Former Art Teacher Orlando Leyba Returns to CSW as Guest Speaker and Exhibiting Artist

Former CSW art teacher and accomplished artist Orlando Leyba returned to campus this week as a guest speaker at assembly, sharing stories from his personal and artistic journey as well as his process for creating.
 
Orlando, who is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, taught at CSW for ten years, spoke candidly about his childhood in New Mexico, where he spent summers working the fields with his grandfather. “When I would work these fields, I’d often get distracted because I would be finding pottery shards” he shared. “I would find treasures all the time when I would work the fields with my grandfather.” 
 
Growing up in a Hispanic household where Spanish was his first language, Orlando said his cultural roots have deeply shaped his artistic voice. He also highlighted the influence of his community and travels, all of which are reflected in the rich textures and themes of his work. 
 
His visit coincides with the opening of a new exhibit in the CSW gallery titled “Orlando Leyba & Friends, Reeling in the Years.” The exhibit showcases a collection of Orlando’s pieces alongside artwork by alumni he taught during his time at CSW, celebrating the connections between teacher, student, and creative growth. 

CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.