Come party with me!

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
—Mae West

During the opening show at the Pierro Gallery I stood next to my portrait of Carol Lane, “Behind The Lens.” Carol was a wonderful photographer and terrific person I met through Studio Montclair.

Saturday night, we blew the roof off the brand-new Baird Center during the grand reopening of the Pierro Gallery of South Orange, New Jersey. The place was packed to the gunwales! I'm honored and humbled that my painting hangs with the work of other incredibly talented artists in the show. 

Our mayor, Sheena Cullum, was there along with Judy Wukitsch, who co-founded the gallery in 2001 with her late husband, Lennie Pierro. Pierro was a fine artist and longtime South Orange resident. He sought to create a cooperative effort between fine artists and the town. The celebration continued upstairs to the cafe, where a jazz band entertained as folks enjoyed a fantastic spread of food and drink. The entire building has been reimagined and updated beautifully. The evening was a wonderful and vibrant celebration of South Orange, our community, and our artists. The gallery is state-of-the-art, and it's spectacular. The show is running through June 12th, go see it!

I have so many wonderful events coming up. Come party with me at all of them. And reach out here to meet me at any of the galleries and I’ll show you around. Life is short, lets have fun!

• THIS WEEKEND!!!
  THE ART OF COMMUNITY #1
  Sunday, April, 28th, 3pm – 6pm
  488 Summit AvenueSouth Orange, NJ, 07079

• THE WARREN COURT ART WALK
  Saturday, May 11th & Sunday, May 12th 11:00am – 5:00pm.
  36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ, 07079

• THE CHATHAM LIBRARY SOMA STUDIO TOUR ARTISTS SHOW
  Opening reception, June 9th 2:15 – 4pm.
  214 Main Street, Chatham Township, NJ, 07928

• PAINTERS IN THE PARK
  Saturday, May 18th, 10am – 3pm
  Memorial Park, Maplewood, NJ, 07040

• THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER
  Opening reception, September 19th 7pm – 9pm.
  Gallery Roshana, 120 rue de la Boétie 75008

• WILD CHERRY ART PARTY
  Saturday, Oct 26, 2024, get on the A-list for the information

Stay tuned, more to come! Make sure you’re on the Wild Cherry Art mailing list so you don’t miss a beat!

Own a spectacular work of original art and see your investment skyrocket

"Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one."
— Stella Adler

Above is a small sampling of Wild Cherry Art pieces that live in permanent homes across the globe and will increase in value!

Do you own a piece of Wild Cherry Art? I am thrilled to tell you its value will increase this Fall! So far, I'm participating in nine shows this year. I'm creating so much new work that I can feel myself growing! I'm grateful that my collector list is rapidly expanding. After I attend the residency in France this September, followed by a show in Paris, the prices of Wild Cherry Art will go up.

Why now? Demand has increased, and the cost of everything has nearly tripled. The silver lining is that this is excellent news if you own a piece of Wild Cherry Art. If you've been thinking about purchasing a painting, now would be a great time to buy. You'll own a spectacular new work of art, and your investment will grow automatically in October 2024. Make an appointment to meet me in my studio by clicking the button below.

I'll honor my current commission fees, but they will increase after October as well, so if budget is on your mind, make the appointment for a discovery call right now to discuss your dream project!

See you soon,
Leslie
xo

Check out all of my upcoming events! Meet me at the Openings:

🍒 PIERRO GALLERY Spring ‘24 EXHIBITION

OPENING RECEPTION

Wednesday, April 17th, 6:30-8:30pm
5 Mead Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079
Wednesday, April 17, through Wednesday, June 12, 2024,

🍒 THE ART OF COMMUNITY

ARTIST SALON SERIES #1

Sunday, April 28, 3:00pm — 6:00pm
488 Summit Avenue, Maplewood, 07040

🍒 WARREN COURT ART WALK

Saturday, May 11th & Sunday, May 12th, 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Warren Court, South Orange, NJ, 07079

