My art career expands four decades. I started shooting film in my college years and became a darkroom “rat” – I just loved working in the darkroom developing and printing film photos, shooting and editing movies and creating graphics for marketing. I still love those tasks but now I use modern technology. My visual art includes watercolor and acrylic paintings and mixed media art pieces. I love to take classes from other artists, but mostly I love to teach classes to the young and the old and the courageous teens!!!!!
With my camera and/or my paintbrush I am constantly capturing the beauty everywhere I go, whether it’s a walk along a nature trail, an antique shop full of magnificent items, or capturing the smile of a stranger on the street. I often paint those images and tell the stories.
I’ve always walked through my life with eyes wide open, noticing the colors, the shapes, the lights. I consistently find true beauty in God’s nature, but I also honor the beauty that is man made. As I travel this interconnected world, I can’t resist capturing outstanding architecture and cityscapes. I also love to get to know people of the many cultures I’ve experienced and beg to photograph them and help to tell their stories.
Current Art involvements:
Board member of Crossroads Arts Council. Chair of communications/marketing and our annual Arts & Ales show.
Juried member of Best of Missouri Hands.
Videographer for Wentzville Community Historical Society.
Board member of Arts & Program Committee for Wentzville, MO Parks and Recreation Department
President of a 501c3 non-profit organization that offers mini-grants for women and small businesses in Rwanda.
Education:
B.A. Western Illinois University, Art Education and Media
M.A. Ed Western Illinois University
M.A. University of Colorado, Information and Learning Technologies
Career:
2015 – Present:
Freelance art classes
Freelance photographer for St. Louis based photography studios
Teacher of art, elementary and instructional technology
2013 – 2015 : Warrenton, MO School Distrist #3
2003 – 2014: Pueblo, CO School District #60
1987 – 2003: Macomb, IL School Distrist #185
Accolades:
Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher to Japan
GAPP – German/American Partnership Program
“Continents Art Show – 7 women share art and culture from the 7 continents” – Lillian Yahn Gallery, O’Fallon, MO
“Rwandan Reconciliation” Art Show – Webster Grove Christian Church “Art Gallery Within”
1st place – “Geometric by Design II” Framations Art Gallery, St. Charles, MO
Honorable Mention – Framations Art Gallery, St. Charles, MO
2nd Place – “Spanning the Generations Art Show” – Crossroads Arts Council, Wentzville, MO
1st Place – “Spanning the Generations Art Show” – Crossroads Arts Council, Wentzville, MO
Recipient of Professional Development Grant – Best of Missouri Hands Organization
