Studio 241
Elena Shackleton began her journey as an artist at an early age, and was apprenticed to Pat Witt at the Barn Studio of Art. While there, she developed her lifelong passion for teaching fine art, painting and drawing. She was exposed to many great artists and instructors from The Philadelphia Museum School and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Pivotal to her artistic development were the many workshops Elena attended with PAFA instructors at the Barn Studio, and most notably, workshops taught by Henry Hensche, at the Cape School of Art. She went on to attend the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts with a concentration in painting and drawing.
Professionally, Elena worked in illustration and graphic design until the age of 30 when she returned to painting and teaching. In her current role as President of the Lehigh Art Alliance, she organizes exhibits and arts programs. Through her efforts, LAA partnered with Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites to install and manage the galleries in the Historic 1869 Luckenbach Mill. LAA is also an active studio resident of the new JuxtaHub Arts and Innovation Center in Emmaus and helps develop and implement programs and exhibits.
Elena paints primarily in watercolor and oil in a modern, realist style. Her work is in many private and public collections.For over 90 years, the mission of the Lehigh Art Alliance has been to enrich the Lehigh Valley through the support of artists in their creative endeavors and to provide exhibition and educational opportunities to our members and surrounding community.
Founded by Professor Garth Howland of Lehigh University, LAA has deep roots in the community as an organization for amateur and professional artists. We strive to pursue this tradition into the future as a cultural, public-spirited and educational entity.
LAA is a not-for-profit fine arts organization. We focus on exhibiting and promoting the art of our members. We educate the community about Fine Art through workshops and partnerships with local organizations. We are made up of member artists and enthuasts who represent all levels of experience, achievement, ages, styles, artistic expression and media.
Whether you are a seasoned art professional, an emerging artist or just beginning your art journey, interaction with our dynamic and varied member community sparks creative growth.
For information on joining LAA, please visit our website.