“Leanne Cadden was born in Vernon, BC, and grew up in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. It was a great childhood full of family, nature, animals, fruit trees and lasting friendships. She started drawing and painting at the age of 4 under the guidance of her Great Grandmother. As a teenager, she began winning numerous awards in the Interior Provincial Exhibition including “Most Outstanding Artwork in Show” four years in a row from the young age of 15.
Leanne continued her education at the University of Victoria, starting in Bio-chemistry/Microbiology in hopes of pursuing veterinary medicine. Finally following her heart, and wanting to become an artist with a business sense, she entered the Bachelor of Commerce program majoring in Entrepreneurship with much of her undergrad focusing on marketing communications.
As part of a co-op work-term in 3rd year Entrepreneurship, she successfully launched her Debut Solo Art Show of 50 paintings in June 2002 at the Crystal Gardens, while completing 4th year studies at university and running her own 3,000 sq ft downtown studio and gallery on Yates St in Victoria BC. It proved to be an almost sell-out year for Leanne. Her hard work and perseverance was recognized when she was chosen as a finalist for “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” at the Downtown Victoria Chamber of Commerce Business Awards was selected “First Finalist” for the “35 and under” age category. She was also nominated for the Canada wide 2004 BDC Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for her work as an entrepreneurial apprentice creating the 5 star luxury resort “Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa” and taking roles in writing business plans, sales & marketing, public relations and creating the fine art gallery.
In the summer of 2004, Leanne was invited by Dr. Ann Dale to sit on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Research Chair on Sustainable Community Development with the final Canada wide launch for the research dissemination to be in 2009 through the arts. She also joined forces with Dr. Dale to assist with the first E-auction for the NET (National Environment Treasure) to raise a $30 million trust fund for Canadian environmental organizations. As an avid environmentalist, she hopes to one day make a difference on the planet through awareness and education.
The combination of creativity and entrepreneurship background continue to be a successful mix for Leanne. She now works in the BC Gulf Islands as Creative Director involved with dreaming up creative projects, sales and marketing and program development. Still following her heart, she keeps painting and lives with her two bunnies, Flopsey and Beatrice.
“When I see an approach like this, I see a future laced with joy and success. Leanne realizes that progress is not a given; it has to be earned through the careful use of respect and time”
– Robert Genn, The Painters Key
