The BUZZ..........................................
i love your pieces and especially love the halloween ones.
tobey
HI – my name is Kenny S. and I would appreciate being added to your mailing list- I was fortunate enough to have bought one of your angels back in the early 90’s – (Folk Angel is her title) and I have enjoyed her presence during the holidays so much over the years. I would like to add a figure or two in the coming years and I couldn’t think of anyone else’s work that would accompany her. So, kindly add me to your mailing list so that I might be fortunate enough to add a piece or two in the years ahead. Thank you and I am so thrilled that you are making such wonderful art that gives such joy to so many.
Kenny S.
Phelps, NY
Dear Leo & Marilyn,
I want you to know how much you and your work inspires me. One of my personal goals is to see your Fountain City location and see both of you in person. If I ever get the chance to meet you, I will consider it a highlight of my life (Next to family, friends, and living a good life--I do have some perspective even though I'm CRAZY over Leos!)
I search high and low for Leos old and new (collecting your beautiful Santas, angels, and figurines is one of my favorite pastimes). Thanks for adding such beauty with your talent.
Warmly,
Kandice
Leo & Marilyn--The pilgrims arrived yesterday. They are absolutely GREAT. One small problem however. Sandy has moved them from place to place and they looked better at each place. I guess she'll finally settle on one spot or put them on skates.
Thanks again,
Stan & Sandy
Madison, WI
Hi, Marilyn! The Pilgrim Man and Woman arrived safely at our home last Friday. I think they´re even more wonderful looking than when we saw them in your shop in October. Thank you for your careful packaging that guaranteed they´d arrive in the same shape they left the shop.
Marilyn
Shoreview, MN
Last year I had to host a PEO Christmas dinner at our local library - and I used your beautiful Santas for centerpieces at each table. They were a huge hit and looked unbelieveable! I love them so much - I thought it would be a great way for others to see them.
Serena
Dear Leo & Marilyn,
I wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our stop at your wonderful shop....It was the highlight of our little road trip. My Otter looks wonderful on the wall & I smile every time I pass by it. I hope your museum is up & running by next summer when I return from Seoul, Korea. Your creations always lift my soul & make me smile.
Sincerely,
JoAnn
Appleton, WI
Dear Leo and Marilyn in Fountain City !
I am now a luckily owner of a "Winter Claus", which I have got as a present from Raymond Olson from Minneapolis. Thank you so much for the greetings, cards and La Cross Magazine. It has brougtht me back to the very good memories from the visit in America in September last year.. My brother Bjorn and I will never forget the visit in your gallery in Fountain City. Thank you for your hospitality.
After we came back to Norway I have often thought of that I should bought some of your very fine things. So, when my brother Bjorn and I got a visitor from our mothers second cousin Raymond Olson from Minneapolis this summer, I was very happy when Raymond said that he would like to send me a "Winter Claus" as a present. It was even more beautiful than I could remember it. If you are going to visit Norway in the future you are very velcome to take contact with us, you are very welcome to visit us. We are farmers and lives in the middle of Norway, not far away from Trondheim city.
Greetings from Oddny
Soknedal, NORWAY
Hi Marilyn,
Oh my goodness!! The Santa´s I ordered last week arrived today and have truly exceeded my expectations!!! Each one of them is truly unique and so beautiful!!! I love them all and can´t wait to add them to my growing collection of Santa´s!!! Your work is exquisite!!
I can´t wait to receive the 2005 Santa I ordered!!! You can guarantee I´ll be back on your website very soon looking to order a few more treasures!!!
I´m so glad I found you in the BH&G´s Santa book!! Thank you for keeping Santa alive for everyone to enjoy!!
Sue
Tampa, FL
I was naughty this morning and placed another order. I arrived early to work early, so I took a moment to peruse your web site. I came across the Liberty ornament (and a few other items--tee hee), which I had not seen before (of course I could not resist)
Kandice
Long Beach, CA
I am ecstatic because I just received my order of Leos
(I L-O-V-E everything)
Kandice
Long Beach, CA
I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the art gallery showing of carvings and sculpture! What a feast for the eyes! San (an art teacher you know!) went and we were so entranced with it all. We spent hours just drinking in all the colors, textures, shapes and spirit! Thank you for telling me about it. I think I have told over 100 people about it!
