Randall and Chelsea Smith

In October of 2018, Orange County Library System hosted StoryCorps, a non-profit which provides people across the country with the opportunity to record and preserve the stories of their lives. Archiving the wisdom, experience, and cultural history of participants for the use of future generations.

During these recordings, local artist Thomas Thorspecken illustrated each of the subjects with pencil and watercolors.

Chelsea Smith (27) is an artist of considerable local renown. Her artwork has appeared in galleries and art festivals throughout Central Florida including the Mount Dora Art Festival, CityArts Factory, and the Orlando Public Library.

Her father Randall Smith (56) knew that Chelsea was destined to become an artist, even from an early age. In their conversation together, Randall and Chelsea reminisce about the moments in her life that crystallized her passion for creativity.