🍒 CHATHAM LIBRARY SHOW

OPENING RECEPTION

June 9th 2:15—4pm.
The Chatham Library, 214 Main Street, Chatham Township, NJ, 07928
Saturday, June 1, through Sunday, June 30, 2024, 10:00 AM—5:00 PM

🍒 THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER

OPENING RECEPTION

Thursday, September 19th 6pm—9pm
Galerie Roshana, 120 Rue de la Boétie, 75008 Paris
Thursday, September 19, through Sunday, September 22, 2024

🍒 WILD CHERRY ART PARTY

Saturday, October 26th—RSVP for details

🍒 STUDIO TOUR SOMA

Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, 11 AM—5:00 PM
Wild Cherry Art (map) and throughout South Orange and Maplewood, NJ

Want to conjure a world of possibilities and pearls of wisdom?

The oyster has taken what was at first an irritation and intrusion and uses it to enrich its value.”
― Susan C. Young

First stop in New Orleans was the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter. Andrew and I met up with my friend, Devra Dedeaux for cocktails and oysters.

This year is shaping up to be off-the-chart stupendous! My trip to New Orleans was sensational. I introduced NOLA to my boyfriend, Andrew, and we did everything and more. One of my favorite things about NOLA are the oysters. For over 30 years, I’ve been collecting oyster photos with a plan to create a series of Oyster paintings, and after this latest trip, I’m finally ready to start! I’m excited to focus on a subject I have loved and enjoyed for so long, which conjures a world of possibilities and magical transformation. After all, the world is your oyster, filled with pearls of wisdom. I will present the first oyster paintings at the Warren Court Art Walk on Mother’s Day weekend.

Click the button below and head to my events page to see all the fun things I’ve got coming up. Meet me at the opening of the Pierro Gallery show in April and the Chatham Library show in June. If you’re planning that trip to Europe, make sure you plan your visit to Paris around my two-woman show at the beautiful Gallery Roshana, mere steps off the Champs Elysees opening September 19th! Check out Andi Ipacktchi's work. She’s my cohort in Paris.

I’ll be attending the NG Artist Residency in Provence for two weeks before my Paris show. I’m thrilled to be going with my art buddy, Sandra Charlap. When I return from Paris I’ll be prepping for my Wild Cherry Art Halloween pARTy, and I’ll wrap up the year with our beloved Studio Tour SOMA. Go to my website now and get on my A-list to learn about all my events, times, and locations. Don’t miss any of the fun!

See you soon!
Love,
Leslie

Would you like to co-create a masterpiece for yourself?

“A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires.”
—Hedy Lamarr

Click on the image to read the article.

"Canvas Rebel" interviewed me for their magazine. Their first question was, "What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?” Hands down, my most meaningful projects are commissions. I walk my clients through an in-depth process to create a canvas filled with layer upon layer of artful alchemy infused with my client's joys, hopes, and dreams. The reaction of every client has been priceless. They are overwhelmed and often moved to tears of joy. I'm grateful to be trusted with their most precious feelings. This is the best and most fulfilling work I've ever done.

My client, seen here, is adding a secret note to her husband. This adds to the meaning of the piece.

One example was a surprise anniversary commission. My client wanted me to create something special for her husband. He mentioned a sketch I posted on Facebook of a Rickenbacher 4001 bass. He told her that this was his very first guitar. When we started discussing the project, I asked her how many bands her husband played in because I thought putting all the band names around the guitar would make it more meaningful and personal to him. The whole family helped get me intel by asking him one evening at dinner to share all the names of the bands he'd been in over the years. His wife came over and painted a private note to him in the underpainting. She shared his Spotify playlist with me, which I always ask for. It helps me to get into their specific zone. This was the first time I had an extensive listening experience with the band Dream Theater. Ultimately, when my client revealed her surprise gift, her husband was utterly overwhelmed. Priceless.

