Laurel Gibson has studied or done residences at various schools the United States and France. She has taught classes and workshops at local universities, art galleries, museums, and through community outreach organizations.

As an educator, Laurel believes that art is a vehicle of expression when words and actions aren't possible.  She is passionate about supporting disadvantaged communities and the empowerment of women and children.

Laurel received a grant from The National Endowment of the Arts for her embroidered artworks for the Old Spanish Trail Highway in which she was  named the official artist.  In 2017, Laurel was awarded the Arts & Letters Award from the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library for outstanding contributions to the artistic and literary community of San Antonio.