By day, Heidi Leitzke is the new director of the Eckert Art Gallery, a museum-quality exhibition space located in the Winter Visual and Performing Arts Center on the Millersville University campus. She also teaches courses in the Department of Art & Design. “I am an assistant professor, which is awesome because, as a member of the faculty, I will have summers off to pursue my own creative projects.” In her free time, she can be found on her third floor studio— complete with a sunny window seat where her six-year-old son Henry likes to hang out with her while she works—where we caught up with her to talk about a few of her favorite things.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist? I have always loved making things and grew up in the Midwest as part of a family whose way of life was very DIY. I learned to sew and craft at an early age. When I was in high school, I knew I would go to college to study art.
What do you find most fulfilling in your job? In the classroom, I love curious students who ask questions and take a proactive approach to learning. When curating exhibitions for the gallery, I am excited to install works of art that are beautiful and thought-provoking, and then have conversations with students and visitors about their reactions to the artwork.
Where are you from? I was born in Chicago and also lived in Indiana, Nebraska, Minnesota, Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, all before age 11. I ended up in, and launched into adulthood from, Sheboygan, WI.
Where do you live now? I live on the East Side of Lancaster, on a lively and diverse block.
Where did you go to college? I went to Anderson University for undergrad, then to Western Carolina University, where I earned my Master of Fine Art in painting. I also studied in Italy and at the Chautauqua Institute School of Art; both of those programs were very influential in my development as an artist.
Go-to favorite beauty item? I go for natural when it comes to make-up. I love Burt’s Bees lip crayon and tinted lip balm; it is fast and easy.
Is there a particular item of clothing or shoe that you like to wear that you buy over and over in multiple colors? Yes! In my opinion, the best shoes meet the same criteria I have for any well-designed object, a perfect marriage of form and function. When I find a pair I like, I will often wear them almost every day and order a second (or third) pair before the style is discontinued. My favorites are Dansko’s Maisie clogs.
What shows are you planning to see this year? I am looking forward to seeing Louise Bourgeois: An Unfolding Portrait at the Museum of Modern Art, in NYC. Locally, my family loves the Ware Center’s Family Fun Fest programs. We already have our tickets for the spring play and ballet.
What are you reading? In addition to lots of articles about contemporary art, to prep for my classes, I am finishing up Threads, the Delicate Life of John Craske, by Julia Blackburn. It is about a Norfolk fisherman who fell ill and turned to embroidery as art.
Favorite movie? I have always enjoyed musicals. One of my all-time favorites is Moulin Rouge.
Best dish in Lancaster? I just had steak and eggs for brunch at Gibraltar, and it was delicious. Pour has the best cocktails and duck fat fries!
What do you do to unwind? I spend a lot of my free time in my studio, making my thread paintings. I also enjoy making jewelry. In the summer, I love swimming and going to the beach.
Most meaningful possession? We have been building a collection of art through trades with artists, friends, gifts, and some purchases. That collection reflects my aesthetic, reminds me of friends, and is very special to me.
Family/Pets: My husband Jay is also an artist and the director of Mount Gretna School of Art. Henry, my son, is in first grade and seems to be following in the family business of art. We have a sweet dog, Halo, who we found and adopted when we lived in North Carolina.
Who is your style icon? Frida Kahlo is an artist I admire. I love her vibrant color choices, embroidered patterns, and the way she adopted the traditional Tehuana style of dress as a visual representation of her Mexican identity. I love her style and her confidence. I feel like I finally know what sort of clothes suit my body, A-line skirts and dresses. I place a lot of value on comfort and am drawn to uniquely patterned fabrics. I try to buy a few well-made items, that I adore rather than falling into the trap of fast fashion.
My Favorite Things:
- “I love nail polish.” Essie Hiking Heelsand OPI Romeo& Juliet are acouple faves.
- Her signature scent: Tokyo Milk inD Minor.
- Heidi likes to carry this vintage Coach bag.
- Plates made at ThePottery Works indowntown Lancaster.
- “I use this water bottle from Sophie Stargazer every day.”
