I've been an artist for most of my life and a working artist for the past 18 years. I didn't have a lot of family support to pursue art in my formative years so redirected my creativity into writing. I spent most of my adult career in journalism, corporate marketing and freelance writing. But something always felt missing. I decided to go back to my first love and haven't looked back since. I started out as a decorative painter and learned from the best decorative artists in the field. Eventually I made the jump into fine art, where my true passion lies.
My husband and I moved from the St. Louis area to Branson in 2019 to bring my part time art business online full time. I was fortunate to get in on the ground floor of a budding non-profit art group, the Southern Missouri Arts Connection. Together we worked to establish an art center in Hollister, Missouri. We cut the ribbon on the first of July. Since then I have set up a private, working studio at the center. I busy with many events ,such as chalk walks, cosplay figure drawing, Springfield's first mural fest later this year by MDxMDWST (which falls under the SMAC umbrella) and teaching classes, in addition to painting continuously.
I've spent a lifetime telling stories in print. Now I'm t4elling stories in paint. Creativity is always about the story.
My intent as an artist is to create a counterbalance to the darkness in the world, imbuing a sense of peace, joy and wonder in our universe. When I place my brush to the canvas, I feel God meets me there. I have this sense of connection to His creative nature that leads me on a journey of exploration, searching out His hand in nature. Whether a beautiful flower, a splash of color or the God spark in a child's eyes, I strive to unwrap the divine fingerprint in each subject.
Degree in Communications from Maryville University.
Completed teaching certification program in DecoArt Traditions Modules and Traditions School of Art Tier One and Two.
Developed teaching plans and painting lessons to bridge the gap from Decorative Arts to Fine Arts, and continue to hold in-person art foundations classes.
Joined and served as Vice President and Secretary for the Southern Missouri Arts Connection (SMAC). July 2019-present.
Showed in the SMAC Virtual Gallery during Covid-19 lockdown. March-May 2020
Showed in the Reflections 2020 Exhibit, at the SMAC Art Center & Gallery, March 2021.
Showed in the SMAC Members Exhibit, at the SMAC Art Center & Gallery, July 2020 and July 2021.
Participated in the 3x3" Post-It Note Show, SMAC Art Center, October 2020 and 2021.
Participated in SMAC Holiday Market (December 2020) and Holiday $100 Below Collection (December 2021).
Showed in SRAC Members' Exhibit at the Creamery July, 2021.
Two pieces in the Heart of the Ozarks Exhibit at the Sky Gallery, March-May 2022.
Member of the National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society.
Continually sell art through commissions, art walks, social media and my website.
