Carrie Leitner is an art director and graphic designer based in the Detroit area, with professional experience spanning multiple industries. Her professional life is rooted in Detroit, but she maintains a lasting connection to Charlevoix, her hometown that continues to shape her sense of place. While her full-time work rarely allows space for personal projects, occasional commissions offer a welcome return to painting and pencil portraiture – especially when the subject holds emotional or personal significance.
This year’s Venetian Festival art marks Leitner’s second contribution to the event; her first was in 2000. The project offered a welcome departure from designing with a mouse and screen to hands-on creativity with a brush and paper. She embraced the opportunity to explore an expressive interpretation of her beloved hometown. The 2025 artwork draws from early travel poster traditions, with saturated color and crisp composition that reflect the brightness and movement of summer in Charlevoix.
Leitner holds a BFA from the University of Michigan School of Art and Design and has worked in-house for both large institutions and smaller organizations. In recent years, she has applied her skills locally through projects such as branding for Camp McSauba, Mt. McSauba, and the Charlevoix Municipal “Muni” Golf Course – recreational gems with deep personal ties.
For Leitner, Charlevoix is more than a place of origin – it remains a source of inspiration, reflection, and return. To place a bid call Anne Golski 231-675-2164. Painting will be auctioned on Wednesday 7/23, from the Odmark Pavilion stage after the Miss Charlevoix Venetian Queen coronation, which goes on stage at 7 pm.