Storm King’s Visual Arts Department was delighted to welcome Brooklyn-based professional artist Leeanna Williams as a guest lecturer recently. Williams visited both the Advanced/AP Studio Art class and the Art Club, giving students an inspiring look into the daily life and creative work of a practicing artist.

During the Advanced/AP Studio Art class, Williams spoke about the many ways she builds a career in the arts—from participating in artisan markets and managing online sales to taking commissions and teaching. She also joined students in a class critique, offering thoughtful, constructive feedback that encouraged them to share their ideas and reflect more deeply on their artistic choices.

In Art Club, Williams led a dynamic drawing workshop on creating a “stylized portrait.” Her lesson emphasized how strong foundational skills can be transformed into a unique personal style, and students enthusiastically experimented with the techniques she demonstrated.

Williams also creates expressive portraits in clay, and Visual Arts Chair John Carruthers is excited to announce that she will return to The Storm King School this spring to lead a ceramic portrait workshop: “The students are really looking forward to welcoming her back and continuing this creative collaboration.”