Leah Nadeau

My artistic journey reflects upon personal struggles with mental health and the experiences of living with chronic pain, which has profoundly impacted two significant areas of my life.

In my late 20s, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a disorder that causes extreme muscle pain due to a lack of collagen in ligaments and connective tissue, affecting my entire body. Additionally, in 2019, I began to suffer from oral lichen planus, which causes daily mouth pain, consuming my every moment.

As a result of both Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), I have a busy inner world and strong fears that I can get stuck ruminating on. My creativity and art enable me to shift my focus and dive into an altered reality where I function without boundaries despite my condition.


Growing up, I struggled to be vulnerable and share my feelings with others. I had experiences that other children typically didn’t, so I felt Isolated. I believe it is my mission to challenge the stigma around mental health and chronic pain through my work to inspire others to open up and dare to be vulnerable about their experiences, creating ripple effects in society and facilitating acknowledgment of thei...

BA in Media Studies from Univeristy of San Francisco
MA in Film from Abserystwyth University

2023:

Side Rail Collective- Georgetown Art Attack Group Exhibition

All About Women- Juried Group Exhibition - Marin Society of Artists

Exhibizone- Curves 2023 Group Exhibition

2022:

West Seattle Art Walk: Solo Exhibition

2021:

Henry Ford Cancer Center Pavillion: permanent artist residency

Roaring Artist Gallery: Powerful Little Things Exhibition & Market Participant

Lions and Rabbits Art Gallery: Artist residency at Cityflats Hotel in Grand Rapids, MI (through August 2022)

Detroit Artists Market: Holiday Market Exhibitor

2020:

Brewery Fasian: Solo exhibition, Detroit, MI

The Lemon Tree: Solo exhibition, South Lyon, MI

2019:

Great Lakes Coffee Co: Solo exhibition, Detroit, MI

2017:

Small Wonders: Group exhibition, Grosse Pointe, MI

2016:

Art Liaisons Gallery: Winter Gallery Featured Exhibitor, San Carlos, CA

Art Liasons Gallery: University Art Group Exhibition, June and July, Palo Alto, California