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The show features a collection of nautical maps and atlases which Schmidt has altered. Illustrated on the maps are scenes that Schmidt has pulled from various photographs she has taken, which relate to the maps she has illustrated them on. The illustrations were created using a variety of mediums, such as charcoal, watercolor pencils, drawing inks and even one piece solely in acrylics. Schmidt had some reservations with her choice of mediums and the way they’d react to the map paper but was pleasantly surprised in the end.

“I was afraid the watercolors wouldn’t take to the map paper, but it worked out great,” said Schmidt, while also noting that watercolors tend to naturally fade over time. “I don’t how long it will take for that to happen, so I added some colored pencil just in case.”

There were a variety of factors that fed into Schmidt’s inspiration to create “Memories on Maps.” She was captivated by the works of British impressionist Kerry Hallam, who produced similar works where he painted scenery into maps but dabbled mostly in nautical themes. While a few of Schmidt’s pieces also explore nautical themes, inspired by the Great Lakes and her time spent growing up in the Upper Peninsula, they also explore six different states Schmidt has visited on various trips over the years.

Schmidt was also inspired by the large catalogue of photographic works she has produced throughout her life. While she’s been able to scratch the itch of capturing images professionally for her husband Paul Schmidt’s production company, UnoDeuce Multimedia, she is always in search of ways to funnel this talent into her own artistic work.

“I always try to find ways to take advantage of my photography,” Schmidt said. “I try to combine all my talents.”

Speaking of Schmidt’s other talents, when she is not creating her own works, she can be found trying to find the perfect way to display the work of others. For 15 years, Schmidt has worked as a custom framer at East Lansing’s Saper Galleries. One might presume that as an artist Schmidt would have an inherent disinterest in finding ways to display other people’s work, but she insists it is an art in itself.

“You always see different kinds of art, and it’s always a new task,” said Schmidt. “I love framing. It brings out your creative juices.”

Schmidt has been dabbling in art since she was 7, starting out dabbling with colored pencils. Her love for art flourished from there, eventually landing her at Siena Heights University where she studied graphic design.

Schmid thasn’t slowed down since college either. She has exhibited her works in several Lansing galleries and even started her own freelance art business,

“Revved-up Reflections,” where she specializes in watercolor paintings of classic cars. Most recently, Schmidt participated in the Keys in the City project, where local artists painted donated pianos which were placed throughout Lansing and East Lansing. Schmidt’s piano, which can be found in front of Midtown Brewing Co. in downtown Lansing, serves as a monument to her love for the capital’s baseball team.

“I love baseball and I love the Lansing Lugnuts,” explained Schmidt. “(Keys in the City) is one of the best projects that I’ve done.”

In addition to the nine pieces that comprise “Memories,” guests can also enjoy a couple of Schmidt’s pieces that remain from the two other times she has exhibited at Katalyst. Her hope for the show is that it elicits memories from places that viewers have been — except for with one of the pieces. Apparently one of the pieces in the show is a wild card, and Schmidt is playing coy with its contents.

“It has nothing to do with anything other than my favorite show on TV,” teased Schmidt. “I’m not saying what it is. You just have to come see it.”

“Memories on Maps” by Elisa Schmidt

Artist Reception 1-3 p.m. Sunday, July 5 Katalyst Gallery 1214 Turner St., Lansing (517) 708-8916, katalystgallery.com