The Gentry Joint is the production company of William and Laura Gentry. These productions include film, records, photography, paintings and sculpture. Though these projects are varied, the core dynamic of the Gentry's artistic advocacy is to create a better world. The following is a list of the major productions of The Gentry Joint beginning with the most recent. It includes a brief description of each, along with links to where you can learn more.
When the Gentrys moved from Los Angeles to McGregor, Iowa in 2001, many of their Californian friends did not think they would last six months. But they did. And over the years they have learned more about the intricacies of rural life. This is William’s ambitious, 12 month project of photographs depicting all aspects of life in McGregor. 2009
Say goodbye to stress on the road with this hilarious CD. Laughing Laura and the Fabulous Laughers keep the laughter rolling for commuters. It features unique laughter exercises, yoga breathing, gibberish talking, happy chants, positive affirmations and more. Laugh Your Way There—the only product of its kind—will jump start your laughter engine no matter where you are! Available at the Gentry Joint Store & Amazon.com. 2008
Laura has sculpted over 700 small ceramic eggplants emblazoned with random quotes. They have sold through-out the country in Art*o*mat vending machines. Each buyer is invited to send a response to the quote along with a photo. This endeavor has connected the Gentrys with eggplant buyers—including one in Japan who we met personally. Available at the Gentry Joint Store and select Art*o*mat machines. 2004
Inspireflies
Laura created a limited run of small butterfly paintings (2 1/8 “ x 3 1/4”) with words of inspiration integrated into the works. As the title suggests, these 150 miniature works were made to inspire—to influence, guide, spur on, and infuse with life. 2004
Seen But Rarely Heard
This traveling exhibit of life-sized paintings reveals the inner life of teenage girls. These pieces help girls to see they are not alone in their struggles and it gives adults a window into their world, that we may seek to understand and empower them more. Seen but Rarely Heard has been exhibited in over many locations around the country including nonprofit and advocacy organizations. 2002
Resurrection
Laura’s “Resurrection” paintings consist of large, multimedia paintings of butterflies. This colorful exploration of the ancient symbol of rebirth is intended to resonate with the human longing to find hope in the face of despair, to find renewal in the face of loss and pain, and to perceive death as but the gateway to eternal life. 2002
Happy, playful, interactive songs abound on Laura's debut
album. This upbeat collection of 15 original songs and cheers is the first ever laughter-themed children’s album. Laughing Laura and the Gigglers are accompanied by a swingin' jazz trio. Today is a Laughing Day delivers big fun to inspire laughing, singing, and dancing for the whole
Join Laughing Laura and her Laughter Friends in this fun, easy-to-follow Laughter Yoga workout on DVD! This program contains a high-impact Laughter Yoga workout designed specifically for kids and kids at heart. Recommended by the American Library Association. Available at the Gentry Joint Store & Amazon.com. 2007
Initially this work began as a film project the Gentrys were commissioned to do—a creative illustration of Galatians 5:22-23, which speaks of the fruits of the Spirit, enacted by real fruits. William then made headshots for each of the fruit talents. After exhibiting the initial nine fruit to amused reviews, he decided to add vegetables to the line up. Read a blog post about his show's presence in Art*o*mat vending machines. 2007
Pig-culiar
Laura gave herself the challenge of creating various paintings on concrete piglets—kind of like her own public art project. How different the same piggy can look with different designs! But they always bring good cheer. Some of these pigculiar paintings are available at Gentry Joint Store. 2006
Pig-culiarLaura gave herself the challenge of creating various paintings on concrete piglets—kind of like her own public art project. How different the same piggy can look with different designs! But they always bring good cheer. Some of these pigculiar paintings are available at Gentry Joint Store. 2006
William, struck by the boldness of Red Hat Society members he met, took it upon himself to photograph them. Their confidence and genuine enthusiasm for life after fifty is evident in these unique portraits. 2004
Laura has sculpted over 700 small ceramic eggplants emblazoned with random quotes. They have sold through-out the country in Art*o*mat vending machines. Each buyer is invited to send a response to the quote along with a photo. This endeavor has connected the Gentrys with eggplant buyers—including one in Japan who we met personally. Available at the Gentry Joint Store and select Art*o*mat machines. 2004InspirefliesLaura created a limited run of small butterfly paintings (2 1/8 “ x 3 1/4”) with words of inspiration integrated into the works. As the title suggests, these 150 miniature works were made to inspire—to influence, guide, spur on, and infuse with life. 2004
Most people cruise through life paying little attention to the bit players in their life. "Along the Way" is William's ongoing photographic series of these players. The pictures urge you to consider the people you interact with along the way—the ones who serve your coffee, ring up your groceries, share your sidewalk or sell your movie tickets. Pause long enough to acknowledge them as fellow human beings. 2004
During the course of one lunar cycle, Laura tracked the moon’s journey by tying together, in a new painting every day, the interpretive meaning of each phase of the moon, daily devotions penned by Dr. Richard Simon Hanson, and her own passion for the earth. 2004
Living Word
“What one word defines you?” This question forms the basis of the Gentry's first book, a collection of over a hundred photographic portraits of people wearing their one, defining word. It was published in 2005 by Penfield Books.
Buy Living Word books and customized T-shirts at Gentry Joint Store. 2003
Living Word
“What one word defines you?” This question forms the basis of the Gentry's first book, a collection of over a hundred photographic portraits of people wearing their one, defining word. It was published in 2005 by Penfield Books. Buy Living Word books and customized T-shirts at Gentry Joint Store. 2003
The elderly within our society are largely unsung. William’s intimate portraits of seniors give testimony to the unique beauty and wisdom of the elderly—whose facial lines and discernible blemishes chronicle the fascinating stories of their lives. 2003
Deva's Second Chance
William created a photo essay concentrating on a day in the life of Deva Randall, a lung transplant recipient. The aim was to show her post-operative reality. Important to the essay were arresting images that alerted viewers of the overall life changes organ recipients undergo physically and spiritually. The hope of the project aimed to provoke more people to give blood or consider becoming organ donors. 2003
Deva's Second ChanceWilliam created a photo essay concentrating on a day in the life of Deva Randall, a lung transplant recipient. The aim was to show her post-operative reality. Important to the essay were arresting images that alerted viewers of the overall life changes organ recipients undergo physically and spiritually. The hope of the project aimed to provoke more people to give blood or consider becoming organ donors. 2003
Seen But Rarely HeardThis traveling exhibit of life-sized paintings reveals the inner life of teenage girls. These pieces help girls to see they are not alone in their struggles and it gives adults a window into their world, that we may seek to understand and empower them more. Seen but Rarely Heard has been exhibited in over many locations around the country including nonprofit and advocacy organizations. 2002
ResurrectionLaura’s “Resurrection” paintings consist of large, multimedia paintings of butterflies. This colorful exploration of the ancient symbol of rebirth is intended to resonate with the human longing to find hope in the face of despair, to find renewal in the face of loss and pain, and to perceive death as but the gateway to eternal life. 2002
