NEWS ARCHIVE
The Visitation Hotel - Frederick
December 15, 2024 - Five of Leanne Fink's oil paintings have been selected by the curators to grace the walls of the new Visitation Hotel. Together with the work of other prior District Arts Gallery members, the collection will be truly inviting to the art enthusiast. All of the art is available for purchase through the Hotel.
An independently owned site of the Marriott brand, the Hotel's architectural style speaks of 200 years of vibrant history. Having previously served as first a cloistered monastery and later an internationally renowned academic institution,
Visitation Hotel builds on a unique legacy to achieve a powerfully forward-looking new life — as a welcoming landmark for solace-seeking travelers.
https://www.visitationhotel.com
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​​211 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 (240) 931-1120
Otium Cellars Fall Festival
October 26, 2024 - Otium Cellars 2024 Fall Festival celebrated the season with six wine tastings of their newest vintages paired with tasty bite-sized creations by their executive chef. All to the backdrop of a string duet.
My oil painting, 'Red Dragon Sunset' has been selected for the label of one new vintage, a medium bodied red blend named Draksha. With the permission of the collector, the original work of art was on display during the party.
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18050 Tranquility Rd., Purcellville, VA 20132 (540) 338-2027
Country Zest & Style Magazine
Fall 2024 - I am excited to share a recent article published in the Fall 2024 issue of Country Zest & Style Magazine about my art-filled life. Penned by Joe Motheral, the story describes my husband, Richard, and I as "A Dynamic Duo in Multiple Arts". We have shared our home studio for the past twenty years. Rich is a playwright and poet as well as a performer. You all know my calling as an oil painter.
At times I feel like we are living through a scene from You Can't Take It With You as we happily march to the tune of our own artistic drummer.
Link to the article:
https://issuu.com/uncoveringthevalley/docs/zestfall2024_issuu/15
80th Annual Waterford Fair Fine Art Exhibit
October 4, 2024 - One of my paintings, 'The Sparkling Melody of Great Falls', received 3rd Place in the oil category at Waterford's Fine Art Exhibit. Sincere thank you to Eric Westbrook, this year's judge, for the recognition. And congratulations to all the award winners.
'The Sparkling Melody of Great Falls', a 36"x24" oil painting, is one in the artist's National Treasures Collection. ​
The Art League Gallery August Open Exhibit
August 7, 2024 - I was thrilled to learn that my submission was distinguished with an
Honorable Mention Award by curator and judge, Andy Yoder.
'Dancing Shadows Over the Grand Canyon', a 30"x24" oil painting, is one in the artist's National Treasures Collection.
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View the Exhibition:
https://www.theartleague.org/event/august-2024-open-exhibit/
National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society
Associate Online Exhibition
July 17, 2024 - How exciting to receive news that my work has been accepted into this national exhibit. 324 were selected from over 2000 entries. Thank you NOAPS!
'Dancing Shadows Over the Grand Canyon', a 30"x24" oil painting, is one in the artist's National Treasures Collection.
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View the Exhibition:
BLUE: More than a Color Juried Exhibit
June 15, 2024 - What a surprise to learn that my work won the 2nd Place Award.
'The Sparkling Melody of Great Falls', a 36"x24" oil painting, is one in the artist's National Treasures Collection.
AiM Gallery's themed exhibit explores the multifaceted nature of blue, from its emotional response to its cultural significance. Located in Middleburg, VA, the exhibit may be viewed in person through July 14, 2024.
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View the Exhibition:
https://www.theartistsinmiddleburg.org/bluemorethanacolorexhibit
Paint Great Falls Plein Air Competition
May 25, 2024 - Honorable Mention Award
'Calm and Grace', a 7"x12" oil painting, received Honorable Mention by event judge, Bethanne Kinsella Cople.
The 2024 Paint Great Falls Plein Air Competition and Art Sale is sponsored by The Arts of Great Falls. The show concluded at the end of June.​
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American Impressionist Society
May 6, 2024 - Thank you AIS for the honor of being included in this national show.
'Daybreak on the Land', a 15"x20" oil painting, sold in March to a collector at District Arts Gallery.
"Congratulations for your acceptance, referenced below, in the American Impressionist Society 4th Annual Associate Member Online Exhibition! We received 2,242 artworks for jurying and 258 artworks were juried into the exhibition."
