I was raised in Wisconsin, just outside the Milwaukee area.  Summers were spent in Northern Wisconsin where I developed a love of nature and animals.  I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a BA in Art Education.  Teaching is my passion--helping others to develop the ability to express themselves through the visual arts and connect with animals and the beauty of our natural world.

I have held many roles in my life and each one has helped shape my creative side.  I began my career as a humane educator. I worked with amazing people who shared my love and interest in helping people understand and develop positive relationships with animals.  I migrated to the role of Art Teacher when I left Wisconsin and I continue to teach using humane principles and my connection with nature using visual arts as my medium.

My students know that true passion never leaves you.  It may come and go but it will always be a part of who you are.  I feel compelled to create—and I make art to make others smile.  Each piece I create brings me joy, not only in the finished product but in the process of creating.  I work in many different mediums.  Most of my work contains something recycled.  I love the challenge of changing trash into something treasured.

I have learned and have been influenced by many but in every piece I create I channel the support and love of family and the beauty and power of the natural world.    My mother passed on her strong creative soul and my father gave me my sense of humor.  My sister shares a positive outlook on everything and is always honest.  My husband has taught me the importance of art and history in bringing a community together and of course every animal companion that has shared my life has taught me more than I can express.

Check out my gallery.  I hope it makes you laugh –or at least smile.