Local artist, Kathleen Leenders is a long-time resident of the City of Kawartha Lakes who has a heart of gold and a passion for painting. She arrived in Canada in 1980 from Trinidad. Following a career of 25 years as an executive secretary, Kathleen retired to Bancroft where she and her husband Albert operated a bed and breakfast for many years.
In 2013, Kathleen attended a watercolour class in Florida. She had never painted before; however, her mother and an uncle had painted as hobbies. She fell in love with painting and has pursued this hobby to this day. Kathleen is also an accomplished sculptor and enjoys other crafts such as 5D diamond painting.
The pandemic, COVID, presented challenges to everyone, but especially for someone living on their own. By this time, Kathleen was living in an apartment in Lindsay while her husband resided in a long-term care home nearby. Painting was a daily activity through the long days of isolation. Kathleen completed over 200 watercolour and acrylic paintings in vivid colours on a wide range of topics.
Kathleen has contributed to her community as a volunteer. In Bancroft, she served on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and was nominated for and presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 for her exemplary volunteer service. Kathleen has remained very active as a Lindsay resident. She serves on the Board of the EarlyON Child and Family Services of Kawartha Lakes and as the founder and Queen Mother of the Kawartha Jewels, which is a Chapter of the Crown Jewels of Canada Society. She is a former member and queen of the local Red Hat Society.
During a presentation by the Catholic Women’s League of St. Mary’s Church in Lindsay, Kathleen learned of the A Place Called Home Furnish a Room Project. She wanted to help and has donated over 50 paintings of various sizes and themes to a silent auction and luncheon to be held on Saturday September 10th in St. Mary’s Church Hall beginning at 11:00 am. The theme for the day will be Color my Home with many items and baskets that would be useful in homes. Guests will be entertained by Randy Reed on guitar.
Kathleen just returned from a visit with her daughter and grandchildren in Trinidad and Mississauga. She is looking forward to bringing friends to the upcoming event Color my Home. For tickets call Gloria at 705-324-2290.