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View the Exhibition:
Art Review: 'National Treasures'
by Mark Jenkins
December 29, 2023 - A landscape painter, Leanne Fink often portrays places near her Northern Virginia home. But the pictures of sites along the Potomac River share the Athenaeum's walls with views of more epic scenery from parks in the Western United States. While these are certainly "National Treasures," the show's title, more delicate Fink subjects such as cherry blossom trees near the Tidal Basin also qualify.
Fink's paintings are less classical in style than Keiffer's (previous review), but they follow similar gambits. The majority of these pictures feature water, and its flow often provides a focal point. Rivers and streams curve through the predominantly horizontal panoramas, although Fink switches to vertical formats for waterfalls, geysers and canyons.
Such upward-thrusting landmarks as Bryce Canyon are ideal for Fink's style, which closely arrays contrasting hues in the manner of multicolored rock. The artist melds oil pigments with cold wax, a less common technique than using hot wax, to add depth and texture. She also gently outlines some of the forms, giving the paintings a drawing-like quality. This approach gives a sense of intimacy to all the places Fink paints, whether mundane or sweeping. Link to full article:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/art/2023/12/29/art-gallery-shows-dc-area/
American Impressionist Society
November 15, 2023 - It is always an honor to have my art selected for an AIS show. Heartfelt thank you to the jurors.
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"Congratulations for your acceptance in the American Impressionist Society 4th Annual All Member Online Exhibition! We received 2,053 images for jurying and 269 images were juried into the exhibition."
​Here is the link to the catalog:
Evensong, a 12"x15" oil painting, was sold at District Arts Gallery in July of this year to an individual visiting from another area of the country. They stated that the work reminded them of their Grandmother's farm. What a joy to know the emotion expressed in the work resonated with the collector in bringing back fond memories.
Plein Air at the Arboretum 2023
Wet Paint Competition Award
September 30, 2023 -What a surprise to receive a Certificate of Excellence for 'Best Use of Light' in Plein Air at the Arboretum 2023. Special thank you to our competition judge, Gavin Glakis, for selecting my work. Gavin stated his criteria for judging went beyond competent paint handling and depiction of a scene, looking for a message/thought process behind the literal art. The work pictured is titled, 'Dare to be Different'. I was inspired by a stand of evergreens that shared space near a stone wall with one deciduous tree that was showing its true autumn colors. I had the title in my mind before paint ever touched my panel.
Thank you Nova Plein Air Artists and Blandy Experimental Farm at The State Arboretum of Virginia for partnering to offer what I hope will become an annual regional event in NOVA.
National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society
August 14, 2023 - I love when a jury notification hits my inbox with a green border around it. It's code for acceptance! My recent painting, "Rolling Rhythm of the Shenandoah" was selected for NOAPS Associate Member Online Exhibition 2023. I am taking this as a good omen because the work is part of my National Treasures Collection (name changed from An American Legacy) to premiere later this year at The Athenaeum.
You may view all 342 amazing works of art online beginning August 14, 2023 at
American Impressionist Society
July 20, 2023 - I am thrilled that one of my paintings has been chosen for this international show. There are currently 1874 associate members in AIS. 1654 entries were submitted. To be one of 243 chosen for the exhibit just made my day.
Here is the link to the catalog:
A beautiful collection to peruse. If you wish to fast forward to my work, it is on page 90.
The Amman Exhibit
June 14, 2023 - A few days ago I received a package in the mail from the US Department of State’s Art In Embassies Program. Inside was the catalog for The Amman Exhibit. What a delight to read remarks from our US Ambassador to Jordan, why he chose the art he did for exhibition in his residence at the Embassy.
Established by the Kennedy administration, Art in Embassies is celebrating its 60th year fostering diplomacy through art. Art speaks a universal language that needs no translation. The power of its message can bridge the cultural divide as it brings people of diverse backgrounds together on common ground. I am humbled to have my art chosen for exhibit in this diplomatic setting. A very proud moment in my artist’s journey. Thank you, Art in Embassies, for this honor.
W hat an exciting surprise to receive this email! - THANK YOU - National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society.