Here is the almost final painting with names of all the bands he was in as well as some secret additions to make it more meaningful.

If you'd like to schedule a free 15-minute information session to learn about co-creating a commissioned piece of transformational art, click the button.

I hope to see you soon. Wishing you and yours a fabulous February!
Love,
Leslie
xo

Did you know, if you had fun you won?

“Having fun is not a diversion from a successful life; it is the pathway to it.”
— Martha N. Beck

Start the year with a splash of Wild Cherry Art. You’ve already won, because it’s fun!

Happy New Year! 2024 is looking brighter than ever. We are already heading out of the darkness and back into the light. Day by day, we get a few more minutes of sunshine. I hope your holidays were filled with love and laughter, and now you're all refreshed and revved up for a spectacular year!

Here I’m having brunch at Antoine’s, the oldest family-run business in the United States, nestled in the French Quarter. If you haven’t been, you need to eat here. Before you go to NOLA, hit me up and I’ll give you a list for everything!

I've got plans to head back to New Orleans in January. You know it's one of my all-time favorite cities. The magic of NOLA is palpable. Visiting the Big Easy always feels like a recharge. Meet me there, and we'll get oysters! I'll gather more inspo for paintings and new original music. It's effortless to be excited and inspired by the incredible southern hospitality mixed with decadent food, fantastic live music everywhere, steamy weather, go cups, European architecture, fascinating history, and bars that never close. It's SO fun!

Let’s have more fun this year! In 2023 I had lotsa fun at a wooden shoe factory in Holland.

That's my word for the year—FUN! If it doesn't feel a smidge fun, I have difficulty even getting started. I believe fun is the secret sauce that helps us accomplish more, with ease and joy. So maybe when you're feeling stuck this year, try a more playful approach to your challenges. A childlike perspective can restore wonder to your problems and hope for the outcome. Don't forget—"If you had fun, you won!"

If you need more ways to add fun to your life, visit me in the studio, and I'll help you get the party started!

Wishing you and yours an abundance of blissful blessings and loads of fun in 2024.

Love,
Leslie
xo

How about giving something uplifting, uniquely crafted, and meaningful?

“Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s a frame of mind.”
—Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street

The Wild Cherry Art Holiday open house was super fun! It was cold and dreary outside and warm and wonderful inside. Sadra Charlap, guest artist extraordinaire, and I were grateful to share so many laughs, smiles, and sparkles with everyone who stopped by. I don't mess around with decorations; I go all in! So it's a Wild Cherry pink winter wonderland. See for yourself; make an appointment to visit the studio for the holidays. Revel in the decor, see the new paintings, celebrate the season with me. Bring friends, and we'll make it a party! If you're looking for holiday cheer, I've got loads to share.

While you’re visiting, you can finish up your holiday shopping. I have many beautiful pieces to delight and inspire everyone on your list. We can all use something uplifting, so give your special someone a uniquely crafted and thoughtful gift. They don't need random stuff; they want meaningful things. Cherries remind us that life is filled with pits and stems and also that sweet, delicious, juicy fruit. Focus on the good stuff with a vibrant cherry painting! You can't find my work on Amazon, but you can find it here, on my website or in person.

What's not to be thankful for? I get mangos in January!

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
— Marcel Proust

This is a chalk painting of a pasture raised, organic turkey that created when I worked at Whole Foods painting signs.

As I prepare my home and pantry for the holiday, I'm connecting to all I'm thankful for: family, friends, my boyfriend, good health, extraordinary experiences, a beautiful home, a wonderful community, and all my creative gifts. I'm grateful for living in this time of indoor plumbing, heated car seats, electricity, grocery stores, pillow top mattresses, mangos in January, and everything available in this modern world. Most of us live like kings and queens. It’s an amazing time to be a human. It's also a very turbulent time in a frightening world. I get through it by focusing on the light and practicing gratitude.

