About Us - INSTRUCTORS

I have always been aware of the shapes and colors and the repetition of line in the world around me.

I recall playing with my green army soldiers in my dad's pickup truck, and getting a glimpse of the vibrating background on the bench seat. I didn't understand why those tiny black and white checkers seemed to switch places. But I was sure there was something wrong with my eyes. I also remember riding in the car, looking through the back window, at the endless telephone poles along the side of the road, and how they got smaller and smaller, until they faded to nothing. On and lazy summer days, it was always exciting laying on the grass, and staring at the clouds, long enough for them to turn into the shape of dogs, dragons, horses, and sometimes faces. This was my introduction to the art concepts of positive/negative space, one point perspective, and form.

Well, it's been quite a journey since those early experiences. After high school, I held several different jobs, but nothing seemed to fit. I then decided it was time to go back to school and study music. And after being amongst many creative musicians and artists, I soon realized art was my true calling. Upon receiving a BFA in Art Education, I taught over 4,000 high school kids the joys of art. It was always fun and exciting to see the look on their faces when they realized they could actually draw and paint. All they needed was some guidance and someone to allow them to believe in themselves.

A New Direction

But after ten years of endless paperwork and countless unrelated duties, I felt it was time to move on. Shortly after my son was born, I decided to open a screen printing and graphic design business. And over the past 21 years, I've gone from operating off the kitchen table into a mall in town. I've met and talked to thousands of interesting people, and learned a great deal about running a successful business. But now I sense I've come to yet another crossroads in my life. Recently, I've been working on a number of drawings that seem to be held together by a common thread. It has turned out to be a series of portraits of actors, actresses, musicians, and comedians, who I not only admire, but who also connect with my concern for the environment. Their dedication has been my inspiration and their cause has been my determination.

I don't know how many more I'll produce, but I'm sure this road will lead to more exciting and creative things in this beautiful art world.

Teaching art classes combines two of my favorite things - creating and teaching. Sharing new concepts with my students is extremely satisfying. I love to watch the amazement of the kids as they compare the pre-instruction sketches to their final art - so proud of the improvement. It always makes me smile to to hear them point out parts of their daily life that include concepts they have learned in my class - like noticing the uniqueness of eyelids and eyelashes following a study of the eye - or pointing out the shapes that make up an object the way we do when we draw it.

It is such a delight to watch as they begin to observe the world differently - through the eyes of an artist. To know I’ve had a part in it makes me want to continue teaching for many years.

Many of my own creative works have come out of lessons I’ve shared with my students. After a lesson on making polymer clay charms I started making earrings and necklaces - enough to start an Etsy store and sell at craft shows. Another lesson- printmaking led me to print on the baby shoes I was making. I just love making things - and teaching others how to use their own creativity to make their own works of art.