Elaine Pawlowicz Leydon received her BFA from Southern Methodist University in 1990 and her MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1993. In 2005, she was commissioned by the city of Chicago to create 12 large scale paintings which are on permanent display at Oriole Park public library. Elaine's works are featured in the 2007 publication of the New American Paintings, Western Region.

Currently, she's teaching art at the University of North Texas and Brookhaven Community College.Elaine is currently living in Dallas. She's married and has two children.

The canvas banner hanging near the entrance of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store was painted with acrylics. St.Vincent de Paul was a missionary in Madagascar and that is represented by the child he is holding. The flower and fruit imagery is inspired by the still life paintings of Frieda Kahlo and the composition embodies the Mexican Day of the Dead altars. The blue jay represents the many clients helped or served by St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. The burning candle represents the eternal light the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store provides to its clients. The water fountain symbolizes cleanliness and hydration. The white chair represents the domesticity of family and the affordable furniture that is sold at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. The tropical fruit and ceremonial decoration by the roses and marigolds signifies the nourishment we provide through our services. The immediate Bachman Lake neighborhood and the city of Dallas is represented by the distant skyline, the swan, the overhead plane, a family residence and even the St. Vincent de Paul structure itself. The border on the banner was inspired by Mexican embroidery patterns and the Gothic ornamentation used on illuminated manuscripts.