Jan Fisher Memorial Lecture by Courtney M. Leonard

Courtney Michele Leonard is an artist and filmmaker from the Shinnecock Nation of Long Island, New York. Leonard’s work explores the evolution of language, image and culture through mixed media pieces of video, audio and tangible objects. She studied art and museum studies at the Institute of American Indian Arts (AFA 2000), Alfred University (BFA 2002) and the Rhode Island School of Design (MFA 2008). Her current work embodies the multiple definitions of “breach”, an exploration and documentation of historical ties to water, whale and material sustainability. 

Leonard has given lectures and exhibited nationally and internationally at Toi Ngaphui Northland College (NZ), Museum of Art and Design (New York), Eastern Connecticut University (Willimantic, USA), Tribeca Film Institute (New York), National Museum of the American Indian (Washington, DC), University of the Creative Arts Farnham (UK) and the University of Rostock (DE).

Leonard currently lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico and works as a professional artist, lecturer and educator.

Leonard’s lecture will be presented in conjunction with the opening reception for “Breach: Log 16” which will be on view at ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center and Brickyard Gallery April 15–Aug. 6.

About the Jan Fisher Memorial Lecture Series:
Named in honor of Jan Fisher, an art history graduate student and active CLA (Ceramics Leaders of ASU) member who passed away in February 2006, the lecture series brings to the Phoenix community both established and emerging women ceramic artists. While on campus, all of the participating artists meet with art students and become acquainted with the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts programs. Support for this series is provided by Mr. and Mrs. Cole Fisher and their family. 

Image credit: Kitty Leaken.