Claire,
Michigan
Leo and Marlyn,
Everything arrived today in great shape. The pictures on your web site don´t do them justice. I have absolutely fallen in love with them.
Just know your pieces of art speak to the child inside me and that I will cherish them in my heart always.
Peace be with you,
Tom,
Dublin, GA
Leo,
Hopefully, you will remember your trip to a Leo Smith signing in 1991 at a store in Lubbock, Texas named Tis Christmas. I am the former owner of Tis Christmas. I retired in 2000 and liquidated the store. I consider your visit one of the highlights of my tenure as a retailer.
On my mantle sits the Santa, "Gift Giver Night," that you were carving on that day in October. It is one of my most prized posessions.
Your web site is enjoyable. I have always wanted to visit your studio and maybe one day we will travel that direction. Until then, my best wishes to you and Marilyn.
Sally
Lubbock, Texas
Dear Marilyn and Leo,
I recently ordered several Santa's from you for my mom and me. I had to pinch myself to part with the ones that my mom purchased. We love them all. They are so wonderful and I can hardly wait to put them out.
I promised myself to stay away from the website until March. But here I go again....I decided though I needed the Santa on the throne..and a few more. He is to die for. ...they came so quickly last time. (Very impressive!!) Much thanks.
I am so excited to start our Family Leo Smith collection. Every year since my 3 children have been born, I buy 3 Santa's and let the children pick which Santa they want. They write their names on the boxes and it is a fun event. I might have to videotape this year!! Please hurry and publish your own book. Happy holidays!
Sincerely,
Lori, Oak Park, IL
I love visiting your (web)site....I have had the pleasure of visiting your shop a number of times and you have always been so kind to share your work and your inspirations for making your treasures. It is always the highlight of my Minnesota trips to stop at your gallery/workshop. You and Marilyn are ever so gracious.
Your work is always on my gift lists, both giving and receiving! I look forward to more Leo & Marilyn works!
Sherry
Appleton, WI
Your beautiful work brings much joy!
Joanne, Brookfield, WI
Yesterday I received the Better Homes & Gardens Santa Claus Collection
book. Nice coverage of your Santas, but I wouldn't have minded if it
covered nothing but Leo and Marilyn Smith items!
Carol, Sister Bay, WI
Hello Leo and Marilyn.
I and my sister from Norway visited you last week in your gallery together with Gary and Jeanne Albrigtson.Thank you for the hospitality! Will send a photo soon.
Best wishes for you booth from
Bjorn Blokkum
To Marilyn and Leo –
Just a few
minutes ago I was pleased to finally order Island Turtle
Island online.
It made me envision your shop and
enjoy all over again our chance encounter there in late
July.
We had come from Prairie Moon and Rock
in the House, noticed your sign, screeched to a stop and
backed up half a block to see if you were open.
It
was closing time as I recall, and you agreeably showed
us around.
It was a sweet surprise to meet you
and learn about and see your work, which my husband
and I enjoyed very very much.
You may know
my friend here in Ames, Vicki, who has quite a few of
your Santas.
I looked at them in a completely new
way when I was at her house several weeks
ago!
Thanks again for your kind hospitality. I look
forward to the turtle..
Kathy, Ames,
Iowa
I LOVE Spooky Lu along with all of
my other Leo Smith's. Spooky Lu has extra
special meaning to me also. Thank you so
much.
Lucy, Galena, OH
Thanks so
much for your quick reply! I really like Leos that can stay
out year round, so my gorgeous "trumpeter
swan" is a fixture.
My santas make
appearances only from Thanksgiving until about
Valentine's Day.
Thanks again,
Joyce,
Winona, MN
I got my 3 santas on August
10, 2004. They are better than expected!
Thanks,
Ken, Austin, TX
i so
enjoy leo's work. i have kept my santa collection
out all year
this year and have enjoyed looking at
them as well as holding them daily. i appreciate this
wonderful talent.
Mack, Columbus,
GA
Thanks Marilyn,
My sister
and I - WE LOVE OUR LEOS!
