Story by Mike May
For more than 40 years, Wellington has been the home of the Wellington Art Society, and one of the key leaders of this vibrant cultural nonprofit is Leslie Pfeiffer.
As a volunteer for more than 15 years, Pfeiffer brings professional skills, enthusiasm and dedication to the organization, playing an important role in artist development and community outreach. Over the years, she has served as president, board member, chaired many committees, coordinated art shows and created many Wellington Art Society programs.
Pfeiffer enjoys the collaborative spirit of the group. Currently, she is the organization’s second vice president, development chair and serves on several committees.
As development chair, Pfeiffer has secured support through in-kind and monetary donations from many local and regional sponsors and community partners for events, scholarships and outreach programs.
“Local businesses welcome the opportunity to support scholarships and community outreach and enhance the Wellington lifestyle through art and culture programs,” Pfeiffer said, noting that to date, the Wellington Art Society has awarded more than $130,000 to local high school students headed to college for art-related studies.
Pfeiffer has also been the event coordinator for many art shows and programs. She organized Art Fest on the Green, an outdoor fine art and craft show, for 13 years.
Right now, the group has more than 100 members that include art enthusiasts, emerging artists and professional artists creating a wide array of original artwork.
“Since 1981, the Wellington Art Society has brought the community together to celebrate life and art,” said Pfeiffer, who has lived in Wellington for 30 years. “The society looks forward to a bright future as we continue to inspire, educate and enhance the lives of our community through creativity and art.”
She added that the organization enriches the lives and culture of the residents of the western communities and beyond.
“The Wellington Art Society encourages originality and productivity among its members and provides a place where emerging and professional artists meet, exchange ideas and advance the appreciation of art,” Pfeiffer said.
The nonprofit also presents eight member art exhibitions a year. The shows are open daily and free to the public between the Wellington Community Center and Wellington Village Hall. At these exhibitions, more than 300 original works of art rotate throughout the year.
As part of its outreach program, the Wellington Art Society provides art supplies to schools, hospital art programs, mentoring, children’s art camp tuition, workshops and special events.
Pfeiffer’s love of art can be traced back to her childhood in the Midwest. “I started to draw at three years old and love being creative and encouraging other artists,” said Pfeiffer, whose favorite artist is John Singer Sargent. “I am passionate about art and the creative process.”
Pfeiffer, who works with her husband Randy as a Realtor with Keyes Realty Wellington, said that original artwork turns a house into a home where memories are made. She is an award-winning artist who works in mixed media, oil and watercolor.
One of the benefits of the Wellington Art Society is the chance to meet other people who have different areas of interest, she explained. “Among the many gifts of volunteering are the personal interactions and friendships that develop,” Pfeiffer said. “I have met and become friends with truly remarkable people doing extraordinary work because of their shared vision and commitment to improving lives and making a better world. I encourage everyone to find a group or start one that shares your interest and passion.”
To learn more about the Wellington Art Society, visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month from September through May at the Wellington Community Center at 5:30 p.m.
