Joan Leatherbury’s watercolor paintings reflect the majesty of nature that she loved: idyllic mountain scenes, colorful Aspen groves, horses grazing in peaceful meadows. She found peace and solace in nature and animals, as embodied in her intentional colors and brushstrokes.
Joan’s love of the outdoors and horses began in Virginia in her youth. After graduating from college, her career led her from New York to San Francisco to Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and finally, to Aspen, Colorado in the 60s, where she stayed until her death at the age of 93. Art and landscapes discovered from traveling adventures near and far continuously inspired her paintings.
Joan held various positions at the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies and the Given Institute, part of the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine, and focused on the emerging field of biomedical research. As the region changed over the decades, she stayed because the Roaring Fork Valley was ideal for horseback riding and had mountains perfect for skiing. Over the years, she housed her horses at many of the local ranches and was a frequent visitor to Carbondale’s Strang Ranch. Her enthusiastic spirit kept her skiing until the age of 87, with a preference for harder runs because there were fewer people on them.
When Joan passed away last May, she left a generous planned gift to WRA – her first donation to the organization. She worked with her professional advisor to incorporate estate gifts to a handful of nonprofits whose missions aligned with her values and interests. Her thoughtful foresight perpetuates her values by preserving the beauty of nature.
“Joan was very conscious about what was going on in the world. She had seen Aspen change so much in her time there and talked a lot about preserving things,”
Christopher and his wife, Patricia, were lucky enough to make many visits to Aspen to see Joan and witness firsthand her deep connection to the place she called home.
One of her final requests was to have her ashes scattered in a nature reserve in Aspen, forever returning to the land she loved. Her paintings were gifted to her friends, family, and caregivers who can enjoy a peaceful respite from everyday life through Joan’s beautiful view of the world.
We are grateful to name Joan as a member of the 1989 Legacy Society, which honors donors who make a planned gift to WRA. Joan’s gift will go far to protect the unparalleled landscapes, critical waterways, and spirit of the region that was close to her heart. If you are passionate about protecting the treasures of the West for future generations, a planned gift is among the most personal and meaningful ways to give.
