Leona's studio called "The Art Room" is located on the oldest street, in the oldest city in North America. Water Street in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador was here long before the cities of Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton or New York were even thought of, long before there was a Canada. It is here at 177 Water Street that Leona spends her time following her artistic passions. Drawing and painting have always been exciting and challenging to her. Leona grew up the eldest of nine children, born in the small coastal community of Long Harbour, Placentia Bay. Although no formal training was available to her in grade school, she was greatly inspired by the example of her mother, who was at the time an emerging artist. After leaving high school, Leona enrolled in the Commercial Art course at the College of Trades & Technology in St. John's. She later studied Graphic Design at Lawrence College & completed a number of Visual Arts Courses at the University of Windsor, in Ontario. Part of her continuing studies included numerous art classes and workshops, many of which she helped to arrange and co-ordinate, with instructors from all across Canada, including: Gerry Squires Scott Goudie Michael Whitelaw Lloyd Pretty Ed Roche Di Dabinett Gord McKenzie Barb Dorey Henry Vyfynkle Edwin Matthews Mary Nunn Leona has to her credit a number of awards including the first place winner in the senior division of the Arts & Letters Competition (1997) sponsored by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the highest achievement award, Lawrence College (1992) and the Ed Roche Best Artist Award (1990). Leona enjoys painting Newfoundland & Labrador landscapes and seascapes in a variety of mediums. She also has a special interest in painting portraits of children and adults in pastel.