Artist Statement:
Born and raised in Guatemala City, Central America, Leslie Anderson’s first job was as an elementary school teacher. Moving to Florida in the mid “80s to continue her education, she received a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and a Master’s in Art Education and Art Therapy at Florida State University. Combining her passion for teaching and art, Anderson worked for the public school system
as an art teacher for over 29 years; she retired in September 2020.
Her experience in interior design, art education and the day-to-day work in being a full-time art teacher have allowed her to work on various mediums, however, her passion has always been painting. These past years, as her two children left home, she found the needed time and space to pursue her art. Elements of art are stylistic features that are included within an art piece to help the artist communicate. She loves working with color. Color can provoke enormous reactions in people; this only intensifies with the addition of playful and in many cases seductive lines in her work.
I love abstract paintings that offer a whisper of nature. As I begin my paintings, I work in an intuitive fashion. As the work continues, I let the painting speak to me and let it develop to the final phase. This process does not come easy every time. Sometime during the creative process, there is a period in which the work goes through an ugly phase. This is the most critical time and the one I enjoy the most. I often say that the work of an artist is mostly “problem solving”.
Exhibitions:
2022 34th and 2023 35th Art in Gadsden Juried Exhibition. Gadsden Arts Center & Museum, 13 N. Madison St., Quincy, FL 32351
2021 Figure in Form: Barbara Balzer & Lesley Nolan, September 9 – October 9, 2021. 10 abstract paintings were selected
2023 Abstracto: Land of Dreams, Feature Artist, August 10 – September 21, 2023.
(Current & Upcoming – LEMOYNE ARTS) LaMoyne Arts, 131 N. Gadsden Street Tallahassee, FL 32301
2023 Artists’ League of the Big Bend of Florida, Inc. Summer Annual Exhibition at Tallahassee Community College. 2 pieces were
selected for this exhibit.
Education:
Master-Art Education/ Art Therapy, August 1994 Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, August 1989 Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education, October 1980; Colegio Santa Teresita, Guatemala City, Guatemala C. A.
Professional Experience :
Teacher, August 1998 to August 2020 (Retired Aug 2020) Canopy Oaks Elementary School, Tallahassee, Florida
– Serve as art teacher for the entire school.
– Participate in county wide student’s art exhibits.
– Plan, coordinate and prepare art exhibits in school and community events.
– Supervise art education interns. Member of various school committees and councils.
Art Teacher, January 1996 to May 1998 Wakulla Middle School, Crawfordville, Florida
– Served as art teacher for the school.
– Participated in county wide student’s art exhibits.
– Served as judge in High School’s art contests.
– Planned, coordinated and prepared art exhibitions in school and community events.
– Supervised art education interns. Chair of school’s “Sunshine Committee” (staff relations).
Therapist / Teacher, January 1993 to December 1995, Wakulla Middle School, Crawfordville, Florida
– Provided and directed group and individual art therapy to emotionally and severely emotionally disturbed children.
– Taught Spanish and art to all grade levels.
Instructional Aide, Severely Emotionally Handicapped, Sept 1991 to December 1992, Sealey Elementary School, Tallahassee, FL
– Assist teacher in implementing each child’s individual treatment plan.
– Conduct individual and group art activities.
– Provide individual academic sessions.
– Planning, evaluating and supervising direct instruction.
– Supervise children in recreational activities.
Interior Designer, October 1988 to August 1989, Commercial Office Furniture (COFCO), Tallahassee, Florida
– Space planning of open system office and specification of product.
– Worked as sales representative for company’s line of furniture and equipment.
Elementary School Teacher, January 1981 to June 1984, Jose Batres Montufar School, Guatemala City, Guatemala
– Taught science, language, social studies, history
Areas of Certification & Associations:
Ex-Member of the National Association of Art Therapy
Certified in “Nonviolent Crisis Intervention”
LaMoyne Arts Board Member; Education Committee Chair -2023-2025