The New York Artist Shop, 1124 New York Ave.,St. Cloud, will host an artist reception Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring Marge Leeper:

“I believe if one has a spark for beauty, creativity with a love of art, time and a little money, find someone to teach you. Know this comes from your soul. Find a way to honor you. When you are able to hold a brush and copy what is around you or go within yourself. There lies the gift.  Then to whatever stage you come, love the beauty in all of the arts.  If you want more art, go for it,” Leeper said.

“I have taught art in St. Cloud for many years. You may recognize some of my past student names as they have become quite accomplished as local artists.  Barbara  Alderman has won awards at The Osceola Center For The Arts, and artist/author Dennis Vebert of Banks-a-Lot Emporium on Pennsylvania Ave. I am confident that I am able to grow personally by showing the gratitude that I have for my artistic gifts by sharing, teaching, and ‘playing’ at created crafts.”

She came to the area in the early 70’s with her three young sons who have always been her passion, Leeper said.

“While helping them grow into human beings my passion for my painting grew at the same pace as my boys,” she said.

As part of a military family, Leeper began painting at the bases under the University of Maryland courses for G.I.’s . She has lived in Okinawa and Germany.

“I have studied Japanese art and am honored to have been taught by one of the old masters, Professor Hanke, of Munich University,” she said

In 1978, she opened a gift and unique items shop on New York Avenue where she also taught classes. She participated in art shows throughout Florida for 18 years and taught painting in her shop for 24 years. Some of her murals may be seen at The Catfish Place in St. Cloud and The American Legion in Kissimmee.

“Life has offered quite a few high and low turns as it does for us all. I managed to remain strong and laugh through many of the down turns. Although the money I earned at my shop was important I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. I knew I had to give back and I just didn’t feel that I was on the right path,” she said.

Most recently her son, Joe, was diagnosed with cancer and only remained with her for a very short time.  

“During that brief period there were four times when he said ‘Mom; paint, you do not paint enough,’” she said.  

While Joe was sick, Leeper had been very involved with Ella’s What Not Shop on New York Avenue as a contributing vendor/artist.

“On May 27th Ella’s suffered a fire and all of my artwork and other creations were destroyed. Once again it was obvious that I had been on the ‘wrong path,’” she said. “Out of the ashes literally and figuratively I feel that I have found a home for my artistic and creative passions at The New York Artist Shop. I am once again inspired and excited to have a place to put down roots, have a home for my artwork and teach. Share with me as I rise and move forward now and do this in honor of my soul and my son Joe.”

The New York Artists Shop hosts a free-featured artist reception on the third Friday of every month.  Light refreshments will be served.