At an early age she had shown an aptitude in modeling figures and working in clay, a talent she developed under the guidance of her mother, who was an artist.

[2][1] After high school, Laura studied at Columbia University briefly, then enrolled for work at the Art Students' League.

[citation needed] Although recognized principally for her medallic contributions,[3] Laura won outstanding commissions for heroic-size sculpture.

The competition was held in 1936 and six eminent American sculptors, Lee Lawrie, Paul Manship, Edward McCartan, Hans Schuler, Frederick William Sievers and Laura Fraser were invited to submit designs.

[7] The sculpture was removed in the early hours of August 16, 2017, by the City of Baltimore, in reaction to the unrest in Charlottesville, Virginia a few days prior.