06Nov 2018 by Leisa
My next award goes to the first New Zealand recipient!

My next award goes to the first New Zealand recipient!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
To be presented to Historic Preservation Hero James Blackburne James is an architect whose passion is to see members of the community engaged in architectural preservation on all levels. A Gisborne native, he is the President of Historic Places Aotearoa Inc. and is the Chairman of Historic Places Tairawhiti Inc. and Tairawhiti Heritage Trust.  He is a strong advocate for the protection and restoration of heritage buildings and has taken a leading role in a number of stellar preservation projects such as the Acton Estate, St Mary’s and Toko Toru Tapa Churches.  He is currently working on restoring, the former Plunket Building in Gisborne, as well as the historic Potatu, which is a family heritage project. The award is an original painting of one of the restored projects which will…
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08Oct 2017 by Leisa
My 10th Historic Preservation Award – Presented in St. Louis!

My 10th Historic Preservation Award – Presented in St. Louis!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Portrait of a home  - from decayed abandonment to a brand  new life! My 10th award goes to . . .  Ray Simon and Mel Pashea of St. Louis for their stellar actions to save and fully restore two pre-Civil War cottages that had been abandoned for over a decade. [caption id="attachment_8255" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The unveiling of the St. Louis Award painting[/caption] Ray Simon, an architect and noted rehabber in Benton Park, had the vision to rescue the two crumbling relics on Missouri Ave. Together with partner Mel, they transformed the fading structures into what is often described as one of the coolest properties in the neighborhood. I was honored to have St Louis Ninth Ward Alderman Dan Guenther speak to the gathering of friends and neighbors and relate stories…
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18Jun 2017 by Leisa
NEWSFLASH! Meet my latest historic preservation hero!

NEWSFLASH! Meet my latest historic preservation hero!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award, News
Presentation of my award in Tarpon Springs, Florida. I am currently in Florida and in travel mode, while working on new house portrait subjects for my coffee table book. I soon discovered that the most unique thing about Florida architecture is the color palette  – from soft coastal pastels to striking bursts of orange, blue and gold. [caption id="attachment_7990" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Florida Beach Cottages[/caption] I was introduced to the laid back coastal city of Tarpon Springs by a friend who lives there. Not only is it the most historic city in the state but Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US!  And being that I love Greece ... I decided to look further.  In the early 1900’s sponge diving was introduced to…
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11May 2017 by Leisa
Helping to save the historic Washington Canoe Club!

Helping to save the historic Washington Canoe Club!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award, News
My painting of this Potomac architectural treasure! I recently had the honor of being commissioned to do a painting of the famous Washington Canoe Club. Nestled in a wooded setting on the shores of the Potomac River, the Club is part of the Georgetown neighborhood.  I thought you might be interested in seeing this painting and in learning a little about the Club’s rich history, which I just became aware of after reading the Washington Canoe Club's website. I further learned that the Club is in the midst of a historic effort to restore their boathouse, which has twice been identified by the DC Preservation League in its annual list of “Endangered Places.”   I have decided to help this vital cause. I am selling high quality prints of this original painting…
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14Jul 2015 by Leisa
My Historic Preservation Award goes to Buster’s Cafe in South Pasadena!

My Historic Preservation Award goes to Buster’s Cafe in South Pasadena!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
It's a family affair. . . Friends and family gathered at the cafe for this award presentation.  My awardees were the three co-owners of the popular Busters Ice-cream and Coffee in South Pasadena, Renee and Colette Richards and Monica Barry. On hand were Mayor Robert Joe and members of the extended Richards family, including matriarch Clara Richards and  the son of co-owner Monica Barry, Amedee Barry, whose nick-name Buster inspired the cafe's name. This award, an original painting of Buster's corner,  is my seventh award and the second that I have presented in California.  I instituted the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award two years ago in order to give back to dedicated home owners and citizens who have set a stellar example of historic preservation through their efforts, skills or craftsmanship with regard…
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06Jul 2015 by Leisa
My latest Historic Preservation Award — Carriage Barn in Monrovia, CA

