Leslie Valade, a Paris-based artist who has exhibited her work in prestigious venues around the world, has returned to her childhood hometown of Samazan in Lot-et-Garonne to paint a mural at the school she once attended. The artist has completed "The Tree of Seasons" under the covered courtyard of the elementary school, bringing her international experience to a deeply personal project.
Valade's journey back to Samazan began when she responded to a call for proposals from Val de Garonne Agglomération. Her project to decorate the Lolya leisure center in Marmande was selected for implementation this summer, and her work caught the attention of local officials in Samazan. The municipality contacted her to create a mural for the newly renovated school courtyard, specifically under the covered area known as the préau.
Originally from Samazan but now living in the Paris region where she works in merchandising, Valade is a self-taught artist passionate about both portrait painting and abstract subjects. Since her first exhibition in New York in 2020, she has accumulated multiple awards and exhibitions worldwide. Despite her international success, she embraced the modest Samazan project with enthusiasm, saying, "Coming here to Samazan was a dream for me: it was my school!" Part of her family still lives in the area or nearby villages, and she has maintained close relationships with her childhood friends.
The mural project was developed in coordination with the school's teachers, Muriel and Magali, and was approved by the municipality. The artwork highlights the worlds of nature and education through "The Tree of Four Seasons," on which educational texts are displayed. This design symbolizes the connection between learning and the natural world, creating an inspiring environment for young students.
When students return to school next term, they will discover their completely transformed courtyard, richly enhanced by the artist's work. The project represents a meaningful connection between Valade's international artistic career and her local roots, demonstrating how art can bridge different worlds and generations.
Valade offers her services to businesses, municipalities, associations, and private individuals, submitting projects as sketches while taking clients' specific requirements into account. Depending on the difficulty of the project and its complexity, her rates range from 120 to 150 euros per square meter. Those interested in her work can contact her through her website at www.leslievalade.com, by phone at 06.84.60.24.79, or through Facebook.
