Lee Ann Sporn

Lee Ann Sporn was born and raised in Independence, Missouri but has lived in New York State for her entire adult life.  She attended the University of Rochester, and received a Ph.D. in Toxicology in 1987.  She then embarked in a decade-long career as a biomedical researcher.  What is glaringly absent in Lee Ann’s formal education is any training, whatsoever, in the arts.          

In 1999, Lee Ann moved to the Adirondacks for a change of pace.  She began teaching biology at Paul Smith’s College, which got her out of the laboratory and in to the woods!       

Fascinated by the extraordinary visual images of the natural world that surrounded her, and by the emerging artistic talents of her children, she decided to give painting a whirl.  She began by working in watercolor, painting local flora and fauna in a scientific, illustrative style.  She now enjoys colored pencil, and has begun creating abstract pieces using oils on paper.          

Lee Ann is an avid hiker, recently completing the forty-six high peaks, and loves paddling and exploring.   She has become known in the region for her efforts to monitor the emergence of Lyme disease.       

A decade ago, Lee Ann would never have guessed that she would be exhibiting work in a gallery.  She feels that her unusual background allows her to view the natural world in a unique and delightful way, and is thrilled that she has found a way to share this experience through her art.    

 Lee Ann is a founding member of NorthWind Fine Arts.