Edmonton artist overcomes homelessness, now featured in exhibit celebrating Black community
Posted February 1, 2022 4:58 pm.
Last Updated March 7, 2022 12:37 pm.
For Edmonton artist Madeline LeBlanc, her art is what allowed her to navigate and overcome extremely dark moments in her life.
When she was 18 years old, LeBlanc was kicked out of her home before being diagnosed with schizophrenia. She lost her job, the roof over her head and was forced into a homeless shelter.
“Having that experience of being homeless, as dark as it was, it brought me so much light because it brought me to exploring myself,” LeBlanc told CityNews. “I don’t think I’d ever pick up a paintbrush if that didn’t happen to me, and now it’s my whole life.”
When she was in a homeless shelter, a worker recognized LeBlanc’s gift and suggested it as a career.
“And she was like, ‘oh Madi, your art is amazing, you should pursue this as a career.’”
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Now LeBlanc’s art is featured in the “5 Artists, 1 Love” exhibit at the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton.
It’s part of the annual Black History Month events that celebrate the city’s Black community.
“It’s about creating environments where everyone belongs, especially marginalized groups of people,” said LeBlanc. “It’s a way for me to reconnect with my culture.”
Although her journey hasn’t been easy, it’s guided her to where she is today. LeBlanc is working towards obtaining her fine arts degree at the University of Alberta.
“Doing art has given me a sense of self-reward and pride and has helped greatly with my self-esteem, and I also have something to contribute to the community.”
The “5 Artists 1 Love” exhibit runs at the Art Gallery of Alberta until April 3.
