Cincinnati, Ohio in the 1840s is becoming a cultural and scientific mecca—the city boasts the first art academy and the most lucrative cultural environment for artists in the Midwest. This fact fits perfectly with the dreams and aspirations of young Laura Logan who wants nothing more than to draw, sketch, paint, and to appreciate fine art.

Her dreams are not appreciated, nor encouraged by her family, most especially by her hard-working, rather stoic German mother, nor by her younger brother who is a relentless tease. Laura is repeatedly told that her art is a frivolous waste of time. She finds she cannot just turn off these strong passions, nor yet is she strong enough to defend her beliefs.

Laura’s artistic, sensitive nature seems to work against her in daily situations, causing her to shrink back in fear. Even in circumstances which call for her to take a firm stance, and to make her voice heard.

It takes a series of distressing events for Laura to learn to embrace her artistic nature, and still conquer her many fears.