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Dear LEANNE FINK,
Congratulations on receiving an award in the NOAPS 2022 Fall International Online Exhibition. This is an outstanding achievement. There were 200 exceptional artworks chosen from over 1450 paintings submitted to this exhibition and your painting "Arrival" received an AWARD OF MERIT!
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The exhibition is viewable online at www.noaps.org.
Arts and Healing Contributor
November 15, 2022 – In January of this year, Inova Schar Cancer Institute acquired two of my paintings for their permanent collection at the new Lansdowne location. My artist friend and talented colleague, Steve Loya, and I were interviewed and asked to share our stories. They have been included in The Arts and Healing 2022 Donor Impact Update, pages 6 and 7. This report summarizes ISCI’s mission to create a peaceful environment to promote healing and wellness.
A work of art can speak a universal language that is understood by all who view it. I am honored that my art serves the healthcare community in this capacity. The Arts and Healing Program at ISCI utilizes that connection between art and healing in the forms of visual art, music, poetry, knitting, dance, and storytelling.
Here is the link to the 10 page report: https://issuu.com/inova-health-system/docs/2022_arts_healing_impact_update_final
'3 Questions Digital Series' Interview
March 30, 2022 -Through my affiliation with the US Department of State's Art in Embassies Program, I was invited to be interviewed for their 3 Questions Digital Series. This video series celebrates the creative process and work of Art in Embassies lending artists. I am excited to share my video with you! Three paintings are currently on exhibit in the Ambassador's Residence at our US Embassy in Amman, Jordan.
Country Zest & Style Magazine
Spring 2022 - Country Zest & Style Magazine has published an article written by Joe Motheral about my art titled, 'At Home or Abroad, Painting is Her Passion'. Joe has supported the fine art community through his writing over many years in Elan Magazine.
Inova Schar Cancer Institute
2022 -I am thrilled to announce that Inova Schar Cancer Institute has selected two of my paintings to add to their permanent art collection. The new Loudoun extension of Inova Schar is a beautiful facility that offers fully integrated cancer care. It is located within Inova Hospital in Lansdowne. I am honored to have my paintings serve the community in this capacity. The healing power of art can have a profound effect. My wish is that whoever views my work there will come away uplifted in spirit.
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Above: Call of the Canyon
Below: The Citadel in Amman (One of the Cradle of Life Collection)
Clockwise from UL: Jerash Temple Trek, Amman, Pilgrims of Petra
Leanne Fink's Art Fosters Visual Diplomacy in Jordan
Three paintings from Leanne Fink's 'Cradle of Life: The Treasures of Jordan' Collection have been installed in the Ambassador's Residence at the US Embassy in Amman, Jordan as part of a new exhibition.
Leanne Fink is a fine artist from Hamilton, Virginia who paints vibrant contemporary landscapes in oil and cold wax. Her work can be found in galleries, corporate offices, and private collections in the US and Europe. She is a recipient of awards and honors
for excellence in the arts.
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ART IN EMBASSIES is run by the US Department of State and has played a leading role in US public diplomacy for over 50 years. Fink was contacted by one of the curators for the Art in Embassies Program and invited to participate. “Art in Embassies strives to make connections worldwide by using art as a diplomatic tool," said Imtiaz Hafiz, AIE curator. "Leanne’s paintings of Jordan fit perfectly into our mission. An American artist recounting her experience in Jordan allows the viewers to see how their country inspires others.” Designed to foster cross-cultural dialogue through the visual arts, AIE develops and presents approximately 60 annual exhibitions and over 70 permanent installations in more than 200 US diplomatic venues worldwide. With 20,000 participating American artists globally, AIE is considered the largest curator of art in the world.
FINK VISITED JORDAN in September of 2019. The country inspired her to create a new art collection over the course of a year. "Jordan's exotic sights and sounds permeated my senses," Leanne said. "I wanted this collection to reflect the beauty I perceived in its rugged and sun bleached landscapes. The hospitality of the Jordanian people is wonderful and the country has an abundance of timeless antiquities. One of my goals for the Cradle of Life Collection has been to exhibit part or all of it at the US Embassy in Amman. I am truly honored to have my art chosen in this internationally recognized program as a way to foster visual diplomacy."
Her work is on loan for a period of two years. The three oil and cold wax paintings chosen for the Amman exhibition are 'Jerash Temple Trek', 'Pilgrims of Petra', and 'Amman'.