Born in Winner, S.D. Dee Leverett grew up on the Sioux Indian Reservation where her parents homesteaded.

Their land was secured through a trade with the Indians. As a result, Dee did not have what many would consider a normal childhood. She went from grade school until 8th grade in a class of just four students.

Riding horses was the families only means of transportation and riding to the general store with two gunny sacks thrown over her horse was a normal day for her.

When Dee reached high school age she lived with her grandparents in the town of Winner 18 miles away.

She got a job working at the local soda fountain and took secretarial courses. Seeing her artwork, her teacher told her she should pursue art instead. However, Dee went to California to live with her aunt and uncle and worked at a Compton Savings and Loan before going to Riverside where she met her husband Al Leverett. After her marriage to Al, she worked at a title insurance company and decided to take up painting.

After awhile, Al wanted to return to his homeplace in Pleasanton, so the couple moved there. It was not until they moved to Llano around 1987 that Dee was able to take up painting again. She joined the Llano Fine Arts Guild and also the Buchanan Art Gallery.

Other interests are, as she says; horses, horses, horses. She enjoys trail riding and training horses.

Come to the Llano Fine Arts Gallery at 503 Bessemer St. to see her artwork and the artwork of other local artists.

Gallery hours are Wednesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sund