Leonard Bahr

Leonard Marion Bahr (May 12, 1905 - July 20, 1990) was a prolific portrait painter as well as a painting teacher for 52 years at the Maryland Institute College of Art.

He was born May 12, 1905 in Lansdowne, Maryland . He has had his art works published and purchased by private and corporate collectors. He was a student at the Institute in the late 20's, graduating with honors and a prize to tour Europe. In 1934, he married Florence Riefle, also a Maryland Institute student, and they subsequently had three children. Leonard served in the Navy during WWII as a Lt. Commander, stationed in Florida. They settled in Elkridge, Maryland, where they built their studios and house. They had successful exhibitions and careers, making a difference through their art. Leonard died July 20, 1990. Florence's life was claimed in a house fire January 12, 1998, which also destroyed some, but not all of their artistic legacy together.