Artist Statement

Art is a grounding, instinctive and inherited tool provided to me to explore and recreate my internal and external world. I have always been a natural artist but during medical challenges in my late twenties and escalating life changes prioritized a need to release control of the uncontrollable. Departing more "practical" school endeavors, Art became my educational focus. I proudly and thankfully completed a BA in Art. Through art, I pivoted into my current mindset to do the best you can with what you have and to walk into the unpredictable and unknowable with confidence that everything will be ok. The most satisfying art to date has been created without a plan, allowing me to develop surprising and unique art pieces.

Because art has been more of a therapeutic experience than a need to produce an end product, I have found success and relevance in joining others, sometimes mentoring and sometimes guiding, to simply express ourselves, allowing a time to decompress and focus on creation, problem-solving, exploration, and skill-building. Regularly practiced fine art mediums are painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, fabric art, and photography.

I have worked with kids in grades preK-12, senior citizens, and adults from all walks of life. I currently teach adult and kids art and craft classes at local schools and community centers. I also bring visual art programs to people with special needs, intergenerational arts programming, and community arts programs for elders. Program content includes hand-building, painting, printmaking, jewelry making, fabric dyeing, art from nature, art history presentations, and the creation of decorative home and garden items.

When I am not developing an art program or finishing a painting, I enjoy gardening and lighthearted time with my family and our two dogs hiking at a local park, BBQing in our backyard, or becoming a pile of dogs on the couch to watch our favorite shows.

CERTIFICATIONS: Texas Education Agency (TEA) K-12 Art Teacher Certified, expires July 2028.

PROFESSIONAL ART EXPERIENCE:
2025-Current Outreach Artist, Tidewater Arts Outreach, Virginia
2025-Current Art Teacher, County Parks & Recreation, Virginia
2021-2024 High School Art Teacher - Levels 1-4, PreAP & AP, Texas
2020-2021 Executive Director, Interim for a nonprofit art center, Texas.
2019-2020 Teaching Artist for a non-profit art center, including for a grant-funded program with the Salvation Army “HeArt of the Homeless”, Texas.
2018 Art Enrichment Teacher (drawing) at Young Rembrandts, Georgia.

OTHER EXPERIENCE: Currently, a Title 1 Math Tutor for elementary kids. Also, have worked as a compliance analyst for a class action administrator, client services manager for a mortgage lending office, bank teller, cashroom processor, lifeguard, shop assistant for a florist, retail sales/management, and a volunteer with various nonprofits, including Canine Assistants and the American Red Cross, leading a county social committee, transporting blood boxes, and leading largescale volunteer intake registrations for public events.