Leslye Long

Leslye Long Visual Artists |
Youth Development Professional | Creative Strategist and Consultant

Artist Statement

My work explores the interior landscape—where the spirits identity, perception, and truth converge.
Working in layered abstraction and symbolic form, I examine the tension between light and obscurity, clarity and distortion, spirituality and mentality, beauty and rupture. These contrasts reflect the socio-emotional forces that can influence how we understand our inner selves and one another.
Surface and depth operate simultaneously in my paintings. What first appears intuitive and atmospheric reveals a more deliberate structure—inviting sustained looking and personal interpretation.

I am interested in creating spaces where you are invited to be still, confront, coexist, allowing moments of recognition and revise what should be, if you are challenging what is.
While rooted in painting, my practice is informed by decades of engagement with human development, internal fortitude, spiritual growth within myself and collective experiences with youth and adults. This foundation shapes a body of work that is both contemplative and catalytic—concerned with the restoration and awakening of the inner life, and its liberation ...

Columbia College Chicago

AREAS OF PRACTICE
Youth Development | Organizational & Environmental Design | Program Design and Implementation | Workforce Development Partnerships | Curriculum Development | Facilitation Professional Development | Arts-Based Learning | Public Art and Community Arts | Community Engagement | Cross-Sector Collaboration | Creative Strategy | Graphic Design

**PROGRAM, EDUCATIONAL andENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN**
Develop and lead community-centered arts and educational programs that build confidence, cultural awareness, and pathways to personal and professional growth through creative practice. Design and facilitate workshops integrating visual arts, writing, and reflective learning to support identity development. Guide the transformation of educational and community spaces into inclusive environments that promote learning, mentorship, and workforce readiness—managing budgeting, procurement, scheduling, and coordination with contractors, volunteers, and cross-sector teams. Partner with nonprofit leaders, educators, and stakeholders to strengthen engagement and expand equitable access to creative and career opportunities.

PROJECTS
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital— Designed and facilitated empowerment art workshops for pedia...