RY, Austin,
TX
I just wanted to let you know that I
love your folk art!! Our friends own the antique store
Polliwogs in Fountain City. For my wedding, she bought
me the ISLAND TURTLE. I just love it. Now I want to
buy all your things. I will definitely be stopping by next
time to buy some things! What are your hours for your
store??
Thanks for making awesome
collectibles. I always tell everyone I know that they need
to stop in Fountain City at your store. You can say I am
hooked now.
Lesa, Racine,
WI
ANSWER: HOURS ARE BY
CHANCE OR APPOINTMENT
PLEASE CALL
608-687-6698
It was a great surprise
to find your website this morning. You are the creators
of my husband’s favorite Santas! Two years ago, a
retailer near us contacted your workshop to get a piece
signed for my husband, Les, who was very ill at the
time. I had already purchased “Patience” for him during
his long stay in the hospital. His stern admonition kept
both of us going….but I had to celebrate his return to
health with the Santa pulling the World pack. It was this
one that we have autographed.
This note is
simply to let you know that there are stories that you
may never hear in which your Santas play a tender part.
We have one of them.
I was thrilled to be
able to order today…..Bless you both…
Patricia,
Toledo, OH
Dear Marilyn and
Leo,
Please add me to your mailing list.....I
absolutely love your figures and have had the pleasure
of collecting them for 2 1/2 years.....cannot understand
how I missed out on buying them from the
beginning....each "new" piece that I buy
instantly becomes my favorite..... Thank you so much for
sharing your wonderful
talent(s)....
Connie
Hello Leo
Smith:
I was happy to find this website.... I began
collecting the 'Leo' Santas when I saw one
at Oscar's in downtown Appleton.
The 1st
one I saw I had to have. It was the Americana Santa,
#1710/5000... I love all of the pieces I have and would
love to continue collecting them.
Thanks!
Lori,
Appleton, WI
....Great web site - stuff you
want to lie down next to and talk to - and
dream
with.
Terri, Minneapolis,
MN
Hello Leo and Marilyn,
I
am fortunate to have met you several times, when I
lived in Minnesota, and am even more fortunate to have
4 of your
pieces - including the bachelor farmer
[your old neighbor] and his
fantasy wife with
strawberries. They sit on my fireplace mantle,
and
remind me of my prairie roots, now that I live here in
Portland.
My parents live here now too, and have
Leo's all over their house,
including the
Santa, farmer on Pig, and angels...
I just wanted
to say I looked at your site, and still love your
wonderful work.
Katherine, Portland,
OR
Hi, I loved getting a note from you
today. It was like hearing from a famous celebrity. My
Mom has been collecting Leo Smith's for years.
It's become increasingly difficult to find them here
at stores as the stores we'd shopped at keep
closing up. Glad to hear you'll be selling over the
web. Does this mean the rumor we heard about this
being the last year for Leo Smith's is false? I
hope so.
Thanks,
Sherry, Concord,
CA
ANSWER: THE RUMOR THAT LEO
IS RETIRING AND THIS IS HIS LAST YEAR IS
ABSOLUTELY FALSE!! HE IS CONTINUING TO
CARVE WONDERFUL NEW PIECES THAT WILL
BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTORS IN 2004!!
BUT, THE NEW LEO SMITH FOLK ART WILL
ONLY BE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE AND IN
OUR SHOP IN FOUNTAIN CITY,
WI.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith,
In 2000, I bought your pilgrims and 4 pieces of
the Nativity: The Holy Family, the donkey and the ox. I
bought them at the Craftsman Store but they quit
carrying them the next year. I wanted to buy more of
the Nativity. This year I decided to investigate which
has brought me to your website.
I love my
pieces and look forward to bringing them out each year.
Is it possible to still find any of these pieces?
Sincerely,
Cathy
REPLY: WE HAVE HAD MANY INQUIRIES LIKE
THIS. IF ANY OF YOU HAVE PARTIAL NATIVITY
SETS YOU WANT TO BUY OR SELL, PLEASE
CONTACT US AND WE MAY BE ABLE TO GET
YOU TOGETHER TO COMPLETE YOUR
SETS.
