By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published May 08, 2020 at 7:05 PM

The coronavirus pandemic has changed our everyday life, but it doesn't need to change who we are. So, in addition to our ongoing coverage of the coronavirus, OnMilwaukee will continue to report on cool, fun, inspiring and strange stories from our city and beyond. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay informed and stay joyful. We're all in this together. #InThisTogetherMKE

Leann Wooten is a Milwaukee-based, multi-media mosaic artist who describes her work as "serious, playful or functional." Her art ranges in size, from medium-sized to murals, but all of it includes found-objects and re-used materials.

Wooten is very inspired by birds, particularly the Red Winged Blackbird, and many of her recent mosaic pieces reflect her appreciation for winged creatures. 

Because of the pandemic, Wooten is unable to teach studio classes or work on large-scale community murals. Thus, she started a fleet of "Garden Birds."

"Birds have always been a part of my art, even as a child," says Wooten, who studied art at the University of Nebraska and Chicago Mosaic School where she served on the faculty and board. "Birds have so much symbolism, freedom, peace and strength."

Check out Leann Wooten's Garden Birds on Instagram or on her website. Email her at leannimal@sbcglobal.net with questions or if interested in purchasing something.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.