Comments

Dear Leo,
It was a great pleasure to meet and talk with you on our recent trip to Winona to see our friends Ken McCullough and Lynn Narikivil. You made us feel very special by giving us a personal tour and explaining your work. I always feel as if I'm on shaky ground trying to talk about artwork, but yours was a special treat and wonderful to see. Quite a few people, it seems to me, possess creativity. Very few, it also seems, possess the necessary drive, patience and craftsmanship required to carry a vision through to completion. You succeed in an astonishingly satisfying way. Thank you very much. Possibly, we will see you again on our next trip to see our friends?

Sincerely,
Dan L. Mongold

HI – my name is Kenny S.
and I would appreciate being added to your mailing list- I was fortunate enough to have bought one of your angels back in the early 90’s – (Folk Angel is her title) and I have enjoyed her presence during the holidays so much over the years. I would like to add a figure or two in the coming years and I couldn’t think of anyone else’s work that would accompany her. So, kindly add me to your mailing list so that I might be fortunate enough to add a piece or two in the years ahead. Thank you and I am so thrilled that you are making such wonderful art that gives such joy to so many.
Kenny S.
Phelps, NY

I love your pieces and especially love the halloween ones.
Tobey

Dear Leo & Marilyn,
I want you to know how much you and your work inspires me. One of my personal goals is to see your Fountain City location and see both of you in person. If I ever get the chance to meet you, I will consider it a highlight of my life (Next to family, friends, and living a good life--I do have some perspective even though I'm CRAZY over Leos!) I search high and low for Leos old and new (collecting your beautiful Santas, angels, and figurines is one of my favorite pastimes). Thanks for adding such beauty with your talent.
Warmly,
Kandice

Leo & Marilyn--
The pilgrims arrived yesterday. They are absolutely GREAT. One small problem however. Sandy has moved them from place to place and they looked better at each place. I guess she'll finally settle on one spot or put them on skates. Thanks again, 
Stan & Sandy 
Madison, WI

Hi, Marilyn!
The Pilgrim Man and Woman arrived safely at our home last Friday. I think they´re even more wonderful looking than when we saw them in your shop in October. Thank you for your careful packaging that guaranteed they´d arrive in the same shape they left the shop.
Marilyn
Shoreview, MN

Last year I had to host a PEO Christmas dinner at our local library - and I used your beautiful Santas for centerpieces at each table. They were a huge hit and looked unbelieveable! I love them so much - I thought it would be a great way for others to see them. 
Serena

Dear Leo & Marilyn,
I wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our stop at your wonderful shop....It was the highlight of our little road trip. My Otter looks wonderful on the wall & I smile every time I pass by it. I hope your museum is up & running by next summer when I return from Seoul, Korea. Your creations always lift my soul & make me smile.
Sincerely,
JoAnn
Appleton, WI

Dear Leo and Marilyn in Fountain City!
I am now a luckily owner of a "Winter Claus", which I have got as a present from Raymond Olson from Minneapolis. Thank you so much for the greetings, cards and La Cross Magazine. It has brougtht me back to the very good memories from the visit in America in September last year.. My brother Bjorn and I will never forget the visit in your gallery in Fountain City. Thank you for your hospitality. After we came back to Norway I have often thought of that I should bought some of your very fine things. So, when my brother Bjorn and I got a visitor from our mothers second cousin Raymond Olson from Minneapolis this summer, I was very happy when Raymond said that he would like to send me a "Winter Claus" as a present. It was even more beautiful than I could remember it. If you are going to visit Norway in the future you are very velcome to take contact with us, you are very welcome to visit us. We are farmers and lives in the middle of Norway, not far away from Trondheim city.
Greetings from Oddny
Soknedal, NORWAY

Hi Marilyn,
Oh my goodness!! The Santa´s I ordered last week arrived today and have truly exceeded my expectations!!! Each one of them is truly unique and so beautiful!!! I love them all and can´t wait to add them to my growing collection of Santa´s!!! Your work is exquisite!! I can´t wait to receive the 2005 Santa I ordered!!! You can guarantee I´ll be back on your website very soon looking to order a few more treasures!!! I´m so glad I found you in the BH&G´s Santa book!! Thank you for keeping Santa alive for everyone to enjoy!!
Sue 
Tampa, FL

I was naughty this morning and placed another order. I arrived early to work early, so I took a moment to peruse your web site. I came across the Liberty ornament (and a few other items--tee hee), which I had not seen before (of course I could not resist)
Kandice
Long Beach, CA

