Diane Leon-Ferdico

DIANE LEON was born in New York City. Her formal art studies began at The Art Students League, NYC, from 1974-78. She also has studied at the Pratt Graphics Center, The Printmaking Workshop, The National Academy of Design, NYC and Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, and advanced color viscosity printmaking classes, NYU.

Education:

Diane has a B.A. from the New York University, School of Professional Studies in art history with honors and M.A. from NYU, Graduate School of Arts and Science, John W. Draper Interdisciplinary Master’s Program in Humanities and Social Thought. Since completion of her master’s degree in 1995, Diane teaches spring semester at NYU, School of Professional Studies as an adjunct associate professor of arts in the Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies. Her courses are: The Fundamentals of Painting and Design(1995-2019) and Collage/Mixed Media in the Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies 1995-Current.. From 1992-1984 Diane taught art classes with children at The Children’s Aid Society, NYC; she was also a studio assistant, at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Young People’s Programs, NYC 1986-85 and conducted painting workshops throughout New York City locations of The New York Public Library, 1986-85.

Published articles on or by Diane Leon

2024, The Artworld Post, February 17, article by Ann Williams: Diane Leon: Abstract and Collage Artist Extraordinaire

2020, January, Envision Arts Magazine, Where Art & Vision Meet, 3 artworks published in color

2019, Diane Leon as Featured Artist in online Envision Arts Magazine

2016, May issue of McGhee Matters, Newsletter of School of Professional Studies, NYU, photo and story in Faculty Highlights, mention her Special Merit Award from an online juried exhibition, 2016 abstract painting on paper, “Bliss,” Light, Space and Time juried international abstract show.

“Lines from the League,” Art Students League bulletin, Winter, 2011-2012. Diane appeared in The New York Times, May 20, 2009 article, Tight Times Loosen Creativity, by Robin Pogrebin and photo of Diane with her painting by Katie Orlinsky.

Brief Selected Exhibitions

Her work has been exhibited in the U.S. and internationally since 1970s. Diane participated in the Art in Embassies Program and exhibited two paintings at the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru, 2008; Diane also has work in Gallery 54 in Herefordshire, England. Other exhibitions: 2025 Camelback Gallery, “All Abstracts 2025” Silver Award for Una Noche Espanola. 2025 Gallery Ring online international exhibition, City,“Crystal Award” for collage Rushhour and finalist award for After Dark in New York City. 2025 Collage and Mixed Media, virtual exhibition. 1 st Prize Awarded for “Unlimited.” Finalist Award for Inner Balance. Upcoming Solo virtual exhibition.Brouhahaart.com 2025 Graycube Gallery, Abstract show, January, Won First Place, “Anticipation”Collections Public collections: The New York Public Library, Special Collections, Print Department; Colegio de Farmaceuticos de Alicante, Spain; Stony Brook University, Women’s Studies Department, NY; and in numerous private collections in the US and abroad.

Publications

• article 1, Curating an Exhibition, New York University... By Art Calendar Magazine (Oct 01 2009)
• article 3, Art in Embassies Program, exhibition catalogue By US Embassy, Lima, Peru (Jun 01 2009)
• book A, Volume 3, A Circle of Friends, OvationTV By Anthology of Friends (Jun 01 2009)
• article 2, Tight Times Loosen Creativity, photo/essay By The New York Times (May 20 2009)