Shelly Leitheiser has dazzled people with her artwork since she was 6 years old. She would draw horses and portraits, then take her sketchpad to church and draw the parishioners.
This story originally appeared in the April/May 2016 issue of Living Northside magazine.
Today the Marietta artist’s portfolio transitions from realism to abstract expressionism that’s vibrant with strong, bold colors evoking her passion for wildlife, the environment and astronomy; or watercolor landscapes scenes from places she traveled through while visiting Central America.
Leitheiser, who moved to Marietta in 2014, is one of hundreds of artists showcasing their work in spring art festivals this year.
“We came from a rural area in Minnesota,” she says. “Here, there is more entertainment, more culture and such great weather. We love the diversity here, lots of people, the vibrancy — there’s a lot to love here.”
In addition to being an artist, Leitheiser is an environmentalist at heart and studies the causes of climate change. Her painting “600 ppm” is a rendition of the nexus point at which the earth’s air becomes unbreathable.
“I was a super nerdy kid and I had a telescope and a microscope,” she says. “If I hadn’t been an artist, I’d probably be some kind of scientist.”
Leitheiser joins nearly 150 artists and craftspeople at Sandy Springs Artsapalooza on April 16-17. In addition to interactive art booths, weekend festivities include live music and a children’s play area.
The Atlanta Foundation for Public Places, which presents Artsapalooza and Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival in May, has been recognized multiples times — most recently in 2015 — by the Southeast Festival and Events Association with a Kaleidoscope Award for the high standards set in putting on its outdoor events.
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza. April 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; April 17, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 6100 Lake Forrest Drive, Sandy Springs. sandyspringsartsapalooza.com; Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival. May 7-8. 4969 Stella Drive, Atlanta. chastainparkartsfestival.com
Here’s a rundown of more events this season:
Colors Festival of Arts
Roswell Junior Woman's Club and Roswell Visitors Bureau partner to celebrate spring on Mother's Day weekend. In its 26th year, the Colors Festival of Arts brings photography, painting, jewelry, woodwork and other crafts to Roswell's historic town square. A children's area will have face painting and sand art. May 7-8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 610 Atlanta St., Roswell. tinyurl.com/j794zq2
Alpharetta Arts Streetfest
Downtown Alpharetta streets become a walkway for artisan booths and galleries for three days this year. The Streetfest features 90 artists from around the country, live jazz and cultural music, dancing performances, local eateries and children's activities. May 28-29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; May 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Milton Avenue and Main Street, Alpharetta. alpharettaartsstreetfest.splashfestivals.com
Dunwoody Art Festival
A new food court and live music stage will be constructed for this year's event, which is expected to match the 40,000 in attendance that came out last year. More than 100 artists will display folk and yard art, mixed media pieces and other works. A Kidz Zone will have rides, sand art, crafts and games. May 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; May 8, 11 a.m.-5 pm. Dunwoody Village Parkway, Dunwoody. dunwoodyartfestival.splashfestivals.com
Spring Jonquil Festival
There's a lot to experience this year on Smyrna's Village Green. In addition to handmade crafts, vendors will sell clothing and furniture. A chainsaw master will create a work of art out of a 3-foot log. Live music and puppet shows will take place on the stage. Inflatable slides, a rock wall and play sets will be in a children's area. Your pooch can participate in dog agility demonstrations, and a pig-racing contest will be held. April 23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; April 24, noon-5 p.m.. 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. smyrnacity.com
Further down the road
Acworth Art Fest
• When: April 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; April 10, 11 a.m. -5 p.m.
• Where: Main Street, Acworth.
• More information: acworthartfest.splashfestivals.com
Kennesaw Big Shanty Festival
• When: April 16-17, 10 a.m. -6 p.m.
• Where: Downtown Kennesaw
• More information: kennesawbusiness.org
Barefoot in the Park
• When: May 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; May 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Where: 2200 Buford Drive, Buford
• More information: barefootinthepark.org
Canton Festival of the Arts
• When: May 21-22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Where: Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North St., Canton
• More information: cherokeearts.org/festival
Blue Ridge Spring Arts in the Park
• When: May 28-29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Where: Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge
• More information: blueridgearts.net
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