I am ecstatic because I just received my order of Leos (I L-O-V-E everything)
Kandice
Long Beach, CA

I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the art gallery showing of carvings and sculpture! What a feast for the eyes! San (an art teacher you know!) went and we were so entranced with it all. We spent hours just drinking in all the colors, textures, shapes and spirit! Thank you for telling me about it. I think I have told over 100 people about it! 
Claire, Michigan

Leo and Marlyn,
Everything arrived today in great shape. The pictures on your web site don´t do them justice. I have absolutely fallen in love with them. Just know your pieces of art speak to the child inside me and that I will cherish them in my heart always.
Peace be with you,
Tom,Dublin, GA

Leo,
Hopefully, you will remember your trip to a Leo Smith signing in 1991 at a store in Lubbock, Texas named Tis Christmas. I am the former owner of Tis Christmas. I retired in 2000 and liquidated the store. I consider your visit one of the highlights of my tenure as a retailer. On my mantle sits the Santa, "Gift Giver Night," that you were carving on that day in October. It is one of my most prized posessions. Your web site is enjoyable. I have always wanted to visit your studio and maybe one day we will travel that direction. Until then, my best wishes to you and Marilyn.
Sally 
Lubbock, Texas

Dear Marilyn and Leo,
I recently ordered several Santa's from you for my mom and me. I had to pinch myself to part with the ones that my mom purchased. We love them all. They are so wonderful and I can hardly wait to put them out.I promised myself to stay away from the website until March. But here I go again....I decided though I needed the Santa on the throne..and a few more. He is to die for. ...they came so quickly last time. (Very impressive!!) Much thanks.I am so excited to start our Family Leo Smith collection. Every year since my 3 children have been born, I buy 3 Santa's and let the children pick which Santa they want. They write their names on the boxes and it is a fun event. I might have to videotape this year!! Please hurry and publish your own book. Happy holidays!
Sincerely,
Lori, Oak Park, IL

I love visiting your (web)site....I have had the pleasure of visiting your shop a number of times and you have always been so kind to share your work and your inspirations for making your treasures. It is always the highlight of my Minnesota trips to stop at your gallery/workshop. You and Marilyn are ever so gracious. Your work is always on my gift lists, both giving and receiving! I look forward to more Leo & Marilyn works!
Sherry 
Appleton, WI

Your beautiful work brings much joy!
Joanne, Brookfield, WI

Yesterday I received the Better Homes & Gardens Santa Claus Collection book. Nice coverage of your Santas, but Iwouldn't have minded if it covered nothing but Leo and Marilyn Smith items!
Carol, Sister Bay, WI

Hello Leo and Marilyn.
I and my sister from Norway visited you last week in your gallery together with Gary and Jeanne Albrigtson.Thank you for the hospitality! Will send a photo soon.
Best wishes for you booth from
Bjorn Blokkum

To Marilyn and Leo – 
Just a few minutes ago I was pleased to finally order Island Turtle Island online. It made me envision your shop and enjoy all over again our chance encounter there in late July. We had come from Prairie Moon and Rock in the House, noticed your sign, screeched to a stop and backed up half a block to see if you were open.It was closing time as I recall, and you agreeably showed us around. It was a sweet surprise to meet you and learn about and see your work, which my husband and I enjoyed very very much. You may know my friend here in Ames, Vicki, who has quite a few of your Santas. I looked at them in a completely new way when I was at her house several weeks ago! Thanks again for your kind hospitality. I look forward to the turtle...
Kathy, Ames, 
Iowa

I LOVE Spooky Lu along with all of my other Leo Smith's. Spooky Lu has extra special meaning to me also. Thank you so 
much.
Lucy, Galena, OH

Thanks so much for your quick reply! I really like Leos that can stay out year round, so my gorgeous "trumpeter swan" is a fixture.My santas make appearances only from Thanksgiving until about Valentine's Day.
Thanks again,
Joyce, 
Winona, MN

I got my 3 santas on August 10, 2004. They are better than expected!
Thanks, Ken, Austin, TX

i so enjoy leo's work. i have kept my santa collection out all year this year and have enjoyed looking at them as well as holding them daily. i appreciate this wonderful talent.
Mack, Columbus, GA

Thanks Marilyn, My sister and I - WE LOVE OUR LEOS!
RY, Austin, TX

I just wanted to let you know that I love your folk art!! Our friends own the antique store Polliwogs in Fountain City. For my wedding, she bought me the ISLAND TURTLE. I just love it. Now I want to buy all your things. I will definitely be stopping by next time to buy some things! What are your hours for your store?? Thanks for making awesome collectibles. I always tell everyone I know that they need to stop in Fountain City at your store. You can say I am hooked now. 
Lesa,
Racine, WI
(ANSWER: HOURS ARE BY CHANCE OR APPOINTMENT PLEASE CALL 608-687-6698)

It was a great surprise to find your website this morning. You are the creators of my husband’s favorite Santas! Two years ago, a retailer near us contacted your workshop to get a piece signed for my husband, Les, who was very ill at the time. I had already purchased “Patience” for him during his long stay in the hospital. His stern admonition kept both of us going….but I had to celebrate his return to health with the Santa pulling the World pack. It was this one that we have autographed.This note is simply to let you know that there are stories that you may never hear in which your Santas play a tender part. We have one of them.I was thrilled to be able to order today…..Bless you both…
Patricia, 
Toledo, OH

Dear Marilyn and Leo,
Please add me to your mailing list.....I absolutely love your figures and have had the pleasure of collecting them for 2 1/2 years.....cannot understand how I missed out on buying them from the beginning....each "new" piece that I buy instantly becomes my favorite..... Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talent(s)....
Connie

Hello Leo 
Smith: I was happy to find this website.... I began collecting the 'Leo' Santas when I saw one at Oscar's in downtown Appleton.The 1st one I saw I had to have. It was the Americana Santa, #1710/5000... I love all of the pieces I have and would love to continue collecting them.
Thanks! Lori,
Appleton, WI

....Great web site - stuff you want to lie down next to and talk to - and dream with.
Terri, Minneapolis, MN

Hello Leo and Marilyn,
I am fortunate to have met you several times, when I lived in Minnesota, and am even more fortunate to have 4 of your pieces - including the bachelor farmer [your old neighbor] and his fantasy wife with strawberries. They sit on my fireplace mantle,and remind me of my prairie roots, now that I live here in Portland.My parents live here now too, and have Leo's all over their house,including the Santa, farmer on Pig, and angels...I just wanted to say I looked at your site, and still love your

wonderful work.
Katherine, Portland, OR

Hi, I loved getting a note from you today. It was like hearing from a famous celebrity. My Mom has been collecting Leo Smith's for years. It's become increasingly difficult to find them here at stores as the stores we'd shopped at keep closing up. Glad to hear you'll be selling over the web. Does this mean the rumor we heard about this being the last year for Leo Smith's is false? I hope so.

Thanks,
Sherry, Concord, CA
(ANSWER: THE RUMOR THAT LEO IS RETIRING AND THIS IS HIS LAST YEAR IS ABSOLUTELY FALSE!! HE IS CONTINUING TO CARVE WONDERFUL NEW PIECES THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTORS IN 2004!! BUT, THE NEW LEO SMITH FOLK ART WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE AND IN OUR SHOP IN FOUNTAIN CITY, WI.)

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith,
In 2000, I bought your pilgrims and 4 pieces of the Nativity: The Holy Family, the donkey and the ox. I bought them at the Craftsman Store but they quit carrying them the next year. I wanted to buy more of the Nativity. This year I decided to investigate which has brought me to your website.I love my pieces and look forward to bringing them out each year. Is it possible to still find any of these pieces?
Sincerely, Cathy
(REPLY: WE HAVE HAD MANY INQUIRIES LIKE THIS. IF ANY OF YOU HAVE PARTIAL NATIVITY SETS YOU WANT TO BUY OR SELL, PLEASE CONTACT US AND WE MAY BE ABLE TO GET YOU TOGETHER TO COMPLETE YOUR SETS.)

Hi Marilyn and Leo,
I got my gorgeous swan and I cannot begin to tell you how much I love it! It's absolutely gorgeous and how special that it's personally signed by Leo. I will treasure this and every one of my "Leos" forever. 
Thanks a million!
Kim, Lake Oswego, Oregon

...the "Dropping In for Christmas Santa" was received. It's wonderful and I think my sister and brother-in-law will be pleased.
Pat, SALINAS, CA

I am so excited to have found this piece that my hands are shaking as I type this. I have several of your angels now and would love to have more. This really makes my Christmas. Thank you so much!
Janice, Andrews, IN

Dear Leo and Marilyn,
Thank you for the confirmation of our recent order. Just as a side light, I thought you might like to hear my wife was very excited that Leo answered the phone when she called to check on the order. She absolutely loves his work and was a little bit flustered when she realized it was him she was speaking to. For years whenever she puts out our Thanksgiving decorations she always wonders why there wasn't an Indian woman to go with the Indian man... Elisa said she didn't want to bother him (by asking). Sort of like me meeting a Beatle and asking Paul about why he wrote lyrics the way he did.... So I will be so bold to ask; was there an Indian women ever made and if not are there any plans for one in the future?
Gary, Saratoga, CA 
(ANSWER: The Woodland Brave will probably stay single.)

...I bought "Jane Picking Corn" because I thought that she expressed a feeing of gratitude and amazement as she happily reached up to pick the corn that she had grown.... she reminded me of how I feel in my garden. I am thankful for the wonderful sculptures that Leo creates. I continue to get so much enjoyment from the ones that I own. They have a special, wonderful energy about them. I love giving his work as gifts.
Be well,
Joyce, N. Fayston, VT

Peace (on Earth) Santa arrived today. It is lovlier than the website shows... #32/500 is outstanding. This is an anniversary gift for Claudia on our 32nd Wedding Anniversary!
Ed, Director of Museum of 
Albemarle, Elizabeth City, NC

Thank you for the great care in which you packaged and shipped the Santa's. They arrived as gorgeous as they were displayed in your studio. 
Thanks to you both, 
Susan, La Crescent, MN

Our order arrived Wed am (10/22/03)...now that was fast! All 6 pieces are perfect and we are enjoying Spooky Lu, who is a wonderful addition to our seasonal LS collection.Hope all continues well for you and your family.
Fondly,
Sharon and Pete, Louisville, KY

I also want to thank you again for our enjoyable visit with you both in your shop on Monday, September 15. It was a wonderful ending to our quilters' weekend trip. Thank goodness we had room in the cars for all our purchases--the ladies all 
thought your shop was one of the highlights of the trip.We're looking forward to receiving Spooky Lu. We have the other two of your witches displayed for Halloween, along with our newly purchased angel, which will be a permanent fixture in the living room.
We love them all!! 
Pat, Evanston, IL

It was such a pleasure meeting you the other weekend. Thank you for allowing us into your world of lovely art. Your back room is truly a wonderland. The turtle sculpture has found a place in our home, and we are so glad we brought it back with us. It will be a reminder to us of our 18th Anniversary in Fountain City--and to enjoy the "evolving" process we have as a couple. I have found a perfect place for my angel of nurturing, in my little Linden Hills abode as well. We really enjoyed Hawksview too--it is truly a special place and we will return. 
Soozi, Mpls, MN

I would like to be added to your mailing list. I found my first Leo & Marilyn Smith in 1991 and immediately bought him...At that time I thought he was called "The Russian Santa" I see on your website he is called "Cossack Santa" Since then I have purchased several Leo Smith Santas. This year I bought "Winter Angel" I love them all! Thanks for your wonderful gift that compliments my home, especially each Christmas season.
Karen B.

Hi Leo and Marilyn,
I wanted to thank you again for your kindness on Thurs. 3rd. My sisters and I enjoyed meeting you both. What a beautiful job you both have done. I'm enjoying my Angel of Warmth and have it in a special place in my studio room where I do massage. I am sending your web page to friends in who will also like seeing what magic you both do. 
Love and Light, 
Kathy, San Diego

Marilyn: Thanks ever so much for the information on the Santa's. They sit proudly on our mantle year around. Again, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Yes, the Fisherman Santa looks good without one of those "100 pound Mississippi River catfish hanging around his neck!" 
Richard & Joan

Hello Leo and Marilyn,
Janice and I just wanted to say thank you again for the time you spent visiting with us and the wonderful tour of your shop. It was one of the highlights of our honeymoon. In addition, our friends who did the house/cat sitting for us, loved their Everyday Angels. They served as a great gift!! Well, thank you again for your hospitality and kindness. 
Sincerely, 
Jeffery and Janice
Dodgeville, WI

dear leo I recently ordered 4 santas from you and received them just the other day. Thank-you for mailing them so quickly. As usual they are beautiful and I was thrilled with them.
eileen, 
gloucester, MA

Hello. I have collecting your work since 1992 and love them all. I am especially fond of the angels. I have garden angel, weatherwise, folk angel, angel with lion and lamb, prairie moon, ms. liberty, and freedom. Thanks so much for what you do.Susan, Raleigh, NC

Hello! I just started collecting your folk art santas this year and I love them. Do you have a collectors club, if so I would like to join. 
Thank you, 
Barbie

Hi Leo and Marilyn! - your website and all the work pictured looks really wonderful. I am very happy for your continued success.
Suzan Pitt, Los Angeles, CA