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Leo Neilson - Biography
    Leo Neilson(Sweetpea) is an Ojibway from Peguis, Manitoba. His mother was from "The Golden Gate of St. Peters" reserve which later was moved and became a part of other reserves such as Peguis, Fort Alexander and Brokenhead in the Inter-Lake region of Manitoba. He later moved with his mother to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

     Sweetpea was strongly influenced by the artistry of Benjiman Chee Chee, whose artwork he greatly admired. It was through the efforts of Garry Meeches, another Ojibway artist, that Sweetpea began painting and creating his own free and open style, accomplished by the use of acrylic paint, a sponge and a brush.

     Sweetpea's artwork has fascinated art collectors throughout North America and Europe. His first "International Art Show" was held in Pasedena, California in March of 1987 and resulted in the majority of his exhibited works being sold out within three days. A subsequent show in Denver, Colorado, sponsored by the Indian Arts and Crafts Association met with similar success. 

     Since then he has shown in many exhibitions, some of the more notable ones are:

     Art of Man Gallery - Victoria, B.C.
     Midtown Gallery - Winnipeg, MB.
     Northern Traditions - Winnipeg, MB.
     Warehouse Artworks - Winnipeg, MB.

     Sweetpea is the only Native artist in Manitoba to have his artwork put on signs for the City of Winnipeg Transportation Dept. and these signs now grace the Cheif Peguis Trail in Winnipeg.

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