Quotes of Praise

From Juror Giving An Award

“Leo used fantastic creativity and usage of color and shading in his wood figures.”

Anonymous 2024 Iowa State Fair Juror who gave Leo’s friendly wood figure third place

“At this exhibition, we were looking for art that showed hope and community. I liked the sense of being a part of community in Where’s My Buddy?. I liked how the point of view is you carrying a lunch tray of food, and a couple of friendly faces welcoming you into this space, and I loved the color. It is an ingenious use of composition. I liked the usage of makers.”
Juror Claire Barliant on the drawing “Where’s My Buddy?”, which won first place at the Oak Park Art League’s 2023 Semi Annual Juried Exhibition in Oak Park, Illinois

“Where’s My Buddy? speaks to the universal struggle and the real moment of trying to find somewhere to sit at lunch. It has relational aesthetics¹ screaming at me. From the earliest days of kindergarten, the use of markers in art is a relatable medium. I liked the reference to the drawing At the Moulin Rouge by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec with the green faces. The textual story accompanying Where’s My Buddy? is a perfect combination with the drawing.”
Jonathon Berger, juror of 2022 Greater Des Moines Exhibited at the Heritage Gallery, during his speech at the opening reception where he gave the drawing honorable mention

Relational aesthetics is how the emotions of each the characters in a drawing and how the setting work together to tell a story. ↩︎

https://www.artic.edu/artworks/61128/at-the-moulin-rouge Here is a link to the drawing At the Moulin Rouge.

From Fellow Artists

“Helping people visualize themselves within an outside perspective is vital to the human plan and a talent of a great storyteller. Leo is such a storyteller. Within his art is the complicated experience of what it means to be human. Translated through the unease, imperfections, humor, ability to change, and the desire for order, connections, and wisdom, his work walks with you through it all.”
Jill Wells

“I am impressed with Leo’s detailed illustrations that walk me through his experiences. His style is authentic, and his vulnerability and storytelling resonate with me. Leo’s work reminds me of a map of a moment in time – perhaps insignificant to others but defining for Leo. His art gives us a way to see and hear things from his perspective, and it prompts me to reflect on how someone may interpret our personal interactions.”
Julia Franklin, 2018 Iowa Arts Council Fellow

“Leo Bird is a bright and imaginative artist with a message that makes you think.”
Barb Vaske, Ankeny Art Center Teacher

From Curators

“Leo Bird puts a lot of thought into the text that accompanies his artwork. His Staedtler marker drawings tell stories on their own, but the narrative brings those stories to life. We loved having Leo’s exhibit at Hedberg Public Library.”

Rene Bue, 2025 Hedberg Library Librarian

“We were deeply honored to exhibit Leo’s work in our gallery. The response from our community was overwhelming—his work resonated with so many, sparking heartfelt conversations and powerful reactions.

Leo’s ability to communicate extends beyond bold color and striking figures; his honest, poignant storytelling leaves a lasting impression. We were equally grateful to have him lead one of our adult art classes, where he generously shared his portrait-making process and insights.

On behalf of the Art Center of Burlington and the Burlington community, thank you, Leo, for sharing your story so powerfully through both your artwork and writing.”

Elizabeth Pappas. Curator of the 2025 Burlington Art Center Exhibit

“The Ankeny Art Center was impressed by Leo’s aesthetic, intent, technical application, and experience.”
Claire Hayes

On the drawing of me rock climbing with a coach:

“I like the movement and body positions of Leo’s climbing.”

“I can definitely see the emotion in the coach’s eyes.”

“This almost has a feeling of ink drawing mixed with watercolors. I love the simple composition and when looked at really closely the piercing eyes draw you in.”
Anonymous 2023 Iowa State Fair Jurors

“The drawing Happy versus Angry was chosen for its story and composition.”
Sarah Cox, Juror of the 2022 Art 101 Exhibition at the Oak Park Art League in Oak Park, Illinois

From Guests of Art Galleries

“The weight of Leo’s graphics adds to his storytelling. As a viewer, when viewed it makes sense through imagery but when read one finds even further connection to his graphic memoir. This storytelling will resonate with anyone experiencing family conflict. As a mother, all I want is to protect my child. When society says you are not enough, I question who gives the right to define motherhood. It’s through my actions that one can identify who God made me to be. Not those distracted with power, impatient and willing to through money at it so it goes their way. Leo’s patience in learning about atypical and neurotypical shows through his graphic memoir. Leo is enough. His wisdom gained will only improve his storytelling.”
Anonymous 2023 Johnston Library Guest