Leanne

Artist | Instructor | Event Professional

Leanne Larson is a contemporary painter whose work is deeply rooted in meaning, concept, and personal narrative. Specializing in evolving series that explore the intersection of memory and place, she translates intimate reflections into timeless explorations of the human condition.

Her most significant body of work, the Recollection Series, examines childhood and connection through layered storytelling and saturated, monochromatic palettes. Beyond the studio, Leanne is a dedicated instructor and community advocate, committed to the belief that art is a vital vessel for shared experience and emotional connection.

Education

2012 | BFA in Studio Art, University of Minnesota, Morris

Leadership & Professional Experience

2024–Present | Board Member (Marketing & Communications), Arts Initiative of Douglas County (AIDC). Providing pro bono strategic planning and community advocacy.
2023–Present | Co-Founder, The Palette District – Elevated Art Experiences
2012–Present | Owner & Lead Artist, Cane Toad Studios + Paint My Wedding Day
2014–2020 | Founder & CEO, Art Bar 39 LLC (Sold 2020)
2012–2019 | Oil Painting Instructor, Community Education District 206

Awards & Professional Sponsorships

2022–2025 | Best Live Painter, Minnesota Bride Magazine
Ongoing | Professional Sponsor & Featured Live Artist, Minnesota Bride Magazine * Ongoing | Featured Artist & Project Sponsor, Andria Theatre (AAAA), Alexandria, MN
2012 | Lois Hodgell Printmaking Award, University of Minnesota, Morris
2012 | Student Center Purchase Award, University of Minnesota, Morris
2010 | Juried Briggs Library Purchase Award, University of Minnesota, Morris

Residencies & Festivals

2026 | Self-Directed Residency, Autumn Breeze Series, Private Studio (Jan–May)
2023 | Art DeTour – Studio Tour
2021–2026 | Phelps Mill Festival, Underwood, MN
2012–2019 | Art in the Park, Alexandria, MN
2012 | Resident Artist, Carlos Creek Winery, Alexandria, MN
Select Festivals: Stone Arch Bridge Festival (MPLS), Art in the Bayfront Park (Duluth), Three Rivers Arts Festival (Shakopee), Carlos Creek Winery Grape Stomp (Owner's Choice Award)

Select Exhibitions

2014 | Recollections, Alex Artworks (at Sixth Ave Wine & Ale and The Depot Express)
2014 | H.O.P.E (Healing Our Pain with Easels), Viking Plaza Mall, Alexandria, MN
2014 | New Work, Whitney Center, Sexton Gallery, St. Cloud, MN
2013 | Recollections, Central Square, Second Floor Gallery, Glenwood, MN
2011 | Horizontal Grandeur, Stevens County Historical Museum, Morris, MN

Public & Permanent Collections

Academic: University of Minnesota (Morris and Print Archives), Central Michigan University
Corporate & Community: Vantage Bank, Alexandria Veterinary Clinic, Jete Salon, Lakeside Ballroom, Kalen Prep Academy, and Leah Cruikshank Photography (Australia)

Publications & Press

2026 | Albert Lea Magazine, Lake Minnetonka Magazine
2025 | MPLS St. Paul Magazine, Canvas Rebel
2018 & 2020 | Minnesota Bride Magazine
2015 | Echo Press
2014 | 2014 | PostCards, Pioneer Public Television

Private Collections

Works held in private residences across the United States (MN, AZ, CA, TX) and internationally in Norway and Australia, including over 400 commissioned wedding paintings completed globally.