My latest Historic Preservation Award — Carriage Barn in Monrovia, CA

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Oldest Remaining Carriage Barn Starts a New Life! The President of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group,  (MOHPG) Jim Wigton, says it best in his article in the group's July newsletter The Preservation Conversation... "Old, yes. Finished, no. Monrovia's oldest remaining carriage barn, on the verge of extinction two years ago, has been given a new lease on life..." [caption id="attachment_6158" align="aligncenter" width="600"] A "before" painting of the barn by Monrovia artist Elaine Smith shows its dangerous structural leanings.[/caption] The new life for the barn came  into being thanks to the efforts of Monrovia resident Tracey Tempel, the MOHPG, 29 donors who helped finance the moving of the barn and MOHPG member, Jimi Hendrix. With the help of his crew, Jimi found a new home for the barn -- thanks to…
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19Jun 2015 by Leisa
Historic Award Presentation coming up…..

Historic Award Presentation coming up…..

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
And the award goes to . . .    BUSTER'S ICE CREAM & COFFEE STOP IN SOUTH PASADENA! [caption id="attachment_6141" align="aligncenter" width="600"] For the last 27 years Buster's has been a center point of the So Pasadena community[/caption]   YOU ARE INVITED! to an award presentation to the owners of B u s t e r ’ s C a f e for their historic preservation and restoration efforts that help keep So. Pasadena so special! They will receive an original painting of Buster’s by artist Leisa Collins DATE: Tuesday, June 23 TIME: 7:00 p.m. WHERE: BUSTERS!  (Buster's address is 1006 Mission St, So Pas) Everyone Welcome - Light Refreshments Hope to see you there! Leisa    
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17May 2015 by Leisa
My latest Historic Preservation Award – San Marino, CA!

My latest Historic Preservation Award – San Marino, CA!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Historic Preservation is alive and well in San Marino   . . .   And the award goes to homeowners Joelle and Ben Grossi! Joined by the President of San Marino Heritage, San Marino Mayor Eugene Sun and Councilman Richard Ward, I had the honor of presenting my award of an original painting to Joelle Grossi in a ceremony held outside her home. [caption id="attachment_6057" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Left to right: Shirley Jagels of San Marino Heritage, myself, Sophia Grossi (below), awardee Joelle Grossi, San Marino Councilman Richard Ward and Mayor Eugene Sun[/caption] Tucked away in a quiet tree-lined street in San Marino is a charming 1928 Spanish home that was lovingly restored back to and beyond it's original splendor.  As can be seen here, this was not the case just less…
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16Apr 2015 by Leisa
Presentation to the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group

Presentation to the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Giving a talk about my Historic Preservation Award  Last weekend I was asked by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group (MOHPG)  to give a presentation to their members about the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award.  And here I am in action!           Monrovia is a quaint mountain city on the north-east outskirts of Los Angeles that by in large has held to their integrity and refuses to allow their rich architectural history to be destroyed and replaced by enlarged and unattractive structures that give the impression that the "mother ship" has landed! Much of the thanks for this trend goes to MOHPG which is a very organized and on-the-ball historic society. In June I am giving my Historic Preservation Award to a Monrovia resident, Tracey Tempel, who…
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01May 2013 by Leisa
USA Historic Preservation Tour – Fifth Award Presentation in New Mexico

USA Historic Preservation Tour – Fifth Award Presentation in New Mexico

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Historic Native American Adobe Village -- the Oldest Inhabited Community in North America! As we entered the state of  New Mexico this sign welcomed us, and "Land of Enchantment" describes it perfectly! [caption id="attachment_3383" align="aligncenter" width="450"] The sign as we crossed the border into New Mexico[/caption] Before I tell you about the fascinating place that is the subject of my award painting,  here are some views of the New Mexico landscape. [caption id="attachment_3384" align="aligncenter" width="450"] On the road in The Land of Enchantment[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3385" align="aligncenter" width="450"] The ruins of a historic Adobe Building in New Mexico[/caption] One tends to associate historic preservation with old historic buildings in architectural styles such as Federal, Colonial, Victorian, Craftsman etc, but long, long before any of these buildings broke ground, the Acoma Pueblo…
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