Melanie Tallmadge Sainz
Melanie Tallmadge Sainz is an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of WI, a visual artist, a cultural arts educator, and the Executive Director of Little Eagle Arts Foundation. As an artist who enjoys teaching art, Melanie strives to educate students about appreciating art through the lens of the art maker. Her artwork has been shown in exhibitions throughout the US and Japan, and she has won awards at prestigious art markets including the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, the Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center in Asheville, SC, the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI, and the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ. As the Founding Director of LEAF, Melanie depends on her 40 years of work in the nonprofit arts sector to guide LEAF in its dedication to preserve the arts and culture of Native people of the Western Great Lakes through innovative and sustainable practices.
Laura LaMere
LEAF’s Public Program Manager oversees the many programs that fill our annual calendar.
Damian Vasquez
LEAF’s Studio Assistant is a valued member of the public art fabrication team, aids in maintaining our art studio and other work spaces, and assists with hands-on demonstrations and art activities.