Artist,
Arts Educator
Pearl Lau is an artist, educator, and former art director whose career spans over 25 years in publishing and two decades in arts education. With a passion for cultural heritage and inclusivity, she has empowered students from diverse backgrounds and differently-abled individuals through the transformative power of art. From corporate boardrooms to inner-city classrooms, Pearl’s mission remains the same: to inspire, uplift, and give a voice to those who need it most.
“Coming to Florida has opened up a whole new subject matter to me. The skies are amazing, the clouds are fanciful. We are surrounded by water so the atmosphere is bombarded with all kinds of weather.”
Born in Hong Kong to a Chinese father and a German-American mother, Pearl Lau’s life has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering passion for art and education. Raised in Queens, New York, her multicultural background presented challenges, but also instilled a deep appreciation for diversity and determination—qualities that would define her career.
With a foundation in both commercial and fine arts, Pearl built a successful 25-year career as an art director, working with major publishing companies, earning awards, and thriving in the creative industry. Yet, despite her success, she longed to use her skills to make a greater impact. This led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Art Education in her late 40s and transition into teaching, where she dedicated over two decades to empowering students in inner-city Brooklyn.
As an educator, Pearl embraced cultural diversity, integrating students’ heritages into her curriculum. From teaching Chinese calligraphy during Lunar New Year to helping Mexican students write their names in Maya hieroglyphics, she used art as a bridge to connect and uplift young minds. One of her proudest moments came when a student from Mexico proudly reclaimed his Maya heritage after learning about their contributions to writing and civilization.
Now based in Vero Beach, Florida, Pearl continues to use art as a means of communication and self-expression, particularly with differently-abled individuals, including young adults with Autism and Down Syndrome. Her work emphasizes that art is for everyone, providing a voice to those who may not otherwise have one.
Pearl’s journey—from art director to transformative educator and advocate—reflects her lifelong belief that creativity has the power to change lives. Through her work, she continues to inspire, educate, and uplift individuals from all walks of life.
