Alumni Spotlight: Gretchen Leggitt ‘98

Alumni Spotlight: Gretchen Leggitt ‘98
Transforming Communities Through Art and Empathy

Gretchen Leggitt, a proud alumna of St. Anne’s Episcopal School, has transformed her artistic passions into powerful community initiatives in Bellingham, Washington, the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish People, including the Lummi and Nooksack Tribes. As the co-founder of Paper Whale Arts and the Noisy Waters Mural Fest, Gretchen is dedicated to integrating indigenous voices and fostering diversity in public art.

A Foundation in Art and Community
Reflecting on her time at St. Anne’s, Gretchen recalls the profound influence of her art teacher, Rick Sigler. “He taught me for eight years and left a lasting impression,” she shares. “His passion for art brought joy to education and made school a safe haven for me. Art was my refuge, especially when I struggled in other subjects.” Inspired by Rick’s approach, she became an elementary and middle school art teacher herself, nurturing the creativity of young minds for over 13 years.

Gretchen’s artistic journey took a significant turn when she painted her first mural in Bellingham. This experience illuminated the transformative power of public art, allowing her to share her voice and positively impact her community. “It was the first time I realized art could change a community’s mindset,” she reflects. “Public art can spark joy and curiosity in the people around us.”
 

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Building a Creative Future

Gretchen's entrepreneurial spirit blossomed when she founded Hydrascape Stickers in 2019, creating a global presence with her designs. Despite having no formal education in business development, she leveraged her creativity and collaborated with friends to turn her artistic ideas into a thriving venture. The passive income from her sticker business allows her to focus on her art and community initiatives.

Through Paper Whale Arts, Gretchen aims to cultivate creativity in her community. The non-profit organizes multi-sensory events, public art installations, and mentorship opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities. “Our mission is to preserve the cultural fabric of Bellingham through public art and community festivals,” she explains.
 

Lessons from St. Anne’s

Gretchen credits her St. Anne’s education for instilling core values that continue to guide her work: community, empathy, compassion, curiosity, and humility. Her experiences, including a service learning trip to a soup kitchen in eighth grade, broke down barriers and deepened her understanding of empathy. “Seeing the struggles of others taught me that we are all just humans trying to live our lives,” she reflects.

For current St. Anne’s students aspiring to pursue a career in the arts, Gretchen offers this advice: “Whatever you do, don’t stop creating. It’s easy to get distracted. Use technology as a tool, but don’t let it define your imagination.”

 

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The Power of Public Art

As she continues to create, Gretchen envisions public art as a catalyst for community connection. Her murals often celebrate the landscapes of her childhood in Colorado, intertwining her personal narrative with the stories of the communities she serves. “Public art fosters a sense of belonging,” she emphasizes. “It transforms spaces and encourages dialogue.”

Gretchen Leggitt’s journey from St. Anne’s student to influential artist and community advocate exemplifies the power of creativity in fostering understanding and connection. Her commitment to integrating diverse voices and uplifting her community serves as an inspiration for all aspiring artists.

For more about Gretchen’s work, visit: