Lee Ann Billups Blevins (b. October 20, 1965), a native of Kenova, West Virginia couldn't help but be influenced by her hometown's history of trains. Three railways, the N&W, B&O, and C&O all intersected at Kenova in the late 1800's. Her grandfather worked as a telegraph operator for B&O and her father was an avid model railroader. These ties to trains and her love for art, led her to create her "Wild About Huntington" design for the Artisan's Express project.
A 1987 graduate of Marshall University, she earned her degree in art education. She has taught elementary art for 28 years in Cabell County in WV and also served as an instructor for the children's summer art program for the Huntington Museum of Art. She has done many pieces of commissioned artwork, illustrated a children's book, designed a cycling jersey for Ashland Cycling Enthusiasts, and most enjoys working with watercolors and pencil. The wild print design of the train was inspired by her love of nature and adventure. She has rappelled off the New River Gorge Bridge, snorkeled Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and climbed Mt. Fuji in Japan.
Lee Ann plan to continue making art taught is both fun and meaningful. She also hopes to inspire her young students to enjoy their own creative abilities and to always live a life filled with adventure.
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