Leigh Bongiorno was born in 1987, outside of Cleveland, Ohio. In 2005, Leigh understudied a local portrait artist and began drawing surrealistic portraits that received national recognition. In 2006, Leigh enrolled into the Columbus College of Art and Design.
Later, she transferred to The Cleveland Institute of Art after being inspired by the work of forensic artists who helped in a missing-person’s case. She earned her degree in Biomedical
Illustration in 2011. Leigh worked with several hospitals, museums, and research facilities, including the Cleveland Clinic.
After 2011, Leigh moved throughout the country gaining artistic inspiration from various individuals she met along the way. After hearing all the incredible stories of those she encountered Leigh decided to switch her work’s focus back to her roots of figurative oil painting.
With subjects ranging from the transgendered to the homeless, she hopes to raise awareness and understanding of those living in a marginalized society. Her work focuses on topics such as race, sex, gender, religion, and poverty. She hopes that her work will inspire others to see the beauty in those around them.
Leigh’s work has been displayed in galleries and museums around the country from New York to Los Angeles. She recently settled back in her hometown of Cleveland, where she plans to further expand her artistic and humanitarian endeavors in the local, national, and international community.