Joy is something our world needs more of. When we feel joy, our perceptions of the world change. We feel more abundance, love, and compassion. We feel an openness to receive and share more goodness with each other.

Living inspires me. When I am walking in our neighborhood with my dog, Manju, a discarded object on the ground will find its way into my heart and my work. I am lifted into creating by Gregorian music and solitude. I am learning to create with the help of God.

Connection moves me. I am inspired by my conversations with God, the presence of a particular Bible verse, or a feeling of sadness in a friend. I dream for my art to cross distance and separation to help us join in community and love.

​​I hope that my drawings, paintings, and puppets will make you smile, laugh, and bring you in touch with the world of muchas joy.

Biography

Award-winning artist Lee Ann “Leebs” Goya is a third-generation Okinawan, born and raised in Los Angeles. Her joyful artwork, including the beloved Muchas ’n’ Poquitos characters, has been featured in the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Chronicle as well as on billboards, in galleries, and for dozens of solo, invitation-only, and group exhibitions. Leebs has provided artwork to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, exhibited at Crestmore Elementary in West L.A., and been showcased in Books and Cookies in Santa Monica and other shops. To spread love and friendship, Leebs wrote and illustrated several books, including “Gold,” “Healing,” and “This Book Is for Everyone.” Leebs has a BFA in visual communications from California State University, Long Beach.