The Leena Buchy Celebration was held at the Abbey in downtown Orlando. Leena was an arts advocate in Orlando throughout her career. She passed away after a long fight with cancer.
Shanon Larimer, Chairman of the Board for the Downtown Arts District, issued the following statement:
“It is with a heavy heart that on behalf of the Board of
Directors of the Downtown Arts District, we announce the passing of our
friend and colleague, Leena Buchy. Leena joined the Downtown Arts
District in 2005 as the first employee of City Arts Factory and most
recently served as the facility’s Manager of Operations.
As an arts advocate, Leena led the expansion of the organization’s
mission-based programs and spearheaded special events that promoted
cultural diversity and engaged participation. She provided a
significant contribution to the Downtown experience enjoyed by the
citizens of our community and visitors to Central Florida.
It is because of Leena’s support and dedication that City Arts Factory
continues to remain a catalyst for opportunity, creativity, innovation
and artistic excellence. We will forever be grateful for her service
and friendship. She will be missed.”
Photos of Leena flashed on the screen as The Wild Tones performed on stage. After this band, Mia Longernecker, Leena’s niece form Brooklyn New York got on stage to perform a song written my Leena. She strummed a ukulele and sang sweetly. She prefaced the performance saying, “Bear with me if I get emotional during this piece.” Leena’s lyrics were sincere and heart felt… “I go to sleep and imagine your there with me.” Think it on over, is Leena’s original song, “I was a dreamer and everyone noticed my hide away eyes, Think it on over, I would.”
Leena’s nephew Sam came on stage after Mia. Clearly Leena had inspired music to flourish. He had a mixing table set up. He had written his piece as Leena was battling cancer. His performance was edgy and urban with plenty of angst. A photo of Leena holding Sam as a baby stayed on the screen in stark contrast to the dark brooding music he mixed.
A fund has been created in Leena’s name called the Leena Buchy Emerging Artist Fund. Tax deductible donations can be made to the fund payable to the Downtown Arts District (29 South Orange Avenue Orlando Fl 32801.) Specify that the gift is for the “Leena Buchy Fund”.