Hi Marilyn and Leo,
I got
my gorgeous swan and I cannot begin to tell you how
much I love it! It's absolutely gorgeous and how
special that it's personally signed by Leo. I will
treasure this and every one of my "Leos"
forever.
Thanks a million!
Kim, Lake
Oswego, Oregon
...the
"Dropping In for Christmas Santa" was
received. It's wonderful and I think my sister and
brother-in-law will be pleased.
Pat, SALINAS,
CA
I am so excited to have found this
piece that my hands are shaking as I type this. I have
several of your angels now and would love to have
more. This really makes my Christmas. Thank you so
much!
Janice, Andrews, IN
Dear Leo
and Marilyn,
Thank you for the confirmation of our
recent order. Just as a side light, I thought you might like
to hear my wife was very excited that Leo answered
the phone when she called to check on the order. She
absolutely loves his work and was a little bit flustered
when she realized it was him she was speaking
to.
For years whenever she puts out our
Thanksgiving decorations she always wonders why
there wasn't an Indian woman to go with the
Indian man... Elisa said she didn't want to bother
him (by asking). Sort of like me meeting a Beatle and
asking Paul about why he wrote lyrics the way he did....
So I will be so bold to ask; was there an Indian women
ever made and if not are there any plans for one in the
future?
Gary, Saratoga, CA
ANSWER: The Woodland Brave will
probably stay single.
...I bought
"Jane Picking Corn" because I thought that
she expressed a feeing of gratitude and amazement as
she happily reached up to pick the corn that she had
grown.... she reminded me of how I feel in my garden.
I am thankful for the wonderful sculptures that Leo
creates. I continue to get so much enjoyment from the
ones that I own. They have a special, wonderful energy
about them. I love giving his work as gifts.
Be
well,
Joyce, N. Fayston, VT
Peace
(on Earth) Santa arrived today. It is lovlier than the
website shows... #32/500 is outstanding. This is an
anniversary gift for Claudia on our 32nd Wedding
Anniversary!
Ed, Director of Museum of
Albemarle,Elizabeth City, NC
Thank
you for the great care in which you packaged and
shipped the Santa's. They arrived as gorgeous
as they were displayed in your studio.
Thanks to
you both,
Susan, La Crescent,
MN
Our order arrived Wed am
(10/22/03)...now that was fast!
All 6 pieces are
perfect and we are enjoying Spooky Lu, who is a
wonderful addition to our seasonal LS
collection.
Hope all continues well for you and your
family.
Fondly,
Sharon and Pete, Louisville,
KY
I also want to thank you again for our
enjoyable visit with you both in your shop on Monday,
September 15. It was a wonderful ending to our
quilters' weekend trip. Thank goodness we had
room in the cars for all our purchases--the ladies all
thought your shop was one of the highlights of the
trip.
We're looking forward to receiving
Spooky Lu. We have the other two of your witches
displayed for Halloween, along with our newly
purchased angel, which will be a permanent fixture in the
living room. We love them all!!
Pat, Evanston,
IL
It was such a pleasure meeting you the
other weekend. Thank you for allowing us into your
world of lovely art. Your back room is truly a
wonderland. The turtle sculpture has found a place in our
home, and we are so glad we brought it back with us. It
will be a reminder to us of our 18th Anniversary in
Fountain City--and to enjoy the "evolving"
process we have as a couple. I have found a perfect
place for my angel of nurturing, in my little Linden Hills
abode as well. We really enjoyed Hawksview too--it is
truly a special place and we will return.
Soozi,
Mpls, MN
I would like to be added to your
mailing list. I found my first Leo & Marilyn Smith in 1991
and immediately bought him...At that time I thought he
was called "The Russian Santa" I see on
your website he is called "Cossack Santa"
Since then I have purchased several Leo Smith Santas.
This year I bought "Winter Angel" I love
them all! Thanks for your wonderful gift that compliments
my home, especially each Christmas season.
Karen B.
Hi Leo and Marilyn, I wanted
to thank you again for your kindness on Thurs. 3rd. My
sisters and I enjoyed meeting you both. What a
beautiful job you both have done. I'm enjoying
my Angel of Warmth and have it in a special place in my
studio room where I do massage. I am sending your
web page to friends in who will also like seeing what
magic you both do.
