Statement & Bio
Liz Leggett’s paintings and drawings are process driven, the colors and mark making used to express speed, tension, destruction, rebuilding, frenzy, balance, conformity, control, hope and joy. Her primary interest is the play between abstraction and imagery to create visual confusion, uncomfortable associations and ambiguity–leaving the work open for interpretation and a visceral response. Liz received a BA from Skidmore College and MFA from the Maine College of Art and her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. She has attended artist in residence programs in Israel, Spain, the Pyrenees, New York and Wilton and Ridgefied, Connecticut. Liz is the former Director of Exhibitions at MoCA Westport and has curated numerous shows–most recently Marilyn Minter SMASH, PUNK is Coming, and World Peace. She now works as an Art Advisor and Independent Curator.
Residencies
Brown Pink, Kingston, NY, February 2023
The Ridgefield Guild, Ridgefield, CT, January, 2021
Weir Farm, Wilton, CT, 2012 & 2017
Baie St. Marie, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2016
Fundación Valparaiso, Almería, Spain, 2004
Centre d’Art i Natura, Catalunya, Spain, 2003
Summer Six, Saratoga Springs, NY, 2001, 2003
Arad Arts Project, Arad, Israel, 1997-1998
Selected Solo & Group Exhibitions
Abstract, Frenzied & Separate, Westport, CT, 2023–Solo Exhibition, Curated by Melanie Prapopoulos
Hamptons Fine Art Fair, Southampton, NY, 2022–Curated by Melanie Prapopoulos & Brianna Luz
Art Market San Francisco, Chloe Gallery, San Francisco, CA, 2022
Abstract is Not a Style: Five Women Painters, Hollis Taggart Galleries, Southport, CT & New York, NY, 2020–Curated by Paul Efstathiou
A•ONE, Silvermine Gallery, New Canaan, CT, 2020–Curated by Barbara O’Brien
Paper, Silvermine Gallery, New Canaan, CT, 2019–Curated by Jennifer Farrell
Highlight Gramercy Park, National Arts Club, New York, NY, 2019–Curated by Paul Efstathiou
What She Hides, Westport, CT, 2019
Head Over Heels, Newton Roux Gallery, Westport, CT, 2018
Wearable Books, One Main Street, Westport, CT, 2018
Chromatic, Maritime Garage Gallery, Norwalk, CT, 2017
Dreamscapes, Westport Arts Center, Westport, CT, 2015, Curated by Alexandra Monroe
Perception Illusion Magic, Westport Arts Center, Westport, CT, 2014, Curated by Elizabeth Koehn & Julia Mechtler
The Panorama Project, Jonathan Levine Gallery, New York, NY, 2008
The Pathos of Ecstasy, Martin Art Gallery, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA, 2007, Curated by Ara Osterweil
East Coast Painters, Brian Marki Gallery, Portland, OR, 2007
Quinta Essentia: Thre
e Abstract Painters, Borowicz Gallery, South Dartmouth, MA, 2007
Artist Viewing Program, The Drawing Center, New York, NY, 2007
Small World, Aidan Savoy Gallery, New York, NY New, 2005
Abstract Painters, Soprafina Gallery, Boston, MA, 2005
Abre Tus Ojos, Aidan Savoy Gallery, New York, NY, 2004 New York, New York
Invitational Alumni Exhibition, Tang Museum, Saratoga Springs, NY, 2004
New Paintings, 55 Mercer Gallery, New York, NY, 2003
Women Painters - A Survey, Pratt Gallery, Brooklyn, NY, 2003
Collective, 69a Gallery, San Francisco, CA, 2003
Modern Painters: A Survey, Arad Art Museum, Arad, Israel, 1998
Influence, ZOA Gallery, Tel Aviv, Israel, 1998
Professional Experience
Director of Exhibitions, MoCA Westport
Westport, CT, 2017–September 2023
Consultant & Artist Liaison, Soundwall
New York, NY and Boulder, CO, 2015-2016
Graphic Designer, Sotheby’s
Marketing & Catalogue Design Departments, New York, NY, 1998-2009
Art Direction & Graphic Design Projects:
Russ & Daughters Appetizing, New York, NY, 2007-2009
Miles Davis, A Love Story in Blue, New York, NY, 2006
The Texaco New York City Jazz Festival, New York, NY, 1997 & 1998
The Knitting Factory
, New York, NY, 1996-1997
Teaching Assistant, Skidmore College,
Summer Six, Saratoga Springs, NY, Summer 2003
Volunteer Artist, Free Arts
New York, NY, 1995-1999
Artist Assistant, Dennis Oppenheim
New York, NY, 1994-1995
Gallery Director, Case Art Gallery
Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, 1992-1994
Education
Bachelor of Science
Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, 1994
Studio Art Major, Art History Minor
Concentration in painting & drawing
Master of Fine Art
Maine College of Art, Portland, ME, 2006
Concentration in painting & drawing