This holiday feels especially powerful, and I'm grateful for my freedom and ability to help others. I volunteer at a nonprofit, the WConnection, where widows help widows rebuild their lives. This organization was instrumental in my healing journey. Right now, every donation is being doubled through a matching grant! However you give, and whatever you do to help others improves the world. It has a ripple effect. Wouldn't it be awesome if we could turn that ripple into a tsunami of love! Let's not give up until we succeed. Let’s honor our earth and each other, appreciate all we have, and give back from our hearts. Each of us can make a difference.

Wild Cherry Art holiday open house

Join me on Sunday, December, 3rd from 1pm till 6pm.
36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ
Sip, snack, shop, and socialize. The first 10 people receive a free gift.
Our connection is what brings me the most joy. So come and make my day!

From my table to yours, wishing you and yours an abundance of blessings this Thanksgiving.
With love and gratitude,
Leslie

Do you want an exciting behind-the-scenes special date?

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”
— Mary Lou Cook

The amazing winners of the costume contest, Kyle Huntsberry of Milk Honey Soul and Joey Huntsberry won a Limited Edition Wild Cherry Art Giclee print, “The Monster Lies Within.”

You know how it is when you focus on accomplishing something big? You have a lot of balls in the air and want to keep them all spinning. Well, this week is one of those weeks for me. It's the culmination of months of work. This past Saturday night, I hosted my SOMA Artists Studio Tour Preview pARTy, which was spooktackular! The art was on display, the band rocked the house with eight new songs, the costumes were poppin', and the cocktails had 'em droppin'!

Tonight is the opening reception of "Unveiled," a curated show of more than 50 artists participating in this year's Studio Tour. Meet the artists and see a sampling of their work to help you decide whose studios you'd like to visit on Saturday and Sunday. I hope to see you there.

Then, the big finale is the 20th Anniversary SOMA Artists Studio Tour. I'll be hosting the incredibly talented and super fun Sandra Charlap at my studio. Visit us both and see our new work, buy a painting to expand or start your collection, or pick up a special gift for someone. We'll have a drink, a nosh, and enjoy catching up with you. There will be five additional artists to visit on Warren Court: Sybil Archibald, Jay Pingree, Wendy Bellerman, Christopher Boudewyns, and Fred Courts. So make sure to put Warren Court on your "must-stop" list!

We were a band of circus performers and we entertained the crowd at the pARTy. Stuart Klinger (the lion, on guitar) I (the ringmaster) played rhythm guitar and sang, Glenn Healy (the strongman) on drums, and Phil Cohen (the clown) on bass. We rocked!

Come spend some time with me in the studio. Click the button below and make a date with me! I'll show you the new collections, heck, I'll show you all the collections! You can get a special private behind-the-scenes look, and I'll play and sing you a song. I'm looking forward to getting together.

See you real soon.
Love,
Leslie

RSVP now for Saturday night so you don't miss all the fun!

“Life is a party. Dress for it.”
―Audrey Hepburn

Small seasonal Chalk pastel.

If you’re coming to the party and you haven’t RSVP’d, do it right now! There are only a few spots left and I don’t want you to miss out on the fun. I’m figuring out how much booze to buy so click the button and RSVP now! When you get confirmation you’re in!

Wild Cherry Art Preview pARTy
Saturday, October, 28, 2023
7pm – 11pm
36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ

There will be a live band, a costume contest, food, fun, friends, and you! You needn’t wear a costume, but you'll have more fun if you do! First prize for the costume contest is this limited edition fine art Giclee print.

I’m so excited to see you!
love,
Leslie
xo

Please will you join me? We have so much to celebrate.

“Instead of hate, celebrate.”
–Prince

The Monster Lies Within Limited Edition Giclee print will be awarded to the best costume at the Wild Cherry Art pARTy.

You're an A-Lister, so I'm expecting to see you at one, if not all, of the following exciting events!

