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Celebrating Pride Month
Spotlight: Leo Dias
This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the Lakeshore Art Trail, and we will feature memorable spotlight stories in our newsletter every month.
Our goal is to share the rich history and stories of our community of artists and people who continue making the Lakeshore Art Trail so special every year.
For June, we celebrate Pride Month!
Lakeshore Art Trail proudly celebrates creativity, identity, and community this June as we recognize Pride Month within our vibrant 2SLGBTQI+ artistic community.
We are honoured to spotlight LAT member Leo Dias, a Mississauga-based multidisciplinary artist whose work reflects a deep emotional connection to the natural world.
Leo Dias
Through expressive and vibrant landscapes, wildlife, and abstract compositions, Leo explores themes of conservation and the quiet dialogue between people and place.
Working in an impressionist and expressionist style, Leo’s practice spans acrylic painting, mixed media, and intuitive mark-making. His layered approach to colour and texture creates work that feels both grounded and fluid, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on their relationship with nature and the environment. At the core of his practice is a profound sense of care for the land, for living beings, and for the stories that shape them.
Beyond his studio work, Leo is deeply committed to building artistic community. He is the founder of the Sauga Plein Air Group, a collective that gathers weekly in parks and heritage sites along the Credit River. These sessions celebrate Mississauga’s natural and historical landscapes while fostering connection, shared learning, and creative exchange among artists of all backgrounds.
A recent focus of Leo’s practice is his Animal Portrait Series, an ongoing body of work that captures the spirit, individuality, and presence of wildlife. Through bold colour, gesture, and texture, these paintings move beyond representation to convey emotion and character, encouraging viewers to see animals as beings with dignity and presence.
The series reflects Leo’s commitment to conservation and serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the ecosystems we inhabit.
As we celebrate Pride Month, we also recognize the importance of visibility, authenticity, and belonging within our arts community.
Artists like Leo remind us that creative expression is deeply intertwined with identity, environment, and the spaces we share, both natural and social. His work and community leadership embody the spirit of inclusivity and care that continues to shape the Lakeshore Art Trail.
MARTYS Awards Gala Finalist: Community Arts Group of the Year 2026
Members of our Executive Committee (image from left to right): founding member Gabby Tutak, and current executives Leslie Buckle, Sue Archibald, Melina Cossío, Celina Melo, and Mina Vancardo.
We are honoured to have been named a finalist at the 2026 MARTYS Awards Gala in the Community Arts Group of the Year category on June 18, thanks to Mississauga Arts Council.
Being recognized among such outstanding organizations is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Lakeshore Art Trail. This milestone recognition reflects the strength, passion, and dedication of our creative community.
The evening offered a wonderful opportunity to connect with and celebrate Mississauga’s vibrant arts community, highlighting the individuals and organizations that enrich our city through creativity and culture. We are proud and grateful to be acknowledged for our ongoing commitment to supporting local artists and fostering meaningful community engagement through the arts.
The Lakeshore Art Trail is a non-profit organization led by a cooperative Executive Committee of participating artists who organize the event through volunteer efforts and community partnerships. Their leadership, along with the dedication of our volunteers, artists, sponsors, and supporters, continues to make the Trail a valued and cherished community event.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the Lakeshore Art Trail over the past 25 years. We look forward to continuing to celebrate creativity, connection, and community for many years to come.
Looking Ahead to our 25th Anniversary!
As a valued part of our community, we warmly invite you to
save the date and join us in celebrating the
25th Anniversary of
The Lakeshore Art Trail on
October 17 & 18, 2026
at the Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga.
Be sure to attend our event and visit Options Mississauga and Pixie Blue Studio’s booths to meet them in person, hear more of their stories, and experience their wonderful artwork, alongside an exceptional lineup of many more local fine artists.
Join us for this special milestone event:
• Discover inspiring art
• Meet the artists behind the work
• Celebrate creativity, community, and connection
Follow us on Instagram @lakeshorearttrail for more artist stories,
event updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.
We look forward to welcoming you on the Trail!
With gratitude,
The Lakeshore Art Trail Committee
In Partnership With
