Today we’d like to introduce you to Mott Leonino.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Art for Your Head! Owner Biography Mott Leonino has been in the Entertainment Business for over 30 years.
She trained in Costume, Masks, & Millinery at Morgan’s Studios for 10 years,
Extensively involved with Mardi Gras Events, Halloween Costumes, Dickens on the Strand, Masquerade Balls, Black Tie Extravaganzas, Themed Events and Private Parties.
Mott worked as Wardrobe Mistress & Dresser for Ward & Ames Productions, Mitzy Gaynor, University of Texas Alumni shows, Bass Concert Hall, Paramount Theater, and “I.A.T.S.E.”
( International Association of Theatrical Employees).
Productions include: Guys & Dolls, 42nd Street, Greater Tuna, Kitaro, Bryan Ferry and The Paul Taylor Dance Company.
Mott is a Professional Artist & Events Coordinator, hired for many Corporate Events, Company Picnics, Private Parties, Festivals, Grand Openings, & Children’s Celebrations..
Creative Artwork for Noteworthy Events & Festivals including:
Willie Nelson’s Farm Aid, One World Music Festival, Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting, Downtown Austin Alliance, Laguna Gloria Art Museum, Old Settler’s Music Festival, ACL Fest, The Salt Lick, Shady Springs Party Barn, Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, Pecan Street Fest, The Austin Cup, Spamarama ,Eeyore’s Birthday Party, Splash!, GSD&M, Austin American Statesman, Austin Chronicle, Austin Children’s Museum, and International Festivals. Mott & Art For Your Head have been featured on YNN / News 8 Austin , in local & international newspapers . Mott also has Published Artwork in Sports Illustrated Magazine for a patriotic advertisement for The Olympics!
Artistic Accomplishments include:
Masks, Headdresses, Costumes, Face & Body Painting Creations for various musicians;
including Todd Rundgren, Bernie Worrell , Bootsy Collins ,Gary Cooper , Belita Woods, and other members of “Parliament Funkadelic” musical group, for numerous Concerts Worldwide.
These include: “One World Music Festival”, “South by Southwest Music Conference”, The Music Hall, “Woodstock Festival ‘99”, and several Overseas concert venues.
Mott Leonino Designed & Constructed the Silver Velvet “Neptunian Octopus Cape” worn by George Clinton at his Induction Ceremony into “The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame”. The incomparable *Prince* inducted George,along with Parliament Funkadelic, & Bootsy Collins at the Rock Hall in Cleveland, Ohio.
This event was photographed by AP Press worldwide, published in various newspapers & Televised on “VH1” & “MTV”.
Overseas Accomplishments include:
Apprenticeship at “Tragicomica” Mask Shop in Venice, Italy, learning the Ancient Tradition of Papier Mache’ Mask making techniques. Other duties included Artwork, Sales and Set Decoration at a famous Palace on the Grand Canal for their annual Masquerade Ball for Carnavale Venezia.
Mott participates in various face painting ,body art classes ,workshops & conventions in USA, Canada & Europe, including “The World Body Painting Competition” in Seeboden & Klagenfurt, Austria.
She has painted in several Famous Squares & Venues including San Marcos Square in Venice. Mott continues to paint in Amsterdam & other European cities for public and private events.
Bookings Available for Mott Leonino & Many More Talented Performers & Artists that we love ,whose skills are invaluable.*
We are grateful for our Clients trust in
coordinating entertainment for their events, & to provide creative collaboration & supportive livelihood for fellow Artists friends.
Art For Your Head! is a Certified Small & Women-Owned Business Enterprise by The City of Austin
See Website for Booking, Event & Party Planning Ideas www.artforyourhead.com
Artwork for Celebrities & Inspiration http://www.artforyourhead.com/blog/
(512) 442-3167 Office –
(512)560-9010 Cell
WWW.ARTFORYOURHEAD.COM
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Grateful for longtime clients & the opportunity to bring color & joy to events for young & old alike. We provide fun & a chance to leave everyday worries behind,even if it is only for a few hours.
Event & Party Planning can be challenging during high season ,as well as the demand for availability of specific Performers requested during Holidays.
Client budget constraints for entertainment can be challenging,but we strive to meet your needs.
We offer discounts when booking multiple hours and multiple performers.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I began as a costume, mask & headdress artist. I worked at Morgan’s Studios in Galveston for over 10years. Our Krewe did all the Costumes, Masks, and Headdresses for Galveston’s Mardi Gras for Grand Parades and Black Tie Masquerade Parties at The Treemont Hotel, and Old Galveston Opera House.
We also made period costume pieces for Dickens on The Strand Victorian Event.
Working alongside fellow creatives fuels me and inspires collaboration.
My mentor Danny Morgan inspired me to go to Venice Italy where masking began.
I learned so much working with the locals @ Tragicomica in Venice, who taught me traditional
,time consuming masks in their “Laboratory” and Costume Atelier.
Was thrilled to attend a Fabulous Masquerade Ball at Palazzo Pisani Moretta on The Grand Canal
and to paint in San Marcos Square during Carnavale.
Miraculous meetings, having the unbelievable chance opportunities to create for my favorite musicians, who inspired me and even graciously wore my artwork onstage.
My feathered Top Hat I wear when Painting, has become my “brand” & makes me easily recognizable.
Absolutley thrilled to have been hired to paint a model for a ‘mystery photoshoot’, that resulted in my work being published in a beautiful 2 page center photo advertisement for The Olympics in Sports Illustrated.
Blessed to have this imaginative livelihood for 30 years.
“Providing All Types of Professional Entertainment & Visual Arts…From The Silly To the Sublime”
See Bio for specifics.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My Mentor Danny Morgan (Rest In Peace) Owner of Morgan Studios on Galveston Island.
Musicians, Todd Rundgren, Bernie Worrell , Gary “Mudbone” Cooper, Bootsy Colins, Fred Wesley,
Belita Woods,and Members of Parliament Funkadelic.
All of whom encouraged me artistically.
Beloved Friends & Family who “Get Me” and my eccentricities.
Spiritual Guidance, Faith , Muses, Visions and Dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artforyourhead.com