SAturday, October, 28th

〰️

SAturday, October, 28th 〰️

Wild Cherry Art Preview pARTy

Saturday, October, 28, 2023
7pm – 11pm
36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ

Come celebrate with me! I'll be showing new work, performing with a live band, judging the costume contest, partying like a rockstar, and enjoying your sparkling company! We’ll have drinks, food, and fun. You needn’t wear a costume, but you'll have more fun if you do! You can win this limited edition fine art Giclee print if you win the costume contest. It’s a celebration of Halloween and our friendship along with a preview of the studio and new work before the public shows up next week for the 2oth anniversary of the SOMA Artists Studio Tour. RSVP to save your spot. Space is limited!

THursday, November, 2nd

〰️

THursday, November, 2nd 〰️

Mark your calendar for Unveiled: the opening reception and show highlighting 50 artists participating in the tour. You can check out their work and plan whose studio you want to see.

Sat & Sun, November 4 & 5

〰️

Sat & Sun, November 4 & 5 〰️

Start the 20th Annual SOMA Artist Studio Tour at Wild Cherry Art!

See Leslie's new work alongside visiting artist, the fantastic Sandra Charlap at 36 Warren Court. Start with a drink, a nosh, great conversation, and lotsa fun. Buy some art to start or grow your collection. Then, see the six other artists showing on the same block! You can visit more than 90 artists as they open their doors and share their unique brand of creativity and art during this beloved community event. Talk to artists in their studios, view beautiful works of art, and gain a unique and personal view of the life of an artist.

I’m so looking forward to seeing you. Life comes with so many ups and downs. Let’s choose to be up and celebrate these events together. I’m grateful for our connections and I want to share a little sunshine or maybe even a bowlful of cherries with you.

See you real soon,
Leslie
xo

Art is a powerful force that unites, heals, and enriches our lives.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
― Pablo Picasso

On the porch with my latest painting, “Looking For Cal Pep/Barcelona.” See it in the Studio Montclair Critique Group Show. The Opening is Friday, June, 16th 6 pm till 8pm, at the Studio Montclair Gallery, 127 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, NJ.

I'm delighted to recount the experience of the Warren Court Art Walk: an event that captured the essence of artistic splendor. Let me paint you a picture of this wonderful weekend and express my deep appreciation to everyone who joined this unforgettable outdoor salon.

Nestled in the heart of our vibrant community, the Warren Court Art Walk unfolded as a celebration of art, connecting artists, art lovers, and the community with a great burst of creative energy. Lucky for us the weather was fantastic. Inspired by visionary local artists this event breathed life onto the usually quiet street, transforming it into an open-air gallery where colors and stories blended with excitement. I set my porch up as a gallery space where I displayed my paintings and performed live music with drummer Glenn Healy and bass player Phil Cohen. You know it was a pARTy! Glenn also pitched in to help for the entire weekend! The variety of media on display on this one block in the historic Montrose Park District was awe-inspiring — from captivating paintings with vivid hues to intricate jewelry made from either precious metals or denim. The atmosphere was a symphony of colors and textures.

One of the best things about the art walk was the opportunity for meaningful interactions. Conversations sparkled like the lights in my latest painting, "Looking for Cal Pep/Barcelona." Artists and attendees engaged in dialogues, sharing insights, inspirations, and personal stories behind their creations.

As one of the organizers, along with Wendy Bellermann and Sybil Archibald, I am grateful to the participating artists who made the event such a success. Wendy, Sybil, and I worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every detail of the Warren Court Art Walk was an unforgettable experience for all who participated.

Thank you for wandering the art-filled street and embracing the magic of creativity. Your presence and support are invaluable, reminding us that art is a powerful force that unites, heals, and enriches our lives.

If you didn’t make it to the Art Walk or if you came and want to see more, click the button to schedule an appointment to come for a studio visit. We can meet in person or on Zoom. I can’t guarantee cocktails but coffee and tea are always available. And I’m always happy to play you a song!

See you next time!
Love,
Leslie
xo