Leslie Leavenworth & Sharon Smith

Leslie Leavenworth, hygge

Drawing inspiration from the Danish concept of hygge, my art delves into themes of home, coziness, comfort, and spaciousness. I employ a diverse range of mediums—including watercolor, oil, acrylic, and mixed media—to convey messages of joy, peace, invitation, connectedness, and a profound love of nature. My creative process is deeply influenced by personal experiences, which I express through paint. I aim to evoke an emotional engagement, inviting viewers to find their own connections within my work. I am captivated by color, playfulness, loose brushwork, and spontaneity, striving to balance realism and abstraction. Strong design and value contrasts, combined with textural qualities, are essential elements in my compositions. Ultimately, my goal is to draw out the best in myself and others, offering a resting place in my art.

Leslie's Artist Statement: I am a painter drawn to landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and occasional abstracts. My chosen mediums include acrylic, oil, watercolor, and pastel. While my work is rooted in realism, I often weave in elements of impressionism to create mood and movement. Shapes, colors, patterns, and light captivate me. But more than their visual appeal, I’m fascinated by how these elements can evoke emotion and reveal the beauty and order I find in creation. Thoughtfully arranging these components allows me not only to describe what I see but to translate the experience I’m having — the quiet awe, the sense of wonder.

One of the reasons I paint is for those transcendent moments when brush meets canvas. Time seems to pause, my soul quiets, and I am fully present. It’s deeply renewing. As a trained Spiritual Director and Mentor/Coach, I’m drawn to practices like deep listening and centering prayer — disciplines that cultivate stillness and presence. My hope is that my paintings carry some of that quiet delight, inviting viewers into a deeper sense of connection, reflection, and home.

Leslieleavenworth.com

Sharon Smith, a magical mix of Metal & Stone

The necklaces displayed use Argentium silver and copper sheet and wire most exclusively.  Argentium silver is a wonderful mix of recycled fine silver with germanium which makes for a silver that is .940 in content and very tarnish resistant. The copper elements are coated with Renaissance Wax, a microcrystalline wax often used to protect historical paintings after restoration.   Chains are either treated copper or sterling silver.  Some of the stones have been finished by myself in the Des Moines Lapidary Society’s shop. Others are procured from Lapidary artists around the world during our annual Gem and Mineral Show at the Fairgrounds in October of each year. 

Sharon's Artist Statement: About Me, Sharon Smith: Joyful Heart Design

As a lifelong crafter, I took many kinds of jewelry related classes through the Des Moines Community Education after retiring from teaching at the Johnston Middle School. I finally settled on metal forming, metal smithing, and lapidary work.  It gives me much joy in producing lovely and unique settings for beautiful stones, thus my business name: Joyful Heart Design.

I reside in Urbandale and teach classes in my home studio.  I call them On Demand Classes, as the subject and time are arranged to suit both teacher and student.  You may contact me by text or phone call: 515-419-7082.

etsy.com/shop/designsbyjoyfulheart