Love and Light,
Kathy,
San Diego
Marilyn: Thanks ever so much
for the information on the Santa's. They sit
proudly on our mantle year around. Again, thanks for
taking the time to answer our questions. Yes, the
Fisherman Santa looks good without one of those
"100 pound Mississippi River catfish hanging
around his neck!"
Richard & Joan
Hello Leo and Marilyn, Janice and I just
wanted to say thank you again for the time you spent
visiting with us and the wonderful tour of your shop. It
was one of the highlights of our honeymoon. In
addition, our friends who did the house/cat sitting for us,
loved their Everyday Angels. They served as a great
gift!! Well, thank you again for your hospitality and
kindness.
Sincerely,
Jeffery and Janice ,
Dodgeville, WI
dear leo I recently ordered
4 santas from you and received them just the other day.
Thank-you for mailing them so quickly. As usual they are
beautiful and I was thrilled with them.
eileen,
gloucester, MA
Hello. I have collecting your
work since 1992 and love them all. I am especially fond
of the angels. I have garden angel, weatherwise, folk
angel, angel with lion and lamb, prairie moon, ms.
liberty, and freedom. Thanks so much for what you do.
Susan, Raleigh, NC
Hello! I just
started collecting your folk art santas this year and I love
them. Do you have a collectors club, if so I would like to
join.
Thank you,
Barbie
Hi Leo
and Marilyn! - your website and all the work pictured
looks really wonderful. I am very happy for your
continued success.
Suzan Pitt, Los Angeles,
CA
Inspiration..........Creation...........Together
A frequently asked question is: "Where do you get all your ideas?"Pictured about is Leo´s friend John at an annual sledding party. His beard was looking very white and looking like Santa´s; I said, "Stop there" and took his picture. The inspiration became the "Snowshoe Santa". John was happy to pose again with himself as "Santa".
List of Leo Smith FOLK ART Reproductions 1991-2005
YEAR ISSUE
1991
*Cossack Santa 01092-1
*Fisherman Santa 03311-1
*Milkmaker 03541-2
*Pilgrim Man 03313-5
*Pilgrim Riding Turkey 03312-8
*Pilgrim Woman 03315-9
*Stars & Stripes Santa 01743-2
*Tis a Witching Time 03544-3
*Toymaker Santa 03540-5
*Woodsman Santa with Bear 03310-4
1992
*Dreams of Night Buffalo 07999-7
*Great Plains Santa 08049-8
*Leo Smith Name Plaque 07881-5
*Ms Liberty 07866-2
*Santa of Peace 07328-5
*Woodland Brave 07867-9
1993
* Dancing Santa 09042-8
*Folk Angel 05444-4
*Gnome Santa on Deer 05206-8
*Santa Fisherman 08979-8
*Voyaguer 09043-5
1994
*Gift Giver Santa 12056-9
*Old-World Santa 12053-8
*Santa Skier 12054-5
*Star of the Roundup Cowboy 11966-1
*Weatherwise Angel 112055-2
1995
*Angel with Lion & Lamb 13990-5
*Circle of Nature Wreath 16120-3
*Gardening Angel 16118-0
*Hare Leaping Over Garden 16121-0
*Maize Maiden Angel 13992-9
*Orchard Santa 13989-9
*Otter Wall Hanging 161227-7
*Owl Lady 13988-2
*Santa in Sleigh 13987-5
*Sunbringer Santa 13991-2
*Wee Willie Santa 13993-6
1996
*Angel of the Morning 18232-1
*Jolly Boatman Santa 17794-5
*Prairie Moon Market 17793-8
*Santa in Red Convertible 17790-7
