Rate My Professor Kate Leonard

Kate Leonard is a Professor of Art at Colorado College, recognized for her expertise in printmaking, particularly etching and lithography. She earned her M.F.A. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her B.A. from Grinnell College. In her role, Leonard directs the Graphics Research Lab, an interdisciplinary program that connects print research with community and nonprofit partners, including collaborations with The Press and the Colorado College Arts & Crafts Program. She also assumes a lead role in the Bemis Community Printshop, where she supports collaborative studio practices and helps foster an inclusive printmaking community. Her teaching philosophy centers on expanding student creative opportunities through both technical and conceptual approaches to contemporary printmaking, as well as interdisciplinary engagement. Leonard's areas of expertise include Technical Drawing, Community Engaged Projects, and Printmaking. She regularly teaches courses such as AS103 Drawing, AS107 Technical Drawing, AS201 Printmaking, AS301 Advanced Printmaking, AS401 Graphics Research Lab, and AS401 Professional Practices.

Leonard works closely with students to develop innovative practices in printmaking and related media. Her recent creative output includes mixed media paintings and large-scale etchings that explore themes of landscape, perception, and language. These works draw inspiration from the rugged terrain of Colorado’s Front Range and from her travels in Iceland, Finland, and Sweden. Her artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally. At Colorado College, Leonard has served as a past recipient of the Nancy B. & C. William Schlosser Professorship in the Arts. She maintains her studio in Manitou Springs at the foothills of Pikes Peak, continuing to advance community-engaged artistic initiatives.