In honor of her late husband, local artist Larry Roberts, business owner, entrepreneur and director Laurie Roberts of Primo Interiors, has released a line of one-of-a-kind rugs to continue on his legacy and give new life to his internationally awarded pieces of art, and continue to support the artist community that they called home, Chicago.

Over 30 years ago, Larry and Laurie Roberts found community in the Pilsen art scene when they first arrived in Chicago. Larry’s natural talents for figurative abstract art, expressionism, and impressionism gained recognition in the city and across the country. With acrylic paint as his main medium and an eye for color palettes, his paintings evoked raw, visceral images. He sadly passed away in 2019 at just 55 years old.

His wife Laurie, a talented creator in her own right, launched the Larry Roberts Chicago Rug line on September 22, 2022 to honor her late husband, Larry. All Larry Roberts Chicago Rugs are trademarked designs, hand-tufted, hand-knotted, and from an accredited and GreenGuard Gold Certified manufacturer. The first rug to be sold features his work “La Femme,” a serene piece with hues of teal and green transforming the art from your walls to your floors.

Partial proceeds from the rug sales will benefit The Larry and Laurie Roberts Foundation for the Arts, which was created in memory of Larry and whose mission is to elevate the community through creativity, compassion, and a deeper understanding of not only others but oneself. To carry on his legacy, support mental and emotional health, and empower those interested in the arts to explore and create for themselves, the foundation offers classes and supplies to artists of all socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, races, and gender identities. Their goal is to encourage learning to understand and not just accept but appreciate our differences.

About Laurie Roberts

Laurie Roberts is Principal at Primo Interiors, Principal and Curator at Larry Roberts Chicago, and Director of The Larry and Laurie Roberts Foundation for the Arts, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. Roberts formerly served on the Board of Directors for Designs for Dignity.

The multi-hyphenate was born in Michigan but has called Chicago home for nearly three decades. Roberts’ early career in apparel design and showroom management led her on the path to founding Primo Interiors in 2006 through which she has provided customers with superior custom-tailored window treatments, bedding, and pillows since.

Roberts cites her late husband, Larry, as her constant inspiration. His endless encouragement, creativity, and legacy inform her work on a daily basis. With Larry’s zest for life in the back of her mind, she works hard and prides herself on cultivating welcoming and safe spaces for her employees, producing excellent work for her customers, and using her platform to give back to the Chicago arts community whenever she can.

For more information visit https://larryrobertschicagorugs.com/