*Snowflake in Nature Santa 17791-4
*SW Bach Santa 17792-1
1997
* American Heritage Santa 21318-6
*Gardening Santa 21320-9
*Santa on Horse 21327-8
*Snow King 21319-3
*Victorian Santa 21317-9
*White Nite Nick 21316-
1998
*Nature Santa with Birds 10" 25148-5
*Northwoods Santa in Canoe 7' 25147-8
*Santa Fisherman on Creel 8" 25145-4
*Santa on Moose 7" 25149-2
*Snowshoe Santa 9" 25146-1
1999
*Albert the Grocer
*Alice the Shopper
*Bud the Father
*Chef Kelly
*Clara with Strawberries
*Dr. Bob the Fisherman
*Elmer the Gas StationAttendant
*Emil the Farmer
*Herman the Miller
*Jane Picking Corn
*Joe the Farmer
*Julius the Butcher
*Master Gardener Emil
*Norman the Hunter
*Our Town Paper Boy Sign
*Santa and Mrs. Claus
*Santa Holding Wreath
*Santa on Horse
*Santa on Mule
*Santa on Yule Reindeer
*Santa with Christmas Tree
*Sister Mary Grace
*Sledders
*Zoe the Lifeguard
2000
*Angels, S/2
*Black Cat in the Pumpkin Patch
*Christmas Kids with Dog, S/3
*Dressing Up as Santa
*Halloween Kids, S/2
*Heavenly Angel
*Horseback Witch Candleholder
* Nativity Set of 11 Pieces
* Holy Family, S/2
*Nativity Angel
*Nativity Animals,S/2
*Shepherd & Sheep,S/3
* Three Kings, S/3
*Pilgrims, S/2
*Raven Bowl Centerpiece
*Snowman & Boy, S/2
*Turkey Bowl
2001
*Around the World Santa
*Boar and Peace Santa
*Dancing Santa
*Gift Giver Santa
*Glad Tidings Santa
*Ice Fishing Santa
*Leaping Santa on Fish
*Milk Run Santa
*North Pole Santa
*Patience Santa
*Naive Santa
*Shivering Santa
*Evergreen Santa
*Snow Bear-Snowman
*Sunbringer Santa
*Throne Santa
2002
*Island Turtle EY4015
*Les Rats Du Eau EY4016
*Leopard Frog EY4017
*Turtle Amulet EY4019
*Trumpeter Swan EY4020
*Lynx EY4021
*Broomhilda EY4023
*Chip on Shoulder Santa EY4024
*Freedom EY4025
*Gift Horse EY4026
*Raven on Folk Base EY4029
*Santa with Christmas Geese Bust EY4030
*Dropping in for X-mas EY4031
*St. Nicholas EY4032
*Weihnactsmann EY4033
*Winter Angel EY4034
2003
*Bearer of the Wreath Belsnickle Santa EY4038
*Angel of Warmth EY4039
*Peace on Earth Santa LS0301
*Regal Santa LS0302
*Spooky Lu LS0303
2004
*Winter Claus LS0401
*Toymaker Santa LS0402
*MessengerAngel LS0403
2005
*Musical Dream Goat Santa LS0501
*Birding Santa LS0502
*American Pilgrim Man LS0503
*American Pilgrim Woman LS0504
*Partridge in a Pear Tree LS0505
*Lotus Turtle LS0506
*Little Otter LS0507
*Puddle Jumper Frog LS0508
*Needle Nose Turtle LS0509
*Dream Bear LS0510
List of Leo Smith ORNAMENTS 1994-2002
1994
*Flying Woodsman Santa 11921-1
1995
*Partridge Angel 13994-3
*Santa on Reindeer 13780-2
*Angel of Dreams 16130-2
*Angel of Love 16123-4
*Angel of Peace
1996
*Angel of Adventure 19219-1
*Angel of Dependability 19218-4
*Angel of Generosity 19221-4
*Angel of Guidance 19224-5
*Angel of Heaven and Earth 18396-0
*Angel of Knowledge 19222-1
*Angel of Light 18076-1
*Angel of Music 18073-4
*Angel of Nurturing 19220-7
*Angel of Pride 19225-2
*Angel of Sharing 19223-8
*Belsnickle Santa 18074-7
*Everyday Angel Orn Stand 19554-3
1997
*Santa Riding Bird 19928-2
*Stars & Stripes Santa 19929-9
1998
*Santa with Gifts, Dated 1998 25144-7
2002
*Liberty Angel EY4018
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