Ouida Leech

Growing-up in Mississippi, I earned a master’s degree from Mississippi State University in Special Education, a minor in Piano Music Education and certification in High School Mathematics Education.  Following graduation, I taught electronics in the Air Force for three years and went on to teach Special Education and High School mathematics for the next ten years.

I was then offered a job working with adults with developmental disabilities.  My first assignment was in Starkville, MS where I worked for 2 years and was licensed as a Nursing Home Administrator.  The company then transferred me to Fort Myers, Florida.  Over the years, my work included overseeing services in several states including Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Virginia, Connecticut and Kentucky.

My creative side was over-run by the practical side!  About eight years ago, I ventured into stained glass.  With our daughter, Emilie, home for the summer, we went to the local stained glass store with a “l3/6/10r a couple of selected projects.  We headed straight home to the garage and worked late into the night.  Emilie has gone on to college now, but I never stopped! By latest medium is warm glass - what fun.

Les & I have been second-home owners in the North Georgia Mountains for seven years and have run a Bed & Breakfast for the last three years.  With Les’ retirement approaching, I came up and started an art gallery in downtown Ellijay, GA.  The gallery has more than 20 local exhibiting artists and has added so much texture to our lives and relationships. 

Our latest venture is to prepare the loft above the gallery for classes and workshops.  I’m also involved with local organizations to promote our community and local artists. 

Member of Southern Appalachian Artists Guild, Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association and Gilmer Arts & Heritage Association.