Sharon Leiker – Picture Perfect

Next week, Wichita Support Group Leader Sharon Leiker will consider herself somewhat of a “miracle.” Diagnosed with scleroderma with lung involvement in 2001, Leiker was told by a doctor back then that she had five to six years to live. Next week, marks the beginning of her seventh year post diagnosis, and when asked how she feels, she said, “Most I time I am doing really well.”

So well in fact that Sharon has resumed her longtime hobby—painting.

Starting today and running through April 24, Sharon’s watercolor paintings will be exhibited exclusively at the artist-run Mead Street Gallery, 121 North Mead Street, in Wichita. Using spring as the theme, 15 different floral paintings will be displayed and available for sale. (If you are in the Wichita area in the next four weeks, feel free to visit the gallery.)

Sharon took up painting about 12 years ago, but when she was diagnosed with scleroderma, it was suggested she forego the oil medium for something that would not bother her lungs. Whereas she would only get to paint one day a week while was working as a data processor for IBM, she now frequents the studio almost daily, since she retired on disability from the company.

Sharon loves the outdoors and gardens in particular. It was where she draws most of her inspiration for her painting. Painting has also helped her cope with scleroderma. Also of tremendous support are her husband Dan, who helps with the meetings, and their son Joe, a senior in high school who will be matriculating to Kansas State University in September.

“When God closes a door, he opens a window,” she said. “I have used painting to forget about the illness.”

Some of Sharon’s paintings can be seen on her Web site, www.studioonstratford.com.