LeeVandergrift

Lee Vandergrift was born and raised in Central Florida. As a second generation native, Lee reflects the fun-loving, vibrant Florida lifestyle through his art. Lee has seen things artistically all his life and at the age of 20 decided to harness this artistic energy into a career by attending the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota. He majored in Illustration with a minor in Photography. After graduating, while other classmates were drawn to bigger cities such as New York, L.A., and Chicago Lee returned to Orlando to begin his artistic career. Landing a position as an illustrator and photographer, he worked with the creative arts magazine Zelo where he became its youngest cover artist. Opportunity knocked in an unusual way at Buster Brown Children’s Apparel in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A longtime friend and fellow artist called and told him of a creative position as an artist working with designers producing art for children’s clothing. So after three years with Zelo, Lee left for greener pastures and the mountains of Tennessee. This venture would keep him away from his home in Central Florida for almost 6 years. Although he enjoyed the work and the great outdoors, he was destined to come back to Orlando. The Orlando Fringe Festival has selected two pieces of Lee’s art for the annual Fringe Festival. See the Awards page on this website to see these pieces. His current style of work, which he does in his free time, is an expression of himself and reflects his love of whimsy and brilliant colors. "It’s really just about being inspired on what happens from day to day and the happiness of being alive," Lee remarks on his art. "Some may love it and others may not, but in the end it’s about making yourself happy.” His mother Marlene, also an artist, nurtures Lee’s love and talent for art. She is the proud owner of the largest collection of Lee’s originals. He still resides in Orlando where most of his family lives. He and his partner, Tim, live just south of downtown with their dogs Sally and Gus, and their cat Johnny.