Dawn Leach

Dawn Leach is a 2D abstract painter based in West Michigan and a member of the Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective. After a lengthy career as a registered nurse, she returned to study art at Grand Valley State University and is expected to graduate in spring 2026. Dawn’s art is deeply connected to color, form, and design, drawing influence from abstract expressionists like Mark Rothko. Using a mixed media approach, Dawn paints on wood and canvas with acrylic and oil paints, creating textures with found papers or stitching. Her layers of paint and collage evoke a sense of history and time, drawing inspiration from natural elements and chance. Her goal is to visually engage her audience. She creates work that evokes feelings of calm, wonder, reflection, and presence, encouraging viewers to slow down and explore the subtle depths and forms of her paintings.

BFA, Grand Valley State University, Michigan. Anticipated Graduation, May 2026

2025 No Cohesion, GVSU Painting Student Exhibition, Padnos Gallery, Allendale, MI
2025 Junk Drawer, GVSU Senior Seminar Exhibition, One Oh Six Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI
2025 Art for the Parks, Lakeshore Visual Arts, Hemlock Crossing, Grand Haven, MI
2025 Art at the Museum, Lakeshore Visual Arts, Tri-Cities Historic Museum, Grand Haven, MI
2024 Bluebird Flock Party, Lynn Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven, MI
2023 Bluebird Flock Party, Lynn Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven, MI
2022 Artisan Market, Grand Haven Community Center, Grand Haven, MI
2022 Art at the Point, Lakeshore Visual Arts, Adelaide Point, Muskegon, MI
2022 A Walk in the Woods, Lakeshore Visual Arts, Duncan Woods, Grand Haven, MI
2021 Art at the Yard, Lakeshore Visual Arts, D. Baker & Son Lumber, Grand Haven, MI