Leonard Marcoe

Leonard Marcoe was a Winnipeg-based artist who worked primarily in painting and ceramics. Born in 1924, he initially pursued pre-medical studies at the University of Manitoba while working part-time creating window displays at The Bay department store. Family circumstances required him to leave university to manage the family shoe store, where he became known for his creative window displays.

In the mid-1960s, Marcoe returned to the University of Manitoba to study art, graduating with honors in painting. His artistic practice encompassed painting, silkscreen printing, and pottery, with his work notably influenced by his travels to tropical locations including the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Mexico. This interest in tropical climates was reflected in the vibrant colors and themes of his artwork.

Marcoe established Arts in Sight Studio in the 1970s, which served as both an exhibition space for local artists and a venue for children's art classes. He later opened the Leonard Marcoe Studio Gallery, where he continued teaching and exhibiting his own work while promoting other local artists. He was instrumental in launching the careers of several artists, including Eva Stubbs, Judith Allsop, and Bud Gillies, and exhibited established artists such as Grant Marshall.

His work was displayed at his own gallery as well as at the University of Manitoba and the Manitoba Crafts Council. Marcoe's pieces are held in collections including the Claridge Collection in Montreal, the Government of Manitoba, and the Government of Canada. Beyond his visual art practice, he worked as a cultural reviewer for CBC radio, covering art, food, film, and theatre. He contributed to the 2010 book "For the Love of Creation" about Eva Stubbs and remained active in Winnipeg's arts community until his death in 2011.