Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Leyden.
Stephanie, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2005 from the University of St. Francis. Came to south Florida in 2010, entering the world of art sales via direct marketing until 2013 with a company called “Art Management Group”; which was a branch of Landmark Art and Frame out of Orlando.
Art Attack opened in April of 2013 in a neighborhood what is now known as MASS District as a gallery + artistic services, which I still currently own and operate to this day. I am also a co-founder of MASS District and created the MASS (Music & Arts South of Sunrise) acronym. Art Attack has been not only a home for my original artwork, but a haven for all types of local artists to come for services, exposure, ideas, and shows.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My artwork is almost always acrylic paintings on wood and canvas, although I have painted on quite a few surfaces, including anything from vinyl records, cabinet doors, and walls! My subject matter varies quite a bit, though I always have an impressionistic feel to my paintings. I work in a wide variety of color as well, from black and white to neon rainbow and everything in between. My work is not just about the color, or the surface it’s painted on, it’s about an incredible moment in time; a moment that happens only once, a fleeting moment, with energy and emotion that cannot be described, only visually and artistically captured.
How can artists connect with other artists?
Yes, tons! My studio, Art Attack, has always had the door wide open for anyone to come by and collaborate, share cool opportunities, or even just paint together. I love the local artist community so much and I give the little that I have to help all of us along. And it’s not just me! My two artistic companions, Marene Downs and Desiree Kim, have recently formed an amazing trifecta called the Art Squad. Our general goal is to bring artists together within the creative community to foster a productive and lucrative environment for growing local art. Our first project together is a LIVE art battle you can see during MASS District’s art walk, occurring every last Saturday at Art Attack. This incredible opportunity gives artists a chance to paint live in front of tons of art-walkers, battle for tips to WIN the front showcase wall at Art Attack (for the following art walk), sell their original art, and not one dollar is taken from their tips or sales, the artists keep EVERYTHING. There’s so much more the Art Squad is up to, but we’ll save that for another interview!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My gallery, Art Attack, will always be the original home of my artwork. Although I may not be there all the time, I can always take appointments upon request. 807 NE 4th Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33304. Elsewhere, you can find my work in any place of business that refuses to take a commission from me once a piece is sold. For example, Stay Fly Studio in MASS District has been an awesome supporter of the local art scene, and takes not a dime from the artists represented there once a piece is sold.
Beyond this, I enjoy the occasional pop-up gallery opportunity, such as the Wilton Manors Art Expo. (WMAE.org) I will pitch my tent and turn a parking lot into a fine art gallery within an hour, giving myself a chance to showcase my artwork in surrounding communities. I do every WMAE I can, which occurs on the 3rd Saturdays of the month. You can find me in front of Rumors Bar & Grill. I try to do as much as I can so stay tuned to my social media pages to find where I’ll be next!
Contact Info:
- Address: 807 NE 4th Ave
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33304 - Phone: 2604133194
- Email: sleydenart@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/steph.leydenart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/StephLeydenArts
Image Credit:
Stephanie Leyden
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
