mind when they look at her artwork. That's the beauty of it.

"It's very individual," said the 51-year-old Naperville resident on Tuesday. "It's interesting what art does … It's a different path for each person."

Lorimer hopes people share their personal interpretations this month while looking at her mixed media art, which will be on display at Congregation Beth Shalom beginning Jan. 14. Work from artist Barbara Lipkin will also be featured.

A mother of two—Nell, 8, and Hannah, 15—Lorimer tries to devote 15-20 hours per week to her hobby but admits doing so can get a little hairy.

"I've been known to pack up my things and haul them to soccer practice," she said, with a laugh. "It gets nuts. It's tough but I think, for me, it's just become a matter of making time for something that's really important for me."

Her kids and her husband, Christopher, know it's important to her, too, she said, and they often help find a way to give her the time she needs.

Lorimer's daily work revolves around art, too. She's a graphic artist for the Wheaton Park District and focuses on what she classifies as a "wide scope of projects" designing publications, the district's Website, brochures and anything else that's begging for her extra special touch. She began working with the district 11 years ago.

"I just love creativity…in many forms," she said. "It's my true passion."

Lorimer uses ink, pastels, colored pencils, illustrator markers, graphite and acrylic in her pieces. Many describe her colorful work as whimsical and nurturing, she said. Much of it includes pattern, geometric shapes and sometimes, written words.

"I do a lot of women-centered art," she said. "I think it's something about sisterhood. There's a connection there for me."

Lorimer has always been interested in fine arts and began exploring her creative side at a young age, she said. Her mother's friend—who was an artist—presented her with her first set of pastels.

But it was not until 2003 that she began to get serious about her hobby. She has since joined the Naperville Art League, DuPage Art League and Chicago Artists Coalition.

"I've definitely always had a love for (art)," she said. "It's just always been there and it always will."

Work by Lorimer and fellow artist, Barbara Lipkin, will be on display at an exhibit at Congregation Beth Shalom from Jan. 14-Feb. 23. The opening reception is scheduled for Jan. 14 at 9 p.m. If you are interested in seeing more of Valerie's work, visit her Website.