On Display

April 28 – June 9

Reception

May 14, 5–7 p.m.

Art as a Place to Belong

Sheila Leatherwood is a people watcher — in the very best sense. Drawn to the richness of everyday life, she finds stories in the faces of people from all walks of life and gives those stories a permanent home on canvas. Her expressive portrait collages blend bold color and design with threads of realism and humor, inviting viewers into a deeper understanding of her subjects.

Working from both her home studio and her studio at The Silos at Sawyer Yards, Sheila brings a warmth and playfulness to her mixed media work that feels at once intimate and universal.

Cloister Gallery Presents: Sheila Leatherwood

Christ Church Cathedral’s Cloister Gallery is pleased to welcome Houston mixed media figurative artist Sheila Leatherwood as our newest featured artist. Her work will be on display from April 28 through June 9, with an artist reception open to all on Wednesday, May 14, from 5 to 7 PM. We invite you to come meet Sheila, explore her vibrant work, and enjoy an evening of art and community.

The Eyes Have It

Ask Sheila about her process and she’ll tell you: it all begins — and ends — with the eyes. “The eyes are the window of the soul” isn’t just a saying for her; it’s a guiding principle. The eyes are the first thing she works on and the last thing she refines, serving as the emotional anchor of each piece. Through them, she tells the whole story.

A Creative Journey Rooted in Curiosity

Sheila is a mother of two grown children and a grandmother of four. In 2018, she took a beginning drawing class at the prestigious Glassell School of Art — and never looked back. She has been a Glassell student ever since, continuously deepening her craft and expanding her creative voice.

Come See the Show

The Cloister Gallery is open to visitors during regular church hours. We hope you’ll take a moment to wander through and spend some time with Sheila’s colorful, soulful work. And if you can, join us for the artist reception on May 14 from 5 to 7 PM — a wonderful opportunity to meet the artist and hear the stories behind the faces.

The Cloister Gallery at Christ Church Cathedral showcases the work of local and regional artists throughout the year. All are welcome.